Schön! talks to Rupert Friend about working with Wes Anderson and why variety is the spice of life.
From a real-life prince in The Young Victoria to a ruthless assassin in Hitman: Agent 47, Rupert Friend’s career has been nothing if not varied. Since his 2004 film debut in the The Libertine, Friend has become one of the most prolific actors of his generation, with a list of credits that includes 57 episodes of Homeland. The 39-year-old Brit-turned-New Yorker tells us about shunning social media, smuggling cigarettes, and stepping outside of his comfort zone.
When did you move to the States? Was it when you were cast in Homeland?
Yes, exactly. In this job you go where the work takes you. This Homeland thing came up and it was a very strange scenario for me. I’d never done television in any country, but here you sign up with an open-ended contract… and [my character] Peter Quinn became very beloved, so we kept on exploring him.
But you weren’t keen on doing TV initially?
I never wanted to sign up for anything that was going to have a hold over me indefinitely but, in the end, jumping in with both feet and saying, ‘Oh stuff it. Let’s go for it,’ was actually a blessing in disguise… I think was in a bit of a grenade throwing mood when I said yes.
Discover the full editorial and our chat with Rupert Friend in Schön! 39. You can download your issue with this digital-only cover exclusively here.
There has been a flux of great art to celebrate over the past year. The world is seeking enjoyment and music is simply a cultural mirror of that desire. The party spirit has taken over the charts and it only takes looking through the list of 2025’s BRIT award winners like BRAT connoisseur Charli XCX, pop darling Chappell Roan and Schön! 2023 rising star Raye to see that there is a genuine appreciation for the art of performance. As awards season comes to a close, it’s only right to go out with a bang. Grammy award winning Capital Xtra DJ Manny Norté gathered together some of the brightest stars in the UK like Schön!’s rising stars FLO, British comedian Munya Chawawa and legendary pop group Sugababes, for the Move Good x Peak BRITs afterparty. This year the annual event was held at London’s iconic Madame Tussauds where guests partied until the early hours surrounded by life like wax figures of Rihanna, Timothée Chalamet and Beyoncé. Schön! captured the star-studded evening with some exclusive film shots by photographer Harry Ambrose.
Christopher Papakaliatis has long been known for his ability to weave deeply human stories that resonate beyond borders. With Maestro in Blue, he has captured a global audience, blending intimate character studies with broader societal themes. As the third season draws to a close, Papakaliatis reflects on the show’s evolution, the universal appeal of Greek storytelling, and what the future may hold. From juggling multiple creative roles to ensuring every emotionally charged scene leaves an impact, he shares his insights with Schön! on the creative journey that has led him here — and where it might take him next.
full look. Philipp Plein
shoes. Sebago
full look. Philipp Plein
shoes. Sebago
Credits
As the third season ends, how would you describe the show’s evolution from the first to the present season in terms of story and character development?
I feel that all characters have grown and evolved according to the social matters that concern each and every one of them.
Your characters are often praised for their depth and emotional complexity. How do you approach creating such layered personalities, and how has that influenced this season?
My source of inspiration for the characters was and is the people around me. Not just my social circle but everyone that orbits around the society we live in, on a universal level. I can never disregard the reality of our times when I write about people. This is what fuels me. All the things that I find myself questioning, my beliefs and fears, are expressed through these stories.
Many of your stories reflect Greek culture and identity. How do you balance local storytelling with a narrative that resonates on a global scale?
An authentic story, with real characters in real situations, often has the power to cross boundaries and speak to a universal level. That was always my hope for Maestro in Blue. I wanted to write a story that people all over the world could hopefully relate to.
full look. Le Pére
opposite
full look. Dolce & Gabbana
full look. Le Pére
opposite
full look. Dolce & Gabbana
Credits
The show has gained international acclaim. How do you feel about its growing popularity in the U.S., and has it influenced your creative direction?
The appeal of the show has definitely inspired and humbled me, but that doesn’t mean that it has affected the way I choose to tell the story. It’s very encouraging and thrilling for me, and it’s also the reason why I am examining the possibility of a fourth season.
You work both as an actor and a writer/director on the show. How does wearing multiple hats affect your creative process and decision-making on set?
It’s complicated and many times overwhelming, but I’ve been doing this for years, so it now feels organic for me. I feel I have found a good balance between these different roles. However, I am still navigating through it, and I’m always seeking good collaborators.
Many of your scenes are emotionally intense and beautifully shot. How do you ensure that the emotional weight translates well on screen?
The most difficult task is to find the right people that you have a good connection with—those who understand the vision and add to that vision. It’s never a one-man job. It takes a village, and I feel I have found that village in the actors and the crew.
full look. Le Pére
shoes. Dolce & Gabbana
opposite
full look. Philipp Plein
full look. Le Pére
shoes. Dolce & Gabbana
opposite
full look. Philipp Plein
Credits
With the success of this series, do you already have plans for new projects or collaborations in the pipeline?
I do. First, I need to examine the possibility of writing an additional Maestro in Blue season. Right now, I’m taking some time to clear my head.
What do you hope this show’s lasting impact will be on viewers, especially those who have followed it from the beginning?
My hope is to stir emotions that we all carry or bury—to pose questions and concerns that I share. The world around us might be constantly changing (not always in a good way), but human needs, at their core, remain the same. People will always have the need to listen to stories. Storytelling is part of our DNA, and this trait we all share will remain unchanged.
full look. Represent
shoes. Sebago
opposite
top. Le Pére
full look. Represent
shoes. Sebago
opposite
top. Le Pére
Welcome back to the wilderness — both literal and metaphorical. As Yellowjackets returns for its much-anticipated third season, the stakes are higher, the mysteries darker, and the tension thicker than ever. Since its explosive debut, this genre-blending masterpiece has captivated audiences with its mix of psychological horror, survival drama, and an unapologetic dose of ’90s nostalgia. At the heart of the show’s gripping chaos is none other than Coach Ben Scott, portrayed by the talented Steven Krueger. Ben’s journey has evolved from a figure of authority and stability to a man grappling with both his physical limitations and the psychological toll of survival. Season 3 promises to push him even further.
In conversation with Schön!, Krueger opens up about the intense filming experience, the emotional depths of his character, and why this season is the ultimate payoff fans have been waiting for. From braving the real forest during summer shoots to navigating the precarious dynamics between Ben and the girls, Krueger offers a tantalizing glimpse into what’s ahead.
shirt + trousers. MM6 Maison Margiela
shoes. Ann Demeulemeester
opposite
cardigan. Loewe
suit. Hugo Boss
t-shirt. Maison Margiela
necklace. Luis Morais
shirt + trousers. MM6 Maison Margiela
shoes. Ann Demeulemeester
opposite
cardigan. Loewe
suit. Hugo Boss
t-shirt. Maison Margiela
necklace. Luis Morais
Credits
Season 3 of Yellowjackets is finally here! How does it feel to be back, and what can you tease about what’s ahead for Coach Ben this season?
It’s been a long time coming, so what a thrill to be back! The writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023 set us back about six to seven months from our usual season timeline, so I know the fans have been waiting (mostly) patiently. I can guarantee this season is worth the wait, though. I’ve been calling it “the payoff season.” Everyone wants answers—and believe me, they’re coming!
We know you have some big episodes coming up. Without giving too much away, what was it like filming those, and how do you think fans will react?
I don’t have to give any spoilers to say that it was the most intense filming experience we’ve had yet on this show. We were back filming during the summer months, which was a blessing because we actually got to return to the real forest. It’s an infinitely better experience filming outdoors in the elements than on a soundstage. I can confidently say that fans will be in a constant state of shock and awe as we dive deeper into the season.
Your character, Ben Scott, has had quite a journey since season one. How would you describe his mindset going into season three, and how does he evolve this time around?
At the start of this season, we’ve jumped ahead six months from where we left off in season two. Ben has essentially run away from home after realizing that his chances of survival might actually be better on his own. So, for better or worse, he’s learning how to survive—finding whatever food he can and, most importantly, staying far away from the girls. But once he’s forced back into contact with the team, he has to navigate a very precarious situation, realizing they’re out for revenge.
Yellowjackets thrives on mystery and suspense. How much do you personally like to know about your character’s arc ahead of time, and how much do you prefer to be surprised?
As an actor, I think it’s important to know everything I possibly can ahead of time. Of course, it’s fun for the audience to be surprised, but part of my job is to craft that story arc in a way that maximizes suspense. To do that, I have to be the architect behind the scenes, shaping the performance every step of the way. I’m grateful that our writers and producers have been so helpful in that process at the start of each season.
You were originally on the path to becoming an attorney. Do you ever think about what your life would look like if you had stuck with law instead of acting?
I don’t have to think very hard—I just watch my friends who became attorneys! As fulfilling as a law career might be at times, I think I made the right choice.
coat. Loewe
tank top. Dries Van Noten
necklace. Luis Morais
opposite
full look. Saint Laurent
coat. Loewe
tank top. Dries Van Noten
necklace. Luis Morais
opposite
full look. Saint Laurent
Credits
You’ve played a wide range of characters, from The Originals to Roswell, New Mexico and now Yellowjackets. What’s been the most challenging role you’ve taken on so far?
Every character I’ve played has been uniquely challenging in its own way. I’ve actually found that the more different a character is from myself, the better my work tends to be. It forces me to be creative rather than relying on my own default behavior or mannerisms. But without a doubt, Coach Ben has been the biggest challenge. He has a physical disability and so many layers of emotional trauma that it’s hard to sift through them all. But this is the kind of role every actor dreams of playing—it offers so much room for imagination and creative exploration.
You’ve been recognized as a scene-stealer in multiple shows. What do you think makes a performance stand out, even in an ensemble cast?
I honestly wish I knew the answer to that—every actor does. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes a performance stand out. Sometimes, it’s sheer happenstance that a particular actor, in a particular role, in a particular story, just clicks. More often than not, though, I think the key to every great performance is specificity. On a scene-to-scene basis, what exactly is the character thinking, feeling, and experiencing? My job as an actor is to put myself in a creative headspace that allows me to truly live in those moments when the camera is rolling.
You’re involved in a lot of philanthropic efforts, from environmental work to food banks and Habitat for Humanity. What causes are closest to your heart right now?
It’s such a tense time, both in America and around the world. I’ve found it overwhelming trying to figure out how best to contribute to the causes I believe in. So, I’m focusing as much as possible on local philanthropic opportunities—helping people close to me. I’m also slowly getting more involved in the Nashville political scene, where I currently live. The LA fires have consumed a lot of our collective attention to start the year. Even though I’m no longer a full-time LA resident, seeing that city come together and rally support for the victims has been heartwarming.
You like to keep people guessing about your next move — so what’s next for you after Yellowjackets? Anything you can tease?
Isn’t it way more fun to keep people guessing? I’m eager to see what’s next in my career. In the immediate future, I’m in post-production on a short film—my directorial debut. I’ve been looking for an opportunity to get behind the camera for a while, so I’m really excited to finish the film and share it with the world. It’s been an eye-opening experience and has certainly made me appreciate just how difficult it is to make anything in this business. But I’ll be ready to do it again as soon as possible!
cardigan. Loewe
suit. Hugo Boss
t-shirt. Maison Margiela
necklace. Luis Morais
opposite
coat. Loewe
knit. Isabel Marant
trousers. AMI Paris
shoes. Balenciaga
cardigan. Loewe
suit. Hugo Boss
t-shirt. Maison Margiela
necklace. Luis Morais
opposite
coat. Loewe
knit. Isabel Marant
trousers. AMI Paris
shoes. Balenciaga
