Nicholas Galitzine steps boldly into the realm of indie fantasy with his latest role, taking on a challenging and unconventional part in Julia Jackman’s new film. The actor, already recognized for major streaming successes, pushes boundaries in the Nicholas Galitzine indie fantasy film, with a fresh project that demanded both vulnerability and risk-taking when filming on a remote English estate.
Taking the Leap Into Uncharted Territory
Arriving to film Julia Jackman’s “100 Nights of Hero,” Galitzine was immediately confronted with the film’s daring vision.
“They were like, ‘Yeah, you’re going to be naked, covered in blood, dragging a stag through the castle,’”
recalled Nicholas Galitzine, actor. The scene, unexpected and intense, set the tone for the actor’s experience on set and established the film’s commitment to raw, immersive storytelling.
Having previously starred in prominent streaming titles such as “Purple Hearts,” “Red, White & Royal Blue,” and “The Idea of You,” Galitzine had built a reputation for captivating performances in widely watched features. Yet, he desired a return to riskier work, reminiscent of his comedic, off-beat role in Emma Seligman’s black comedy “Bottoms.”
“I just had this sense that, look, maybe this movie wouldn’t be in every single theater in the country or around the world, but it was going to be very culturally significant and a bit of a cult classic,”
said Nicholas Galitzine, actor.
“And I felt exactly the same way when I read ‘100 Nights.’”
For Galitzine, the appeal was in challenging narratives that depart from mainstream formulas.
The Creative Drive Behind ‘100 Nights of Hero’
Julia Jackman, known for a strong personal style, personally reached out to Galitzine through a written letter—though he ultimately needed no convincing.
“As soon as I read the script, I was fully in,”
stated Nicholas Galitzine, actor.
“It was so visceral, and Julia has a kind of Lanthimos style to the way that she likes to shoot her movies, so it was just a no-brainer.”
Galitzine was the first to join the cast, paving the way for a stellar lineup including Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Charli xcx, Richard E. Grant, and Felicity Jones. Even as he secured the leading and physically demanding part of He-Man in “Masters of the Universe,” Galitzine dedicated ten days to shooting Jackman’s film at an imposing, National Trust-protected estate in the East of England.
A Twisted Tale Set in a Harsh World
“100 Nights of Hero” transforms the Middle Eastern classic “One Thousand and One Nights” into a dystopian fantasy where women pay with their lives if unable to produce an heir. The plot centers on Cherry, played by Maika Monroe, who faces a test of fidelity while left alone for one hundred days by her husband. During this period, Cherry becomes caught between her husband’s alluring friend Manfred, portrayed by Galitzine, and her loyal maid Hero, played by Emma Corrin. As Manfred vies for Cherry’s affection through displays of strength rather than charm, Hero offers forbidden tales for comfort—despite storytelling itself being outlawed in this reimagined world.
Transforming Physique and Embracing the Role
For the role of Manfred, Galitzine drew on his training for another major upcoming part. While preparing for “Masters of the Universe” as He-Man, he embraced the physicality required for Jackman’s film.
“I’m like eating loads of food, and I feel so puffy and big,”
said Nicholas Galitzine, actor.
“I suppose it was an education because this is what you have to do if you want to be a working actor. And really, I’m blessed to be able to do a tiny indie movie that I feel incredibly passionate about and then juggle it with this juggernaut. It probably did add to the insanity of Manfred — I think I was going out of my mind.”
This dual commitment highlighted both the psychical and emotional extremes undertaken by Galitzine in quick succession.
Innovative Filmmaking on Location
The fast-paced production was further energized by Jackman’s spontaneous directing style. The actor likened the experience to an underground project, invigorated by secrecy and immediacy.
“It’s an interesting exercise in acting. Don’t think about it; be improvisational; just go for it. With how my career has gone, leading these really amazing but big-budget movies, it felt very refreshing and challenging,”
said Nicholas Galitzine, actor. This environment allowed Galitzine to reconnect with the unpredictable nature of intimate, experimental filmmaking, offering a pointed contrast to his work in larger studio productions.
Next Steps for Galitzine
Eager to expand his creative footprint, Galitzine hinted at more independent projects on the horizon, referencing both announced and still-secret films. Before diving further into indie cinema, he will commence filming for the sequel to “Red, White & Royal Blue” in the coming year and prepare for June’s release of “Masters of the Universe.”
“Without saying too much, all signs are very positive. I had maybe the most fulfilling experience of my career,”
reflected Nicholas Galitzine, actor, on his time filming “Masters of the Universe.”
“It felt huge, but there was a really human quality which is not unlike the way Julia likes to make movies. I’m really excited for the world to see that one, because it feels very different to movies of its kind.”
Having traversed both the massive and the modest in film production, Galitzine appears committed to striking a dynamic balance between indie experimentation and blockbuster spectacle.
With “100 Nights of Hero” set to debut in theaters December 5 under IFC’s banner, the film promises to leave a cultural mark with its daring adaptation and charismatic cast. Galitzine’s willingness to challenge himself is poised to inspire both fans and fellow actors, signaling continued growth in both indie and mainstream cinema alike.
