IN CONVERSATION WITH
SAM CORLETT
Australian actor Sam Corlett is the lead in Netflix's highly popular series 'Vikings: Valhalla', which just premiered its third and final season. Besides being an actor, Sam is a passionate advocate for sustainability, mental health and preserving the planet.
His talents in art however do not end with acting, as he is also a skilled photographer, poet, writer and visual artist.
Sam, you're the lead in Netflix's 'Vikings: Valhalla', which just premiered its third and final season. How has this role changed your life?
It’s funny, I’ve never asked myself that. Being a year out of drama school, I was still quite fresh to the ‘biz’. Once I was gifted this opportunity, I was able to really work closely with so many artists from around the world who are at the top of their game. Jeb Stuart, our showrunner, really took me under his wing on the creative process. As an actor and collaborator, my toolkit definitely expanded. I was 23 when we started filming and now I’m 28. The people I’ve met along the way really inspired who I am today.
What attracted you to the story and to your character Leif the most?
The original seed was planted when watching Travis Fimmel and Alexander Ludwig in the original series. I watched the original 'Vikings' with my dad when I was younger and was transfixed by the world Michael Hirst had built. When I received this audition, it felt like I knew exactly what to do. Leif’s relationship with his father, his eagerness to serve beyond himself, the inner knowing of his capacity, all invited me to explore rich areas of my own psyche. Then of course, speaking with Jeb Stuart really nudged me to commit to the part and continue the legacy.
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Ending now after 3 seasons, what is your favorite memory and scene from all the seasons?
There are so many. The epic storm scene on the boat coming into Kattegat in season 1 was amazing. We were on the backlot in a huge tank of water, with cranes lifting the boat, sprinklers above us, waves being created by trucks. I remember for the last shot of the day, I was standing at the tiller as the sun was setting, the cameras were set on my close up and I was pinching myself. I couldn't believe that two years ago I was in a small town in Australia working for my dad doing carpentry. In season 3, being able to travel to Croatia with our incredible cast and crew was so special. Shooting in a real church, in the countryside of Croatia, in the middle of nowhere, speaking of what Leif called 'The Golden Land', once again filled me with gratitude.
How did you prepare for this role? Did you have to undergo any special preparations?
All sorts of things. Early days, it was the physical aspect of Leif. Building the foundations of muscle and agility to be able to deliver fight scenes over and over. And then doing the research was fascinating. Being able to explore the Viking culture and in turn indigenous people around the world and their relationship to ritual and the environment was so insightful. And as forementioned, the psychological struggles of a man wishing to step out of the shadow of his father is a theme with such antiquity. The myths were numerous to read and learn from. Before season 1, I rented a house on a lake for a couple weeks and just immersed myself in the world.
'Vikings: Valhalla' also put you in the spotlight. How do you deal with fame and being so in the public eye?
Honestly, I don’t really think about the fame aspect. It means a lot that my work is appreciated. I attended a premiere for my new film 'He Ain’t Heavy' recently and sharing the cinema with the people you love while watching something that was such a passion project was nervewracking, but very special.
What ignited your passion and interest in acting?
I think that it’s a form of active empathy. I’m super fascinated by human behaviour, cause and effect, desires and action. Acting is a craft where all your experiences and ponderings can contribute to serve something beyond yourself. The exploration, inward or outward, seems to be endless. And each character invites you to discover new worlds.
Besides acting, you are passionate about speaking up on the importance of sustainability, mental health and preservance of our beautiful planet. What makes these causes so dear to you, and how do you advocate on them?
I suppose these are things that just make sense to care about. The earth sustains us, so why should we not take care of it? There is no planet B. This earth is it. And so if I can take small actions and continue to find ways to live in a more harmonious way with the environment, and perhaps be an example to those around me, I’m going to continue doing that. Visiting the Mentawai Tribe taught me a lot about that. How they lived was so peaceful, respectful and communal, which goes to the point about mental health. We’re social beings. I really have appreciated those who’ve been there for me in times I’ve needed it, so I attempt to return the favour however I can.
We know you are also a very skilled photographer, poet, writer and visual artist. How do you use these outlets to express your creativity, and what usually inspires you the most in creating?
I suppose I’m just curious. As a kid, I was weirdly really into magic. Something about understanding the trick I found super interesting. I’ve been inspired by so many artists across all mediums you mentioned and was always curious how they came to hone their craft, and then came the more interesting question, which was their why. I’m very inspired to continue the lineages of those that came before me, but bring my soul, my experiences, my perspectives to the form. I remember writing in my journal once, when I was 19, that I wish to raise the consciousness of humanity through arts. And so I suppose that’s the inspiration, asking myself where’s the darkness within me or in the world I see, and how can I shine light on that to gift a fuller understanding.
What would you describe as your ultimate career goals?
I’ve come to realize how much filmmaking is about who you’re collaborating with. When your sensibilities are aligned with your fellow actors, writers or directors, there’s nothing more thrilling. Problem-solving together, being dynamic with what’s on the page, elevating each other. Really my ultimate career goals are to continue to tell stories with people that light my heart up and with themes that I feel have a vitality in what they say about this moment of time we’re living in.
What is next for you? What can you share with us about your upcoming projects?
I have a few exciting projects in the pipeline. Two I’ll keep secret for now and two that I can speak about and are both coming out in October. 'He Ain’t Heavy', a film by director David Vincent Smith, explores the frustrations of love that enter families when addiction takes hold of a brother and a son. This film stars the incredible Leila George, Greta Scacchi and myself. And then the second project is 'Territory' a new Australian six-part Netflix series that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a gripping family drama that unapologetically explores the clashes of generations, classes and cultures in the Northern Territory, when the Largest Cattle farm in Australia is left without a clear successor. I feel proud to have been able to return home to Australia and be part of these stories of such breadth.
TEAM CREDITS:
talent SAM CORLETT
photography BYRON SPENCER
styling SARAH STARKEY
makeup FILOMENA NATOLI
hair FERNANDO MIRANDA
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & director JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN