IN CONVERSATION WITH BEN HARDY
interview by JANA LETONJA
Numéro Netherlands Digital presents British actor Ben Hardy, captured by Alexander Beer. Ben is currently starring in the drama film ‘Unicorns’ that came out on 5th July. The film premiered recently at the BFI Flare London LGBTQIA Film festival and also premiered at TIFF and the Palm Springs Film Festivals last year. Ben made his film debut in 2016 the superhero film ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ and also played Roger Taylor in the biographical film ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.
Ben, you’re currently starring in the drama ‘Unicorns’. Tell us more about the story of this film and about your character.
‘Unicorns’ is a cross-cultural romance between a single father mechanic from Essex and a Gaysian drag queen. They’re both from completely different worlds, but also incredibly similar in how they feel repressed within their home communities. It’s a modern day Romeo and Juliet of sorts.
jacket, trouser, & boot ETRO
hat ATSUKO KUDO
necklace HATTON JEWELS
What made this role so special to you, and what made it something unlike anything you’ve ever done before?
Luke was so special to me exactly because he was unlike any other role I’ve played before. I can’t lie, it was hard at times playing a man wrestling with so much inner conflict, let alone him being a grieving single father. But the payoff was so rewarding, to experience him journeying out of that state and into the vibrant, colourful life that Aysha thrives in. She is magnetic and Luke is drawn in by her freedom of expression.
How has it been waiting for the official release of the film, after it premiered last year at TIFF and Palm Springs Film Festival?
It was frustrating and nerve wracking waiting for the film to be released. We were all so pleased with the reception ‘Unicorns’ had at TIFF and Palm Springs and we just wanted the world to see it. And I am so thankful now that people can. It’s a film I’m so proud to be a part of.
You’ve made your film debut in the ‘X-Men’ franchise in 2016 in the ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’. How has this role opened doors for you in your career?
It’s an interesting question. It was definitely a strong launching pad, but I’ve found there to have been an accumulative feel in the way my career has progressed thus far and the opportunities that have come from previous work. I think it’s rare for one project to rocket anyone’s career forward. It does happen, but seems rarer these days in the world of streaming.
top ATSUNKO KUDO
jumper, jean, hat, belts, & boot DSQUARED2
rings HANNAH MARTIN
You’ve also starred in the biographical film ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, portraying Roger Taylor. How was stepping into his shoes and experiencing the historical success of Queen through this film?
It was a dream come true. I mean, who doesn’t want to play a rock star? I loved being a part of that movie and the whole experience. It’s an honour to be a teeny-tiny part of the Queen legacy. I was a fan of the music before, and I’m still a fan now.
What kind of roles excite and challenge you creatively the most?
Every role is different. Well, I like every role to be different. And they all present their own unique challenges. If a role isn’t challenging in some way, I’m unlikely to take it on.
How did your career as an actor begin? What sparked your interest in acting?
I got into acting when I was around 15. I was always an attention seeking kid, so that’s how it started. I fell in love with the craft along the way and now the attention is the one part of the job that I don’t love, ironically. I went to drama school at 18 and it all started from there really.
shirt, trouser, belts, & boot ROBERTO CAVALLI
glasses MAISON MARGIELA GENTLE MONSTER
diamond necklace HATTON JEWELS
shirt, tank, & trouser DOLCE & GABBANA
beret STEPHEN JONES
necklace Ben’s Own
Looking to the future of your career, what kind of roles would you like to portray next?
I just want to work with creatives that inspire me and explore characters and worlds as far from my own as possible. The bucket list role is George Michael in a biopic, so put that one out there into the universe for me please.
Tell us more about your other passions in life, besides acting.
I’m a big sports fan and love to play tennis, football and boxing. Sport to me is how every scene of drama should be. Two people or two teams in direct conflict, both desperately pursuing their own goal.
What can you share aboout your exciting upcoming projects, in which you’ll be starring next?
I’ve been taking some time off until recently, where my focus has all been on promoting ‘Unicorns’. I’m so proud of this film and independent cinema doesn’t have the marketing budgets of big studio movies, so I’ve just been shouting about ‘Unicorns’ from every rooftop that I can.
full look DOLCE & GABBANA
glasses MAISON MARGIELA GENTLE MONSTER
suit & tie EMPORIO ARMANI
boot JIMMY CHOO
hat VIRNA PASQUINELLI
TEAM CREDITS:
talent BEN HARDY
photographer ALEXANDER BEER
stylist MIKE ADLER at MONDAY ARTISTS
makeup MICHAEL GRAY at DAVID ARTISTS
hair NICHOLAS ALEXANDER WILLIS
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA
full look SAINT LAURENT