We had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Justin about his career and upcoming projects. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Justin! Thank you for speaking with us about your latest projects. Let’s talk “Halt & Catch Fire” because it was just nominated for a Peabody Award Nomination. You played a recurring character named Dave. Tell us more.
Best job I ever had. I started Season 1 as Scoot McNairy’s stand-in. A few episodes in, the producers decided they were going to put me in the show. That turned into 10 episodes as Dave. I was not an actor when I started that job, but I was when I left. I watched Season 4 as a straight-up fan, and it really affected me. I love these characters and the actors who played them, and I thought The Chrises (Cantwell and Rogers) found a beautifully poignant way to end to their stories. I wasn’t at all surprised about the Peabody nom, but it is well deserved. Halt was always a rating underdog, but I think it’s finally being recognized for what it was.
Tell us about the series “Outcast”. You play Young Simon Barnes.
That’s right, I play Kyle’s Dad circa 1980s. My second time to be cast in the 1980s. The 80s were cool for Dave but not so cool for Young Simon.
What is the best part about being in this series?
I got to play the younger version of C. Thomas Howell. We do look alike. I’ve been called Pony Boy more than once in my life. So to everyone who ever Pony Boy’d me, watch Outcast Season 2, because they dubbed C. Thomas Howell’s voice over mine, so in a sense, I AM Pony Boy. This may or may not be a spoiler, by the way. The show already aired in the UK, so if you’re British this is not a spoiler.
Did you have to do any research for your character?
I watched C. Thomas Howell’s performance in the sci-fi/horror “Last Lives”. His bride gets abducted by aliens. Just tried to embody that whole vibe.
You also played Fred Turner in “The Founder”. Tell me about that character.
Fred started out as a burger cook and ended up Senior Chairman of the McDonald’s Corporation. He was Ray Kroc’s right-hand man, which meant I got to be Michael Keaton’s, right-hand man. It was a role I could relate to, being a relatively new actor suddenly doing scenes with a heavyweight. Fred and I were both given an incredible opportunity.
What was the best part about working on “The Founder”?
This was my first film, and it was a great experience, but a bit surreal. I was just focused on not screwing up. I didn’t get to see it until a year and a half later at the Premiere. Honestly, that was the best part–sitting in the audience at the Arclight, finally seeing it. Seeing that I’d made the cut. That’s when it became real.
You also co-star on Netflix’s “Ozark”.
I’m in one of the early scenes with Jason Bateman. He was also directing the episode, and it was super cool to work with him on both levels because he is such an actor’s director.
What should readers expect to see in “Ozark”?
I don’t know anything about Season 2 but I’d expect to see Jason Bateman doing some crazy stuff.
You have starred in several high-profile series. Is there a particular role you would love to play?
I tend to get cast in period pieces, historical dramas. I like that kind of stuff. I like playing real people who are no longer with us. There is an obscure historical figure I would like to play and is currently in the works. I can’t say much more than that as it is in the developmental stage right now.
Is there a project you’re working on that we haven’t mentioned?
There is a project in the works… pending Network approval ;).
Thank you for speaking with us!
Thank you!!! Thank you again for the interview we appreciate it.
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