John David Washington talks about ‘Malcolm & Marie’ and Zendaya

John David Washington has been one of the greatest talents of recent years. The 36-year-old actor came on the scene in an important way with Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman”, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award for best actor. With “Malcolm & Marie”, he not only cemented his position in the Hollywood industry as one of our most talented actors working today, but he also takes responsibility as a producer.

This year, Washington took on the action genre with “Tenet” by Christopher Nolan, and is now marking his last year with a tense and better career turn opposite Zendaya in Sam Levinson’s relationship drama. It is a turning point that put him in the middle of a very competitive race for the Oscar for best actor. If nominated, he would be the second black producer to be nominated for acting and best film, after his father, Denzel, when he was nominated for “Fences” in 2016. Washington would also be the youngest black producer ever nominated, alongside Zendaya. , who could also be the youngest producer in Oscar history.

Variety sat down for a first exclusive interview with John David Washington about the film and his experiences on set, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also shares some of his inspirations, favorite films and which filmmakers he’s dying to work with in the industry.

Why did you choose to do “Malcolm & Marie” at this point in your career, in the middle of a pandemic?

John David Washington: On the one hand, I love acting. I love to write, but especially because of the time we were in. I got this script and a call from Sam, and he started reading me the dialogue between Malcolm and Marie for about 10 pages. I couldn’t believe it. They were beautiful words that I heard, and at the same time very disturbing with visceral confrontations. I started to get anxious and nervous because I don’t hear any direction from the stage. I get nothing but dialogue. So, I heard all those words and said, “I love it, but can I read it?” And Sam said, “No, not yet.” And he hangs up [laughs].

I just knew I had to do this. It was something I desperately needed artistically. I had all these feelings and anxiety, with this concern for my future. My usual way out of these things is work. So it was perfect, and I said, “When are we going to start?”

How did it feel to shoot during a pandemic?

Washington: I felt comfortable. I felt safe. But I felt the need to do this so much that I was willing to risk it. We were on the premises, on a ranch, which was a beautiful resort, with lots of space. Each had its own hut; we had to take the test before We got there. We were tested When We got there. And then we did the test the day before I checked in. Nobody was at the ranch except us. So as long as no one left the facility, I felt safe.

Can you talk about criticism regarding the age difference between you, 36, and Zendaya, 24?

Washington: I was not worried about it because she It’s a woman. People will see in this film how much she is a woman. She has a lot more experience than me in the industry. I’ve only been in this for seven years. She’s been in this for a long time, so I’m learning from her. I’m the newbie. I was supporting her a lot. Some of the stories she shared about what she had to go through with Twitter and everything. I appreciated your wisdom and insight when it comes to this business. I admire that. What I’m really excited for people to see when the film comes out – they’ll see how mature she is in this role. We’re talking about versatility, and Sam and Zendaya brought both.

What would you be doing if you weren’t an actor?

Washington: Maybe a psychiatrist. I was a sociology graduate and I liked that. Training or maybe teaching. It can still happen, in fact, you never know.

What was it like working with Christopher Nolan on “Tenet”, which was released this year?

Washington: This was one of those moments in my life when I couldn’t believe how my life was going. He is one of the greatest of all time and this is one of those unique opportunities in life. It was surprising how down to earth he is. He’s operating on another level, just intellectually speaking, but he can also shoot shit. He likes all kinds of things and movies. So I loved every moment of it. He trusted me with the material, and I am forever grateful.

Is there any aspect of Malcolm that seemed personal to you that you extracted from your own previous relationships?

Washington: I cannot relate to the significant other. These are not my tactics. I don’t like confrontation, I like to use my words and be clear and I don’t like to shout. I will say this, and I will not go into details because it is very private. But some things have been triggered. Some moments when I found myself really lost in emotion and where I was going. Some things started to form and I was grateful to use them, but I didn’t realize they were there, in my spirit. And in a way, it was therapy to make it come out that way. I heard that word spread during these interviews and questions and answers – “villain” – I heard and said, “he is not a villain” I do not think he is a villain, but “it is time for reception” during the comings and goings.

Can Zendaya make a good macaroni and cheese, which is featured in the film?

Washington: Scream for my man, José, who made macaroni and cheese on set. I have to give him credit. I definitely threw up at the end of the day because I was really eating these things – a lot. I liked seven shots with full bowls, and as you can see. I’m like an animal. I found myself on a diet, trying to be sexy and cute. And I had to do a shirtless scene right afterwards, with the sun rising, and I said, “Come on Sam! I’m trying to be sexy. Malcolm has abs. Help me, Sam. ” [laughs]

Favorite horror movie?

Washington: “Tales from the Hood.”

Which actress would you like to work with, but she is no longer alive?

Washington: Audrey Hepburn.

What is the movie that makes you laugh until you cry?

Washington: “Coming to America.” Every time.

What is the movie that makes you “cry ugly”.

Washington: “Glória.”

Have you ever wanted to direct a film?

Washington: Yes, but not later, because it would be terrible. I wish I was at a certain level and then get discouraged. Writing [a movie], yea.

If you had a time machine and could go back to any date in history, where would you go and visit?

Washington: The day my mom found out she was pregnant with me. I said to her: “you could wait a few years, go up on stage and do that musical you were supposed to do”. I’ll be here and I swear I’ll be the same person. Go ahead and shoot yourself in the foot, sis!

Which directors are you dying to work with?

Washington: PTA. Paul Thomas Anderson, anyway. And Barry Jenkins, whose name appears in the film. I’m ready.