Key Insights About Jack Quaid’s Role in ‘Companion’
- Jack Quaid portrays Josh in <em>Companion</em>, a character who embodies the complexity of a villain unaware of his own malevolence.
- To deeply connect with his character, Jack Quaid crafted an elaborate backstory for Josh, enhancing his performance.
- Quaid and Sophie Thatcher skillfully developed an intentional offbeat chemistry in this engaging tech thriller.
Jack Quaid is gearing up for an exciting year ahead in film. Although fans will have to wait for the fifth and final season of The Boys, Quaid is making strides in the cinematic world. His role in Companion marks the first of two highly anticipated films he will release this year, showcasing his talent as a leading actor.
Directed by Drew Hancock (Blue Mountain State) and produced by the talented comedian-turned-filmmaker Zach Cregger (Barbarian), Companion delves into the deteriorating relationship between Quaid’s character, Josh, and Sophie Thatcher‘s Iris. While the plot goes deeper than just a toxic relationship, audiences are encouraged to experience the movie without preconceptions. Expect a thrilling sci-fi twist reminiscent of a unique interpretation of <em>Her</em> by Spike Jonze.
We had the privilege of sitting down with Quaid to discuss his portrayal in Companion, exploring themes of insecurity in Josh?s character, the distinctive methods he employs to embody his roles, and the fascinating dynamic he shares with Thatcher. Our conversation revealed much about the film and Quaid?s artistic process.
Understanding the Complexities of Josh in ‘Companion’ Compared to Richie in ‘Scream’
“I’m grateful for the script’s evolution.”
COLLIDER: You?ve portrayed many relatable characters on TV, such as Huey and Superman, yet in films, you often take on more controversial roles.
JACK QUAID: That?s true.
Is this a deliberate choice?
QUAID: Not at all. It’s merely coincidental. When I read the script for Companion, it was one of the finest I encountered, and the role resonated deeply with me. I believe there might be a pattern of playing complicated characters, but I?m eager to diversify my roles. What?s particularly striking about Josh is his role as the villain who is blissfully unaware of his villainy. From his viewpoint, he considers himself the hero of the narrative, and I find that aspect fascinating.
While portraying Josh, I aimed to uncover his layers of empathy. Now that I?ve stepped away from the role, I can confidently say I have little affection for him; he wouldn?t be someone I?d invite into my home!
Josh feels like a genuine individual. I feel like I?ve encountered people similar to him in real life.
QUAID: I appreciate that feedback! My intention was never to make him a caricature of evil. The most unsettling quality about him is how relatable he feels in our reality.
In the past, you mentioned creating a fictitious Reddit account for your role in Scream.
QUAID: (laughs) Indeed, I did.
Did you employ any similar techniques while preparing to portray Josh?
QUAID: Not in the same public manner as I did with Richie in Scream. I had to keep my identity as the killer a secret for an extended period, even from my co-stars in Scream. It was my subtle way of doing character work while maintaining an element of mystery.
When it comes to Josh, it?s clear from the start that he?s not the ideal person. My preparation involved extensive backstory development. I engage in a meditative practice where I visualize my character’s life experiences. Ultimately, I deduced that Josh is a man who has seldom heard the words ?I love you? in his life, if ever. This realization drives his despicable actions, and as I embraced this concept, I recognized Josh as one of the most insecure characters I?ve portrayed. Understanding this aspect allowed me to authentically embody him without judgment.
You mentioned backstory. While watching the film, I found myself questioning whether he has a job.
QUAID: At the moment, when he acquires Iris, I believe he?s at a very low point in his life. I can’t recall every detail of my backstory, but I think he?s recently lost his job and is grappling with profound loneliness. His decision to engage Iris stems from this sense of isolation. The plans he attempts to implement throughout the film emerge later in his journey. This was the foundation I built in my mind.
Additionally, I often use music to get into character. I curate a specific playlist for every role I undertake. I find that music profoundly influences my portrayal of characters. I also revisited films that evoke a sense of delusion, as I believe Josh perceives himself as a romantic figure akin to John Cusack in the 80s. He likely idolizes Joaquin Phoenix’s character in Her, thinking of himself as a good guy?an alarming red flag. All these elements combined helped shape Josh’s character.
When I heard about your casting in this project, I was thrilled, especially since it?s produced by the same team behind Barbarian. I?m a huge admirer of your work in The Boys and Scream.
QUAID: Thank you! That means a lot.
Had you seen Barbarian before being offered the role?
QUAID: Yes, I had! That was a significant factor in my eagerness to join the team. I received an email suggesting I read the script, mentioning it was from the creators of Barbarian. I immediately set aside my plans for the day to dive into the script because Barbarian was such an unexpected gem?it became my favorite film of 2022. I was astounded by how well it was crafted, and I have immense respect for Boulderlight. Zach Cregger has been an inspiration since the days of Whitest Kids U’Know, and his work in horror is groundbreaking. Collaborating with Drew Hancock, who has created such a rich narrative world, was a thrilling opportunity, especially considering this is his feature debut. His talent is undeniable, and I can?t wait to see what he does next. Being part of Boulderlight and the vision of Zach and Drew has been a remarkable honor for me.
Related
‘Barbarian’: Who is the True Monster?
Barbarian was one of this year?s surprise horror hits, thanks in part to its shocking monster and its tragic story.
Crafting Unique On-Screen Chemistry: Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher in ‘Companion’
<img width="1400" height="700" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="Jack Quaid as Josh pointing a gun at Sophie Thatcher's Iris in Companion." data-img-url="https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jack-quaid-gun-companion.jpg" src="https://static1.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jack-quaid-gun-companion.jpg" style
