Joel Edgerton stars in The Thing with you, is he a new leading man to keep our eye on?

Joel Edgerton is just ridiculously wonderful and talented. He’s so much fun to work with and such a sweetheart. And not only is he an incredibly talented actor, but he is a great writer and even director. He’s going to be so huge. And he deserves every good thing coming to him, which is always nice.

Sounds like you’re both in good company. You’ve done a mix of films in a variety of genres from smaller projects to box office giants, The Thing is on the bigger side, and after it, you’ve got a starring role in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter opposite Dominic Cooper and Anthony Mackie, and then Smashed, what looks like a festival circuit gem, currently in the works; any preference when it comes to big budget or indie?

I tend to chose projects first and foremost based on the role. I’ve never been in a position to be too choosy, but if it’s a role I’ve done before, I just can’t do it. I feel like I have to do my best to challenge myself in every way possible. Which is why for the time being I’m focusing on more indie fair, films that put the actors’ performances front and center. There’s something really fun and challenging about trying to give a true performance in the midst of aliens and explosions, etc., but I’m excited for a new kind of challenge.

Back to The Thing, how did you enjoy filming in Toronto for the second time, the first being for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World?

I love Toronto. I miss it. I shot two films there back to back so it really felt like home. The people are so great and I just felt like I really fit in there.

Any neighbourhood in particular you miss?

I had an apartment at Queen and Spadina, so that area was definitely my hangout but I loved walking to Kensington Market and all the vintage shops on Queen West. I spent a lot of time at Queen Video, Fresh on Spadina, Cabaret Vintage, and this great little restaurant next to my apartment called Jules.

Happen to have a few nights to remember while in the city?

One really fun night was when I went out with a bunch of the cast members to “Going Steady” at The Drake Hotel. It was a dance party to music from the 50’s and 60’s and it was such a blast. I keep trying to find something like it in LA.

Now that The Thing is about to launch, what other projects do you have on the go that you’re excited about?

I’m currently prepping to shoot a film called Smashed, in which I play a woman dealing with alcoholism. It’s a really heavy subject, but it’s peppered with moments of comedy and has a fantastic cast. It’s by far my most challenging role to date and the rehearsal process has already challenged me so much and made me a better actor. I’m really excited about that project.

When you’re not busy filming and rehearsing, what do you like to do with your time off in L.A.?

When I have time off, I like to spend a lot of time home with my husband and my dogs. Some of my films have caused me to spend upwards of 6 months away from home, so when I am home I just want to appreciate every minute!

What kinds of things do you like to do when honouring your downtime?

I love watching movies and reading and going vintage and antique shopping. I’ve also been spending time writing and recording music that I’ll hopefully be releasing on a really small scale at some point.

Fashion seems like another field of interest of yours from what we’ve seen of your style on the red carpet.

I do have an interest in fashion, and I love anything that reminds me of old Hollywood, be it the 40s 50s or 60s.

So then would you say you’re more old Hollywood glam?

WIth my style, I aspire to be elegant but fun. I want to be classic, but I don’t want it to be stuffy or stiff.

Fashion icon?

I’ve realized recently that all of my fashion and beauty muses’ names start with “A”:  Audrey Hepburn, Anna Karina, and Ava Gardner.

And favourite designers?

I love Prada, Mui Mui and Chanel. But that’s mostly just to look at! What I actually wear consists of mostly vintage with some new items thrown in. I love a bargain so shops like H & M are great.

Last question: do you find it at all different posing in front of a camera on a fashion shoot, than acting in front of one on a film set?

I think I approach every situation slightly differently. It depends on the feeling and character I’m trying to play. Sometimes I can just let everything fall away and be myself, other times I have to find a character to portray, but every time I find a way to have fun with it.

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