Tom Hopper FAULT Magazine Covershoot and Interview

Tom Hopper X FAULT Magazine

Photographer: David Yeo
Stylist: Abi White @StellaCreativeArtists
Grooming: : Liz Taw @The Wall Group

Words: Miles Holder

It’s been a hell of a ride for Luther on Netflix’s critically acclaimed show ‘The Umbrella Academy‘ and the newly released season 4 presents a significant shift as Luther, once defined by his furry frame, superhuman strength and deep-seated trauma, confronts the loss of his powers and, with it, a crisis of identity. We caught up with Tom Hopper to discuss his journey balancing vulnerability with strength and relentless pursuit of portraying authenticity, even within the most extraordinary circumstances.

Has there been any major change in your process this season when approaching Luther compared to previous seasons?

Tom Hopper: Luther has gone on quite a journey from where he started in season one to where he is now. My process is always the same: I let the script dictate where I go with him. The big difference with Luther this season is that he has let go of so much of his angst, father issues, and trauma.
A big part of this season is that he loses his powers at the start, and for me, it was about finding his motivation now that he’s not a superhero anymore. At the beginning of the season, we find him as a male stripper, embracing his normal body, but he has lost all of his purpose. So, for me, it was about how I approached Luther without a bodysuit. It was quite strange; when I got it back, I felt like I had walked back into the Luther I’d originally created. He is awkward with that body, and he hates it. The suit actually helps me create the Luther that I’ve developed over the past three seasons. In a way, it was bittersweet because that thing is so uncomfortable, but at the same time, it helps me with the character.

Did the suit ever create a barrier for you when trying to push through those really human emotions?

Tom Hopper: In some ways, it actually helped because, especially in the early seasons, when he’s so uncomfortable in that body, there’s a vulnerability to him. I really enjoyed sitting in the awkwardness of that suit. The more physical problems, like fitting through doors, actually led to some nice physical comedy.

Does the bombastic nature of the show ever make it hard for you to connect with the more quiet human aspects of the character?

Tom Hopper: I think the big thing for me was embracing the craziness of the show. There’s the superhero theme, but the more interesting part is the humanistic side of these people. Everyone always talks about having a superpower and how cool it would be to have one. But it’s actually their biggest weakness, and it’s the thing that’s caused them the most trauma. Luther, in particular, has had that weight on his shoulders of being “Number 1.” For me, the humanistic side is what I cherish the most. It’s about getting involved in who these people are underneath the superhero guise.
That’s what’s interesting, and that’s what I love playing, especially in the early seasons. In season four, we have really embraced the fun side of the show and the relationships between the characters, and what it means to be a family and siblings. As actors, we’re able to enjoy that now because we know each other as characters so well. There’s so much improvisation in the show. As for Luther, I’ve just enjoyed finding out who he really is beneath the superpower.

What would you say has been the most challenging aspect of playing Luther this season?

Tom Hopper: The suit really is a physical demand. In the first reveal of the prosthetic again this year, there’s a moment where I end up in the prosthetic again. The shooting of that was done in a strip club. It was a very hot, stuffy strip club with low circulation, and the bodysuit was particularly tight. I was wearing it for 14 hours, and that was the point where I thought, “I’ll be glad to be rid of this suit.” I absolutely love my job and being on set. I love every hour I’m shooting on that show and any job I do, but there was a moment there when I just didn’t want to be in this prosthetic anymore.

Does the ending of the season feel like a nice close of the book for you on this character?

Tom Hopper: We’re so lucky because there are so many shows that don’t have the opportunity to do this. They get cut short or cancelled too early and don’t get to see the characters’ storylines through. We get to this season-ending right. It ties up loose ends and answers a lot of questions we’ve had over the first three seasons. Having shot this season, I realized it ties up a lot of loose ends, and you’re left with a sense of true hope. It ends the way I think it should have. I don’t think there’s much more I could have wanted.

Is Luther an easy character to let go of and move on from, or did the character still linger with you?

Tom Hopper: They do linger with you for a little while. We’ve done four seasons, but we’ve been a part of it for seven years with the gaps and rehearsals. He’s lived with me for a long time and has grown with me through the writing and what I wanted to bring to him. I don’t struggle to let go of characters. I live in them while I’m playing them, and then that’s that. I look for the next challenge. My enjoyment comes from what I’m doing on the day, in the moment. It’s never about watching it back. I took Luther on that journey, and he’s done. It’s like a sport: I like to feel like I’ve left it all on the field, left no stone unturned, and gave it everything. If I’ve done that, I walk away content.

Your portfolio is very varied – is that by design or chance?

Tom Hopper: I’ve been very conscious of that from day one. Initially, there was a big question mark over my height and whether I was going to work because there were so few roles for someone of my height at the time. My first agent said, “I don’t know if I’m going to be able to get you work.”
At that point, I thought maybe I should pigeonhole myself to start with, to just get known as a type. I put myself into that bracket and started playing “big guy” roles, and after that, I could establish my acting ability and show my versatility. I’ve always felt like I have the ability to be adaptable if given the opportunity. Now I’m just looking for the next challenge, something completely different or something that I’ve never done before. I’m lucky to have had those opportunities come my way. I never want to get pigeonholed because then you lose the enjoyment.

Is there a role or genre you haven’t done yet that you have in mind for your next big step?

Tom Hopper: When it comes to genres, I’ve always wanted to do a World War II movie because I love that aesthetic. I grew up loving “Saving Private Ryan.” Outside of that, any genre is appealing as long as I read the script and feel excited. It’s less about the genre and more about wanting to portray a compelling character.

What would you say has been the best piece of advice and the hardest piece of advice for you to take?

Tom Hopper: The best advice came from my friend Toby Stephens during a conversation about acting. He said that the best acting happens when you’re completely relaxed and not trying to act or play a character. It resonated with me because being tense can ruin a performance, and the best actors appear calm even when portraying intense emotions. That calmness allows truth to come through on screen.
The hardest advice I received was during drama school. I was always the class clown, trying to be funny to make people laugh. A teacher told me that while I had the potential for drama, I was too focused on being funny. He encouraged me to embrace my ability to do more than just comedy, which was tough to hear at the time. However, that advice helped me grow as an actor and become more versatile.

Has anyone ever pointed out an aspect of your character or performance that surprised you?

Tom Hopper: Not really. People usually notice what I intend for them to see, which is a huge compliment. But I do love when people say they relate to the character’s journey and find it helpful in their own lives. It’s gratifying to know that my work can have a positive impact.

What is your FAULT?

Tom Hopper: My FAULT is that I go all in on everything, which can be both a strength and a weakness. I have an obsessive trait, like my granddad. It can be great for focus and willpower, but it can also be detrimental if I don’t know when to stop. It’s an addictive personality trait, I suppose. My wife Laura, who’s my rock, helps me see things I need to work on without being too direct. I’m trying to learn to pull back and find balance, especially now that I have kids.

Click here to read our 2020 covershoot and interview with Justin H. Min