TM: Was it difficult as a German actor to transition into a more international realm?
LH: It’s been a long journey, I suppose. The first English language thing I did was at the age of nineteen, and now I’m 26. I started working on the accent around the age of 21, 22, and only now feel extremely comfortable in the accent and language. I remember 2017 was a crazy year for me at the age of 19. It was my first time doing English work, and I went to the Oscars ceremony that year. I remember doing my second English job and thinking, “Oh, this is how it’s going to be now. I’m just going to focus on English work.” Then the next year came around and I had [prior engagements I worked on] that meant I couldn’t continue following that path I was so excited about, so that took me back a little bit. But then I took away the pressure, because I put myself under a lot of pressure that year. I had to take a step back. I left out the stress and constantly worked on the language, the accent, spending time in London, and then eventually moving here. It’s been a long journey but a very fulfilling one. Also, I can nerd out about accent work so much. I read in an interview that you really love it as well. I’m not nearly as good as you, what you do is outstanding.

TM: You speak two languages, or probably more. I just speak English.
LH: But the accent work you do is amazing. When I knew I was going to work with you I was so intimidated, like, [puts on a nervous voice] “I’m going to work with Thomasin McKenzie, she’s such a great actor!”

TM: Oh my god!
LH: When did we first meet? Was it over Zoom?

TM: It was.
LH: When we worked together in 2021. You were really sweet. I wasn’t in for that many days, and I think it’s always quite frightening to jump into a project, do a few days and then come back two weeks later and do a couple of days again. But what I really appreciated with you was that from the first second I was on set, you were so welcoming and instantly made me feel like part of the team.

TM: That’s very good to hear.
LH: How did you think I was going to be?

TM: I watched you in a show and was like, “Oh my god, this guy is such an incredible actor.” But in that show, you’re quite serious and reserved. Then when we met for the first time, you were Zooming from your apartment in Berlin, which had the most magnificent scene. So I was like, “Oh my god, this guy is so smart, intellectual and serious, he knows himself so well. Thomasin, be chill. Don’t make a fool of yourself.” Then I met you and you were so lovely. You’re very emotionally tuned-in and intelligent, but also, you know how to enjoy life and be a little kid. There’s a side of you that’s very goofy – like a jumping jelly bean. [both laugh] We went to a gig together recently and you were jumping on the dancefloor, flailing your arms around with the biggest grin on your face. I know people can’t see us on this interview but throughout it looks like you’re on a yoga ball bouncing up and down. [laughs]
LH: It’s my bed. [laughs]

TM: So there was quite a big difference between my expectations and reality. Either way, I’m sure I would’ve loved you, but it was nice to see the youthful, joyful Louis.
LH: I’d like to get the chance to include that into my characters more often. Recently, I’ve been doing things that are more joyful and extroverted, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I think it’d be fun to engage with that a bit more. Even though I love playing those quiet, introverted characters, I’d love to explore characters who are more in control of the situation they’re in, especially more joyful ones, because I think that is very me.

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