Will Poulter says that the roles he gets excited about the most are the ones that have the potential to spark social change. ‘I think about what the story is saying and what it is contributing to society. Is it just pure entertainment or does it have some kind of social application and will stoke an important conversation,’ explains the British actor known for his roles in instant classics like ‘Midsommar’ or ‘The Revenant’. It’s no surprise then that he decided to be part of Danny Strong’s miniseries ‘Dopesick’ (out now on Hulu) without any hesitation. The show, based on an investigative book with the same title by Beth Macy, is a complex portrayal of the opioid crisis in American society - it simultaneously dissects the sinister tactics of a big pharma corporation ruthlessly trying to increase the sales of OxyContin and tells the stories of people who became dependent on the highly addictive drug. For us, Poulter talks about the research he did to prepare to play a pharma sales rep and what it’s like to act opposite his legendary co-star, Michael Keaton.

Left Jacket **Alfred Dunhill**
Right Jacket & knit **Hermès** and Lanvin

What attracted you to this project? What was it about Danny Strong’s vision when it comes to telling this story that made you want to be part of it?

The opioid crisis in America was something that I was aware of and interested in before this project came along – looking at it from a socio-political perspective, it really intrigued and concerned me. And so when I was asked to do ‘Dopesick’, I jumped at the opportunity to have a hand in trying to explain how the corporate forces united to trigger the worst drug epidemic in American history. Danny is a writer that I’ve admired for a long time. I think he does a really wonderful job when it comes to influencing important conversations and addressing societal issues.

Knit & belt **Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello**, pants **Etro**, shoes **Malone Souliers Man** and bracelet **Sinum**

What intrigued you about your character, Billy?

I was really interested in the arc that he experiences over the course of the series. He enters the pharmaceutical industry with the best intentions, but with time, he starts to wrestle with the moral conundrum of being involved in such a successful company, when that success is built on the backs of hardworking people that are being taken advantage of.

Full look **Ermenegildo Zegna. XXX Couture**

What research did you do to prepare for your role?

I started by reading Beth Macy’s book. After that, I focused on getting a better sense of how my character would fit into this story. I was researching the Purdue Pharma training programs and looked at the materials that were popular amongst young salespeople at the time. There’s a book called ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ which is considered to be one of the earliest self-development books. And looking in retrospect, a lot of the principles in the book are wildly problematic – they go beyond winning people over and having a positive influence, and read more like a how-to on manipulation and deceit.

Jacket & knit **Hermès**, pants **Lanvin** and shoes **Grenson**

What was the most surprising or shocking thing that you have discovered in your research?

The extent to which Purdue lied and fabricated data in order to present their drug as being non-addictive when the reality was entirely opposite. I learned about stories of them inventing graphs and burying the information that reflected anything negative about the drug. Another thing was the level of intimidation towards the employees – anyone who reported any worrying feedback or said anything remotely negative about the company was threatened with legal action, which is really quite sinister.

Most of your scenes are with the acting legend, Michael Keaton. What was it like to act opposite him?

He’s phenomenal, I absolutely loved working with him! He was so generous with his energy and time, as well as very encouraging – he really bolstered my confidence along the way. He sets a great example with his professionalism and draws the best out of people around him because he is so good! He makes the experience so real and immersive that you just turn up and react to him – he immediately gets you in the right zone [to tell the story].

What’s important to you while choosing future roles?

I think about what the story is saying and what it is contributing to society. Is it just pure entertainment or does it have some kind of social application and will stoke an important conversation? If I feel like the project will initiate social change and action, that’s when I get excited the most about any possible role.

…

“Dopesick” premieres November 12th on Disney+.

Interview by MARTIN ONUFROWICZ

Photography by RAF STAHELIN

Fashion by MICHAEL MILLER

_

Groomer FEDERICO GHEZZI

Digital Tech TONY TRAN

Photographer’s assistant CONNOR KENNEDY

Stylist’s assistant FRANCESCA RUSSO