Dennis Andres – Juliet & Romeo

By starrymag | May 9, 2025

By: Mariah Thomas

 

 

Q) Juliet & Romeo is set to release soon. What drew you to wanting to be a part of this classic tale reimagined?

A) Well, for starters – I don’t know an actor who wouldn’t want to be a part of something like Romeo and Juliet. And I would be lying if I said I didn’t have reservations about a reimagining of such a well-known Shakespearean story. But after sitting down with Tim [Scott Bogart] and having a conversation about his vision for this musical version of it, it didn’t take long to be excited about jumping on board. 

 Q) Portraying a character that has been brought to film before, how did you approach your take on Lord Paris?

A) I wish I could say with great difficulty and many, many hours of deliberating. 

But fact is – Tim and I basically came to the table with the same thoughts for Paris – which was another reason why it was an exciting idea! 

Q) Are there major changes made in your version of Lord Paris people may be surprised by? 

A) I mean – I hope so! This version of Paris I find flips the traditional expectations. In the past, he was a bit more of a well-meaning, safe choice. In this version, he carries a bit more bravado and presence. He’s not just some guy in the background waiting to marry Juliet (Clara Rugaard) – he’s sharp, ambitious and carries a kind of calculated intensity. 

So, yeah, I think audiences might be surprised when Paris isn’t just the guy you forget about by Act V. In this world, he holds his own. Also, not hard on the eyes, if I do say so myself.

Q) Paul Rudd, Robert Bisacco, Tom Wisdom and Norman Wooland are some other renditions of Lord Paris. When preparing for this role, are there any specific adaptations you watched?

A) I have watched them all but ultimately knew that a) those gents did a great job with their versions, and b) this was a different Paris! Tim having explained his vision for Juliet and Romeo very quickly made me realize this was also going to give us a rad opportunity to create a very different Paris. 

Q) With such incredible castmates to the movie, were you looking forward to sharing a scene(s) with someone(s) in particular?

A) Well, Jason [Isaacs] has had the joy of working with me before! So, I had to ask him to give the other castmates a turn. He understood. (Don’t ask him though, he is sensitive about it). 

No, I mean, how do you choose between talents like that?! They were generous with their time and experience. And I will always look fondly on the work we did together. The entire cast was great! They were VERY lucky to have me! [laughs]

Q) What was it like working with Clara Rugaard, who plays Juliet, in this project?

A) Just awful! What an absolute pain in the ass. [kidding] Clara was an absolute gem. We shared several scenes and almost had a fake marriage. She was always professional and carried an awesome attitude – rain, shine, cold… didn’t matter. I’d work with her again in a heartbeat… and hope I do. 

Q) How do you think the addition of music adds to the classic ‘Romeo and Juliet’ story?

A) I find it adds a fun element to the story. Great versions of this story have been told. Let’s try this version! 

But hey, listen, maybe I am wrong… You should go see for yourself on May 9th in the US and June 11th in the UK in a theatre near you and let me know your thoughts. [winks]

Q) Is there a chance we will get to have a Lord Paris singing moment?

A) Fortunately, Paris didn’t sing in this film, as it is called Juliet & Romeo. If Paris sang, it might have been “Juliet and Paris.” I had to ask them repeatedly not to have Paris sing for this very reason. 

I am also a ballerina… but only in my bathroom. So, you see… rock… hard spot. 

Reluctantly, they agreed and decided it was what was best for this version. But, maybe some other time. 

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming or scenes that you are proud of the work you put into?

A) The entire experience was painful – shooting in Italy for three months, drinking espressos and eating pizzas until you didn’t fit in your custom Luciano Capozzi wardrobe. Don’t recommend it! Terrible! 

Don’t get me wrong, it came with challenges – it was cold, as it was winter and they basically live on ceramic tiles there, and it was very remote and quiet. Almost every day was a night shoot, which can also become difficult. However, shooting a Shakespearean story from Verona in Verona has got to be right at the top if I am being honest. Individual scenes, I am not sure I would be able to narrow down. The entire experience was pretty wild. Especially today with special effects and green screens, it was great to be on a set in Italy in an old castle in a world designed by Dante Ferretti wearing these wild pieces of wardrobe. How do you choose just one, you know?

Q) How did everyone shake off a long day of shooting the film?

A) Sleep – we usually wrapped around 4-5 am… So, yeah… sleep. Or a stiff drink if the lobby bar stayed open. [laughs]

Q) You launched your own production company to tell the stories you weren’t seeing enough of. Your first feature, The Ferryman’s Coin, is in pre-production. What can you tell us about this film?

A) Yeah, I mean, it kind of started as a way to get a lot of my inner arguments about existentialism, morality, fairness, etc. on paper while tipping the proverbial hat to songs and stories that I love. 

As I wrote it, it turned into a cheeky psychological thriller with soul—moody, sharp and full of quiet tension emerged.  A man bargains for his life, but not everything is as it seems. That’s all I can say… for now. But stay tuned. It’ll be a lot of fun.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your work?

A) You’re welcome!

No, honestly, I’m just so grateful. Whether you’ve followed from the start or only just found my work, thank you. It means the world. Really. Keep following along as I have big plans in the chamber and hope to give you more of why you started supporting me in the first place!

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