Returning to “The Terminal List,” British actor Tom Hopper reflects on loyalty, longevity and why the people behind a project can matter as much as the role itself
Tom Hopper may be best known for playing formidable men in high-stakes worlds, but his perspective on the work is refreshingly grounded. Behind the physicality of characters such as Luther Hargreeves and Raife Hastings is an actor who places increasing value on the people around him, the experience of making something together and the life waiting beyond the set. As he returns as Raife in season two of “The Terminal List,” Hopper opens up about loyalty, longevity, staying healthy, finding humor in unexpected places and the family support that has helped shape his career.
DAMAN: You’ve been acting professionally for more than a decade. When you look at where your career is today, does it look anything like what you imagined when you started?
Tom Hopper: My career to date is what I hoped would happen. It’s been a dream so far. When I started out, it was simply about getting a job, then another, and somehow there’s been some nice upward trajectory from there. I don’t think I could have imagined the worlds I have been able to be a part of. I’ve been very lucky. The goal was always to keep working with good people on things that excite me, and that hasn’t changed.
DA: With more experience behind you, what has become more important to you as an actor and what has become less important?
TH: The people have become more important. When I was younger, the focus was on the role and what the job could do for my career. Now I think about who I’m going to spend six months with and whether I’m going to enjoy the experience. Life is too short to spend that amount of time being miserable. Yes, the role always matters, but the people matter more.
DA: You’ve built a career around characters who often have a strong presence. What do you think people tend to misunderstand about you based on the roles you play?
TH: Probably that I’m not that serious. Because I’m a big guy and I’ve played a lot of physically imposing characters, I think people expect me to be quite intense. I’m really not. I love having a laugh, and comedy is something I’ve always really enjoyed. Luther allowed me to show more of that, which was amazing. I’m probably far sillier in real life than people think.
DA: At this stage of your career, what makes a role impossible to turn down?
TH: If I read something and immediately start saying the lines out loud or thinking about how I would play the character, that’s usually a sign that I’m really engaged. Then it’s the filmmaker and the other people involved. If there’s a director or showrunner I really want to work with, or subject matter that is interesting or personally important to me, that can make something very difficult to say no to.
DA: You’re returning as Raife Hastings in season two of “The Terminal List.” What can you tell us about where we find Raife this time around?
TH: At the top of season two, Raife is in a very different environment from when we last saw him. He is a fish out of water in this new environment and needs the challenge of a previous life to bring him back. The audience will also begin to understand his relationship with Reece on a deeper level. There is a history between those two men that is incredibly important to both of them. But Raife is someone who doesn’t necessarily show his feelings, so much of the fun for me is playing what isn’t being said.
DA: Raife is a character with a strong sense of duty and loyalty. How has your understanding of him evolved since “Dark Wolf”?
TH: I understand the weight of the loyalty much more now. Being surrounded by real Navy SEALs and other military men and women has enabled me to observe their behavior and delve into what it takes to become part of the Brotherhood. We are a family, which helps me know how Raife would react when his loyalty or duty is tested.
DA: Without giving anything away, is there a side of Raife that audiences will see more of in season two?
TH: Definitely. Audiences will see just how capable he is, how thoughtful he is and how he thrives in high-stakes environments. There is a nice peek into his background and those he calls family, which helps build a broader picture of who Raife is and his relationship with Reece.
DA: You’re working alongside Chris Pratt again. How has that chemistry evolved since “Dark Wolf”?
TH: Chris is brilliant on and off screen. He’s a really generous scene partner and wonderful family man. Having spent more time together, I see how we align on so many of our values, which has only strengthened our connection and on-screen chemistry.
DA: What was it like stepping back onto set with the cast for season two?
TH: It was amazing. The entire cast and crew of this show are phenomenal. It really doesn’t feel like work when we’re all together. I have made lifelong friends on this show, and I will be forever grateful for that.
DA: Was there anything about Raife this time around that was particularly fun to play?
TH: I couldn’t pinpoint it without giving too much away. There is a new character who has entered “The Terminal List” world that I really enjoyed working with, but you’ll have to watch the show to find out who.
DA: You’ve moved between action, drama, comedy and fantasy. Is there a genre you still feel you haven’t fully explored?
TH: It really isn’t about genre. It’s truly about the individual project, the team and the character I’ll get to play. I’ve been so fortunate not to be pigeonholed into one genre, and I would like to continue to be given the opportunity to play in any arena.
DA: What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever had to do for a role?
TH: “The Umbrella Academy” probably wins that award. Luther being a stripper in season four was quite something. I don’t think I realized what I was doing at the time. It was only when I was in a theater of 400 people watching the premiere that I realized everyone was about to see me gyrating in a gold thong!
DA: If you had to spend a week as one of your characters, which one would you actually choose to live as?
TH: Probably Luther. He was so much fun to play, and super strength is pretty cool. Mind you, I’m not keen on the idea of the world ending all the time.
DA: What’s the one thing you always bring to a film set that has nothing to do with acting?
TH: Positivity. I feel so lucky to get to do what I do. No matter how intense the scene, it should always be a positive, collaborative environment. If I can help support that, then great.
DA: Physicality is often an important part of your characters. What does your training look like when you’re preparing for a demanding role?
TH: It depends entirely on the character. I have a certain base level year-round that I find easy to adapt from quickly, but then I look at the specifics of what the character needs or requires. Raife requires strength, endurance and functionality, so I will just incorporate that into my workouts.
DA: You’re known for maintaining an impressive level of fitness. Has your relationship with training changed as you’ve gotten older?
TH: Absolutely. It’s now based on being able to have the best shape in terms of longevity and all-around health. It is much less about the physicality and more about maintenance, health and recovery.
DA: Has training for your roles changed the way you think about strength and discipline in your everyday life?
TH: Not specifically for roles. I changed my attitude toward health and fitness from a longevity standpoint. I always want to be healthy for my family. Looking good for roles is just a byproduct of being invested in my health.
DA: What’s your ideal day off when nobody needs anything from you?
TH: A gentle run in the morning. My wife’s Sunday roast dinner (because if you haven’t had her Yorkshire puddings, you’re missing out!), a family walk and a movie with the kids before bed. Absolute bliss.
DA: What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn you’re genuinely obsessed with?
TH: Hobbies. My wife calls me a hobby dater. I will get fixated on a hobby for a year and be obsessed with doing it all the time. Last year was piano; this year it’s DIY!
DA: And lastly, what’s the one question about you that you wish interviewers would ask more often?
TH: About how important my wife is to my career. I wouldn’t have the career I have without her great advice, her putting her career on hold to raise our kids and her unwavering support. She reads every script I’m sent and has helped mold my career into what it is today.
Photography Lensbymi
Styling Kimberly Yvette Goodnight
Grooming Ken Niederbaumer using Dior Beauty and Unite Hair