Scott Deckert – Venom

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I have a couple of awesome projects coming out next year that I’m really excited for everyone to see! I’ll be able to announce them soon. I’ve also been in the studio working on some music, which is something I’m really passionate about outside of the acting world. My single, “Everything About You” (produced by Taylor Sparks – Julian Martel, Pharrell, Neon Hitch), drops October 19th worldwide.

Q) Please tease a little bit about the premise for the upcoming film Venom.

A) The film follows Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) as he acquires the powers of a symbiote, which forces him to release his alter-ego “Venom” in order to save his life.

Q) How was your character originally described to you?

A) The project was extremely secretive, so even casting told me they could only give me information based on what they had at the time. I was fortunate to get a straight offer for the role, so I was on a flight to Atlanta less than 24 hours after I booked it. I had about two days in hair, makeup and wardrobe before shooting, so I had a lot of time to discuss my character with director Ruben Fleischer. He’s a wonderfully collaborative person, so we went into the shoot knowing we were going to play it a couple different ways and pinpoint what felt best. That being said, I crammed in as much research as possible, from a stoner on a legit mushroom trip to a metal head with a cocky, arrogant attitude.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the film?

A) It’s Marvel. That is all. Just kidding, but it’s an obvious selling point. I had worked with Ruben before and really respected his style and his talent. He has a way of harnessing an actor’s energy and getting them in the right mind set. That coupled with the opportunity to work with Tom Hardy, who I believe to be one of the most talented actors of our generation… sold.

Q) Did you read certain “Venom” comics to prepare for the movie?

A) I would have brushed up on them if my character needed to be immersed in that world, but being a “Venom” fan most of my life I’ve read many of the comics over the years and it was a better character choice to try to block all that out and have genuine reactions in my scenes because the fact that Eddie Brock has an alien symbiote rising up from inside of his body had to be unbeknownst to me.

Q) What kind of physical prep work did you have to do in order to be set for stunts?

A) It was originally intended for me to do some stunts and CGI, but we didn’t end up going that route. I think that a good director is visualizing as he or she creates… as the process unfolds; so changing things up here and there is part of the process. I do work out regularly, so I was ready in case that was the direction we ended up going in.

Q) Talk about working alongside veteran actors like Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams and Woody Harrelson.

A) My scenes are all with Tom and I can truly say it was one of the best on-set experiences to date in my career. I was brought on for the first week of principal photography. My first scene was the first scene Tom shot of the whole film as well. I was amazed at how collaborative the process was and how much freedom we were given to explore. Tom could not have been a more generous partner as an actor or more of a team player. Seeing that it was the beginning of the shoot, he was still “finding” Venom as an actor. He would do some intense, freakish transformation (meant in the best way possible) to his face and body and after the take he’d ask me how it felt to me. I was honest and said, “Dude, I’m not just saying this, but yeah… that was pretty f***ing scary!” It was humbling getting that kind of trust and openness from a guy like him. Now, every time I see him I brace for bear hugs. A genuine human being.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming or behind the scenes?

A) It was eerily quiet the first day on set at this huge sound stage at Blackhall Studios in Atlanta. Hundreds of crew members almost silent, like we were about to go into battle. Ruben gave a great speech and loosened everybody up in his true, chill fashion and then said, “Let’s make a movie!” As soon as he yelled, “Action,” though I knew it’d be wise to stick to the script, something came into my head and I went for it. Tom immediately played off me and that was the start of a pretty cool chemistry. To end the scene, I said, “Douche” and slammed my door. He did the same. I thought, “Oh, shit,” that was risky. Then, I heard “cut,” and Tom came out and said, “That guy. We need more of that.” [laughs] On the first take! Ruben said I could play with it as well as get some takes to script. Once again, collaborative and creative. One of those sets I never want to leave.

Q) What does it mean to you to be a part of such an iconic franchise?

A) There are no words to explain it. I feel like the stars had to align. The word “iconic” feels like it doesn’t even do it justice and I’m just grateful to get a chance to crash this legendary party.

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure fans know about what to expect from Venom?

A) There are so many things that are obviously different about Venom than most other comic book characters who have made it to the big screen. I love the idea of the anti-hero getting his turn and the sea-saw of good and evil and what lines a person can justify crossing. I think fans are really going to enjoy Venom’s dry way of bringing an unexpected humor to the film.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you excited to see the fan feedback you receive to the film?

A) Absolutely! I’m so excited to hear from fans and see their reactions. Having the opportunity to be a part of Venom, I saw first-hand that this movie was made for them.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Without you amazing peeps, we would have no reason to make a movie and I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do what I love for a living. I appreciate the support you’ve given me and continue to give, and I feel lucky to be able to contribute to making people happy. I’m so psyched to be in Venom and to get the chance to make a little impact on fans all over the world.