Hamish Linklater On Working With Eric Kripke: A Candid Interview

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Post on Sep 20, 2025

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Hamish Linklater on Working with Eric Kripke: A Candid Interview

Hamish Linklater, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in Legion, The Mindy Project, and Transparent, recently opened up about his experience collaborating with renowned showrunner Eric Kripke on the Amazon Prime series, The Boys. This candid interview reveals fascinating insights into their creative process, the challenges of portraying the complex character of Thomas Mallory (aka Soldier Boy), and the overall atmosphere on set.

A Collaborative Masterclass: Linklater's Perspective on Kripke's Vision

Linklater's portrayal of Soldier Boy, the grizzled, arrogant, yet surprisingly vulnerable superhero, captivated audiences. But bringing such a nuanced character to life required a unique collaboration. When asked about working with Eric Kripke, Linklater described the experience as “incredibly collaborative.” He praised Kripke's clear vision for the show while emphasizing the director's openness to the actors' input.

"Eric has a very specific idea of what he wants, which is fantastic," Linklater shared. "But he’s also remarkably receptive to suggestions and interpretations. He creates an environment where you feel comfortable exploring the character, pushing boundaries, and even challenging his own vision, which is unusual and incredibly refreshing." This collaborative approach, he explained, fostered a sense of ownership amongst the cast, leading to richer, more authentic performances.

The Nuances of Soldier Boy: Delving into a Complex Character

The character of Soldier Boy presented unique challenges. He's not simply a villain; he's a deeply flawed individual wrestling with trauma, ego, and a warped sense of patriotism. Linklater meticulously explored these complexities, revealing layers to Soldier Boy beyond the initial perception of a ruthless, invincible force.

"The challenge was to make him sympathetic, despite his horrendous actions," Linklater explained. "Eric understood this. He didn't want a simple caricature; he wanted a character with depth, with contradictions. We spent a lot of time discussing his backstory, his motivations, his vulnerabilities – all the things that make him human, even if his actions are far from it."

Beyond the Screen: The On-Set Atmosphere and Team Dynamics

The interview also touched upon the overall atmosphere on the The Boys set. Linklater described it as a highly professional yet incredibly fun environment. He highlighted the strong camaraderie between the cast and crew, emphasizing the importance of this dynamic in achieving the show's unique blend of dark humor and intense action.

"It's a demanding show, no doubt," Linklater admitted. "But everyone is so incredibly talented and dedicated. There’s a real sense of shared purpose, and that translates onto the screen. We were all pushing each other to be better, to explore the characters fully. It was a truly collaborative effort from top to bottom."

Key Takeaways from the Interview:

• Eric Kripke fosters a collaborative environment despite his clear vision.
• Linklater's portrayal of Soldier Boy was a result of meticulous character exploration.
• The on-set atmosphere contributed significantly to the show's success.
• The The Boys team prioritized both professionalism and a fun, supportive atmosphere.

This interview offers a valuable glimpse behind the scenes of one of television's most talked-about shows. Hamish Linklater's insights highlight the importance of collaboration, character depth, and a positive working environment in creating compelling and memorable television. It serves as a testament to the talent of both Hamish Linklater and Eric Kripke, and the power of a well-executed collaborative vision.