French-Finnish actor Edouard Philipponnat has taken a deep dive into the unpredictable world of filmmaking. Starting as a child actor, the 25-year-old now finds himself in high-profile projects alongside industry giants. His most recent role in Ridley Scott’s epic Napoleon has catapulted him into global recognition, where he played Tsar Alexander I next to Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby.
Philipponnat’s journey has been a mix of indie projects and major productions. He embraces the challenges of both, learning to navigate the ever-changing industry while staying true to his passion for acting.
Early Beginnings in Acting
Philipponnat began his acting career at the age of 13. His first opportunity came when he visited Los Angeles and met a producer who believed he was right for a role. Though the project didn’t materialize, the same producer later offered him a minor part in another movie. That experience confirmed his desire to pursue acting as a career.
Reflecting on his early days, Philipponnat acknowledges how lucky he was to get a chance to step onto a film set. It was a defining moment that solidified his love for the craft.
Breakthrough with The Runner
His significant breakthrough came with The Runner. He had just graduated high school and moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time. Director Michelle Danner, who runs an acting school and production company, cast him in the lead role.
Although The Runner had a limited theatrical release, it introduced Philipponnat to influential people in the industry. It helped him land representation with a top agency, opening doors to bigger roles. He credits this project for changing his career trajectory.
Edouard Philipponnat Landing Napoleon and Industry Recognition
While The Runner was a crucial step, Napoleon marked his biggest industry break. Being part of a major Hollywood production put him in the spotlight not only for filmmakers but also for the fashion and media industries.
Philipponnat recognizes how rare it is to land such a role at his stage in the industry. He compares it to winning the lottery twice. Now, he is focused on nurturing his success and maintaining consistency in his career choices.
Competition in the Film Industry
Philipponnat acknowledges the competitiveness of Hollywood but has learned to embrace it positively. He recently discussed the fine line between jealousy and envy with a friend. While it’s easy to compare oneself to other actors, he prefers to see competition as motivation rather than discouragement.
He recalls a time when he was up for a role against pop star Harry Styles. Instead of feeling discouraged, he found it thrilling that he was even being considered in the same conversation as such a high-profile name.
Auditioning Strategy and Mindset
Auditioning is a crucial part of an actor’s life, and Philipponnat has learned to approach it with a healthy mindset. He believes in giving his interpretation of a role and moving on, rather than obsessing over the outcome.
He shares how awkward auditions can be, especially the “slate” portion where actors introduce themselves on camera. Over time, he has embraced the process, understanding that it’s simply a way to present himself honestly to casting directors.
Unique Preparation Methods for Roles
Philipponnat has an unconventional approach to preparing for roles. For The Runner, he drastically changed his diet because the script repeatedly described the character as skinny. He wanted to challenge himself beyond the typical “Romeo” typecast and prove his versatility as an actor.
In addition to physical transformations, he also delves deeply into character backstories. Before filming The Runner, he wrote an entire prequel for his character, detailing their life events leading up to the movie. Though this was purely for his own understanding, it helped him fully embody the role.
Improvisation on the Set of Napoleon
Philipponnat took creative risks on the set of Napoleon, finding moments to improvise in his scenes. He observed that every male character had been harsh toward Vanessa Kirby’s role and decided to add a moment of validation for her character.
Director Ridley Scott gave him the freedom to experiment. Scott encouraged him to perform his ideas instead of just explaining them. In the final cut of the movie, much of Philipponnat’s scene was improvised, which he considers one of his most rewarding experiences.
Indie Films vs. Studio Productions
Philipponnat values independent films for their artistic integrity. He believes that high-level indie movies, like those by Martin Scorsese, maintain a unique creative spirit even with bigger budgets.
His recent project, Lost in Wonderland, was an indie film shot in Budapest. Described as a grittier take on Alice in Wonderland, the film was an experimental and immersive experience. Philipponnat enjoyed the creative freedom that came with working on a smaller production.
Life Beyond Acting
Outside of acting, Philipponnat is passionate about music, fitness, and video games. He is also an avid reader, consuming numerous scripts to prepare for potential future roles. He finds that mental preparation is just as important as physical readiness in his career.
What Drives Him Forward?
Edouard Philipponnat is motivated by the joy he feels on a film set. Acting brings him a level of happiness that he hasn’t found in anything else. It’s not just about the thrill but a genuine love for the craft. He hopes to continue growing as an actor, taking on diverse roles that challenge him.
FAQs
Q: What was Edouard Philipponnat’s first major film?
A: His first significant film was The Runner, which helped him break into the industry and gain agency representation.
Q: What role did he play in Napoleon?
A: He portrayed Tsar Alexander I, acting alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby in Ridley Scott’s historical epic.
Q: How does he prepare for his roles?
A: He takes a deep approach, sometimes altering his physical appearance or writing extensive backstories for his characters.
