FROM LAYING IN A POOL OF BLOOD AND BROKEN GLASS (SEEMINGLY DEAD) TO FRANTICALLY RUNNING AROUND TOWN IN JUST A PAIR OF WHITE BRIEFS A FEW MINUTES LATER, AUSTIN ABRAMS IS A TRUE FORCE IN HIS LATEST MOVIE, WOLFS. IN THE APPLE TV ACTION-THRILLER PRODUCTION, THE FLORIDA-NATIVE SHARES THE SCREEN WITH THE TOP-OF-THE-TOP OF THE ACTING LEAGUE, BRAD PITT AND GEORGE CLOONEY. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THERE WAS A LOT OF PRESSURE INVOLVED. SEEING THE FILM, HOWEVER, IT’S CLEAR THAT ABRAMS NOT ONLY MATCHES THE UNIQUE ENERGY OF THE A-LIST OLD PALS BUT IN MANY MOMENTS MANAGES TO STEAL THEIR SPOTLIGHT. FOR BTB, WE SPOKE TO ABRAMS ABOUT GETTING A FRONT-ROW SEAT TO THE BRAD AND GEORGE SHOW, WISHING HE DID MORE PHYSICAL TRAINING BEFORE THE SHOOT, AND DIVING INTO THE HORROR GENRE NEXT.

Cardigan,shirt & tie **Bottega Veneta**, shorts **Random Identities**, belt **Youths In Balaclava**

Hi Austin! Congratulations on your movie – you were a brilliant anchor of comedy in Wolfs. The role must have been a great challenge for you, considering you’re starring opposite Brad and George. What was your process like for this film? When did you begin to feel confident, or comfortable, in your performance?

I think that happened about two days before we wrapped. [Laughs] I’m not sure if I was ever exactly comfortable, but I got closer to it throughout the shoot. For me, the motel room scene was an important moment – usually [as actors] you have one scene in your mind that you’re really thinking about. And I think after that was wrapped, there was a sense of relief and it took some of the pressure out. But it took a minute to get to know them and feel out the dynamic between the three of us.

Left Shirt & pants **Dior Men**, tie **Bottega Veneta**
Right Full look **MM6 Maison Margiela**

You got to do pretty much everything in this film — from being seemingly dead to running around town in briefs to giving a hilarious monologue. Which scene was the most enjoyable to shoot for you?

There were a lot of enjoyable moments. For example, towards the end, when I’m trying to figure out where to put the drugs and set the crime scene. It was really fun and kinda felt like being a little kid, but with bricks of heroin, trying to make up a little game for myself. Also, all the stuff in underwear was just ridiculous.

Coat, pants & shoes **Alexander McQueen**, zip henley Dior Men, gloves **Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello**

It’s a very physical role. Did you do any sort of training to prepare for it?

You would think that I did, huh? [Laughs]

Left Cardigan,shirt & tie **Bottega Veneta**, shorts **Random Identities**, belt **Youths In Balaclava**
Right Coat,jacket & pants **Dior Men**, shirt **Maison Margiela**, tie **Prada**

Well, depends on how many of those stunts you did yourself.

I was doing it all myself because it’s kind of hard to fake that it’s me, considering I’m not wearing clothes. I didn’t really understand how long we would be shooting those running scenes, so I did a bit of training but not enough. I think we shot that scene for three/four weeks. And so, I was on set sprinting for my life every day. I definitely know now for the future [to prepare more].

What was it like to meet Brad and George for the first time? Was it everything that you hoped it would be?

I didn’t really know what to expect. I didn’t know if I’d be getting a call from a blocked number or what would happen. [Laughs] But I actually met George a day before we started and Brad on set when we were filming our first scene together. They are both very charming guys and they go out of their way to make you feel comfortable, probably partly because they know how disarming they can be. That said, I was certainly nervous because I’ve grown up watching their movies over and over like everybody else. And then to really see these faces that you’ve seen so much before [on screen], talk to them and answer questions that they are asking you, it’s a really crazy experience.

Coat,jacket & pants **Dior Men**, shirt **Maison Margiela**, tie **Prada**, shoes **Christian Louboutin**

They’ve known each other for decades. What did you notice about their dynamic, both as friends and actors?

They work off each other in a super unique way that you only can really see from two lifelong friends, it almost feels like they are two old college buddies. I think that a lot of what we love to see on screen from them is very similar to what their actual dynamic is in real life. They both have an energy that you just want to be around. And then to combine both of them, it’s just amazing. They are so witty and they bounce so quickly off of each other.

You said that you grew up watching and loving their movies. Which ones stick out in your mind as your favourites?

Well, first off, Batman & Robin. I think George would probably hate me saying that, but I really loved it as a kid. There are so many! The Ocean’s movies, Burn After Reading, Fight Club, Michael Clayton, The Descendants. It’s pretty ridiculous how many inspiring things they have done!

Jacket, shirt & pants **Dior Men**, tie **Bottega Veneta**

Up next, you will be starring in Weapons by Zach Cregger. Are you a fan of the horror genre?

I love horror movies. I love the feeling that they create. Also, I think it’s really interesting to look at why we love it, why we love to be scared. And I feel like horrors are, in a way, a safe place to express our fears.