Archie Madekwe has become recognized as a prominent figure in English arthouse thrillers, known for taking on challenging roles that demand versatility. Most recently, Madekwe stars as both lead actor and producer in Alex Russell’s unsettling directorial debut, Lurker, which is set to release on August 22. In the film, Madekwe portrays Oliver, a rising pop star who attracts the obsessive attention of a retail clerk, played by Théodore Pellerin. Madekwe’s friend and fellow <a href="https://www.thecinemachina.com/tag/harris-dickinson/”>actor Harris Dickinson recently spoke with him about the new project, highlighting their longstanding friendship and Madekwe’s evolution as an actor in this fresh role.
Transitioning Into Complex Characters
Madekwe’s career has included a range of intense characters, including a gruesome turn in Ari Aster’s Midsommar and a more restrained, cunning role alongside Barry Keoghan in Saltburn. However, Lurker has marked a departure from his previous work, casting him as an overtly confident, ambitious musician—a persona quite unlike Madekwe’s own nature.
“I felt so much safer playing someone introverted,”
he shared with Dickinson,
“To play someone who was overly confident felt a bit nerve-wracking to me.”
This contrast became an exciting challenge rather than a setback for Madekwe as he explored the nuances of self-obsession, ambition, and vulnerability intertwined in Oliver’s character.
Researching the Music Industry for Authenticity
To prepare for his role as Oliver, Madekwe immersed himself in the world of music by speaking with various people connected to the industry. One notable collaboration was with musician Rex Orange County, who contributed the song “Love and Obsession” to the film after hearing about the project.
“He called me and said, ‘Listen, I’ve been thinking about your film, and I had this song that’s supposed to be on my album but I think it should be in your film instead. I’m going to send it to you and if you want it, you can have it. If not, then it’s all good,’”
Madekwe revealed. Although the song had been written two years earlier about a personal relationship, it fit the film’s themes perfectly and now practically acts as a character in its own right.
Madekwe reflected on the parallels between actors and musicians playing roles: while actors can step into characters and shed them after filming, musicians often maintain their onstage personas continually, blurring the lines between self and performance. This insight helped Madekwe connect deeply with Oliver’s struggle to balance public image with private insecurities.
A Conversation Between Two Friends: Dickinson and Madekwe
Throughout their discussion, Dickinson and Madekwe shared moments of humor and personal reflection. They reminisced about early social media platforms like MySpace and Bebo, recalling the songs that shaped their adolescent tastes. Madekwe fondly remembered M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” and an acoustic version of Lily Allen’s “The Fear” as personal anthems, while Dickinson joked about his teenage admiration for Papa Roach and Justin Bieber. The two even playfully debated Bieber’s influence and music legacy.
Beyond music, Dickinson praised Madekwe’s performance in Lurker as a new frontier in his career, noting the complex qualities Madekwe brought to the role. This candid exchange illuminated the trust and understanding between the actors, conveying how their friendship adds depth to their perspectives on the film.
Producer Role and Collaborative Dynamics on Set
Madekwe took on producing responsibilities during Lurker in addition to acting. Initially, this role emerged naturally after chemistry tests with Théodore Pellerin and conversations with director Alex Russell, who brought Madekwe into intimate creative discussions. The director openly admitted his inexperience but was eager to engage:
“I’m going to have to ask you so many questions, I’m going to have to lean on you so much, I have no idea what I’m doing. But I’ve never been more ready to do something ever in my life than I am for this.”
Madekwe contributed to casting choices, drawing on professional relationships, such as suggesting Sunny Suljic for a key role. His producer work also involved track clearance and facilitating communication between different creative collaborators. The experience expanded Madekwe’s understanding of filmmaking beyond acting, giving him new insight into the industry’s inner workings.
Balancing Scripted Scenes and Improvisation
The filmmaking process for Lurker combined detailed script work with moments of improvisation. Alex Russell’s background in writing acclaimed series like The Bear, Beef, and Dave instilled a strong focus on pacing and scene rhythm, ensuring the narrative stayed tightly woven. However, certain cast members, such as improviser Zack Fox, were encouraged to improvise extensively, bringing spontaneity to specific scenes—like the green room encounter—that added authenticity and vitality.
This mix of structure and freedom allowed the cast to showcase their range while maintaining the film’s distinct tone. Madekwe recalled the set atmosphere as constantly joyful despite the film’s tense subject matter, describing Russell as
“grinning ear to ear like a Cheshire Cat”
through every shooting day, which fostered a warm and collaborative environment.
Defining Oliver’s Background and Identity
Originally, Oliver’s nationality was not fixed, but Madekwe’s English roots added an unexpected layer to the character. The decision to embrace a British identity lent Oliver an outsider mystique within the Los Angeles music scene depicted in the film. Madekwe explained that once the character was set to return home to London, the narrative choices felt more grounded and realistic.
Madekwe drew parallels to Rex Orange County, a British musician often mistaken for American, which enriched Oliver’s portrayal as someone evoking both worlds. The cultural nuance highlighted the diversity within LA’s creative landscape, where many artists originate from afar. Madekwe also reflected on his education at the Brit School, confronting misconceptions about the institution’s glamour by revealing its rural setting, financial struggles, and dedication to enabling young artists to experiment freely.
Remembering the Brit School Experience
Both Madekwe and Dickinson have personal ties to the Brit School, a renowned performing arts institution in England known for producing successful musicians and actors. Madekwe emphasized the school’s unique environment that encourages creativity and ambition despite limited resources, describing it as “such a unicorn” that fights to stay open amid challenges. Dickinson, who did not gain admission, admitted a lighthearted sense of rivalry but acknowledged the school’s impact on its alumni.
Madekwe also shared memories of performing in school musicals and being part of the choir, offering insights into his early relationship with music. He described music as a vital guiding force in his life, though he never saw himself as a singer professionally before this film.
Support for Fellow Cast Members and Behind-the-Scenes Talent
During the conversation, Harris Dickinson expressed admiration for supporting actors, particularly praising Daniel Zolghadri’s performance as Oliver’s video editor, which Dickinson described as a masterclass in “quietly panicked” subtlety. Madekwe, recalling Zolghadri’s role in Eighth Grade, reinforced the idea that nuanced performances significantly enhanced the film’s layered storytelling.
Insights into the Collaborative Spirit of Lurker
Madekwe’s involvement as a producer and lead actor allowed him to participate in various creative aspects usually beyond an actor’s domain, fostering a collaborative spirit during production. The close-knit atmosphere brought together actors, musicians, and creative professionals, echoing the realities of the music industry and Oliver’s world. This blend of diverse talents created an authentic representation of artistic communities grappling with fame, identity, and personal struggles.
Setting the Stage for Lurker’s Impact
As Lurker approaches its release, the film promises to contribute a fresh and psychologically rich perspective on celebrity and obsession niches within arthouse cinema. Archie Madekwe’s portrayal of a conflicted pop star, combined with his growing role as a producer, underscores his expanding influence in contemporary film. Harris Dickinson’s recognition of Madekwe’s bold move into new territory highlights the film’s potential to solidify both actors’ reputations as versatile and committed artists.
Viewers can anticipate a layered narrative that reflects the intoxicating allure and underlying loneliness of fame, while engaging with a dynamic cast supported by thoughtful direction and innovative storytelling. Lurker is poised to be a defining work for both Madekwe and the wider creative community it captures.
