Two years after first meeting Axel Matthew Thomas, DA MAN touches base with the “Azzamine” star to discuss his latest films and his passion for fitness
Reconnecting with an old friend is always a fun experience, and that’s exactly how it felt catching up with actor and entrepreneur Axel Matthew Thomas. We first met the young talent back in 2022 for a fun bowling-themed photoshoot. At the time, Thomas shared with us glimpses into his life as an actor and businessman.
Since then, Axel has expanded his filmography with notable roles in equally notable productions such as “Ali Topan,” which is based on the renowned novel of the same title by Teguh Esha. His latest film, “Azzamine,” however, allowed him to further expand his acting potential as he portrayed a kind-hearted fighter—a character that that really pushed him out of his comfort zone.
Now, DA MAN catches up with the actor to talk about his experience with these two films, as well as another passion of his: an impressive fitness routine.
DA: Let’s start with your latest movie, “Azzamine,” which was adapted from Sophie Aulia’s works. Could you tell us a bit about the story and what it was like to bring this universe to life on screen?
AMT: Basically, one of the reasons I took the opportunity is that they demanded a character who has body-builder’s physique. My character has to fight; so, in order to get into shape, I prepared for five months. I had to bulk up and then cut down my weight to achieve the body shape that that the director and the producer wanted. It’s great to bring the image described in the book into reality.
DA: You play Deka in “Azzamine.” Can you share with us what drew you to this character?
AMT: Playing him is like living my daily life, particularly in terms of fitness and nutrition. Both aspects have been part of my lifestyle for the past six or seven years. So, being able express these for the movie made me want to do it at 200 percent. In many ways, I could see myself in him.
DA: You also starred in “Ali Topan” which was released earlier this year. What was it like working on that one?
AMT: For “Ali Topan,” I worked alongside talented rising stars and also my acting coach, who actually has a role in the film. Being able to work with them is a privilege and collaborating with so many different people was a great experience. I also like to point out that what we worked on is a remake of “Ali Topan.” I mean, who doesn’t know “Ali Topan”? Anyway, I play a bad guy—the villain—and honestly, playing antagonists is something I’m becoming used to.
DA: Did you have to do any special preparation for this role?
AMT: Actually, it was sort of a last-minute casting decision. It was so hard for them to find an actor to play my character. I had just a week to prepare. It was a huge challenge for me, because being able to deliver a convincing performance in such a short time is tough. But I still had to do it because I signed the contract.
DA: Do you prefer to play certain character typese? Or are you drawn to variety?
AMT: Deka in “Azzamine” actually marked the first time I played a good guy. Through him, I could showcase my potential at its fullest. The audience might also think that kind-hearted characters fit me better than a villain. I would say that I now have more confidence to play good guys, and I thank MD Entertainment for giving me the opportunity to build my confidence this way. I wasn’t initially interested in showbiz, but because of “Azzamine,” I was able to discover my passion for acting. I’ll probably start acting in more films next year.
DA: When you think about your career, what’s a moment or project you’re most proud of?
AMT: “Azzamine” is definitely my top choice. It feels like the most significant project of my career so far. I also loved working on “Marmut Merah Jambu.”
You have to be consistent in what you do. You can’t do something half-heartedly. This consistency should be maintained on- and off-camera
DA: Your filmography has been steadily growing in the past couple of years. What are the key factors to this success?
AMT: You have to be consistent in what you do. You can’t do something half-heartedly. I see acting as a hobby; but to be able to grow to that level of success in filmmaking, you must be consistent. This consistency should be maintained on- and off-camera. I admit I’m not that consistent in terms of focusing on acting. I’m kind of picky and, when I want to do something, it has to be for a good reason. I mean, producing a film can take a month or two, not just a week. So, yeah, consistency is the number one key for you to succeed in this industry. And it’s also important to meet and hang out with the right people.
DA: Do you have any particular character types or genres you’re hoping to tackle in the future?
AMT: I’ve tried playing good guys and bad guys … and I think I’m going to keep being a good guy for a while. As for genres, I think I would love to try comedy.
DA: We noticed that fitness plays a big role in your life. What kinds of sports or workout routines are you into these days?
AMT: I work out five times a week, usually in the morning before I head to the office around 9 AM. If I can’t make it before work, it’ll be after work, around 4 or 5 PM.
DA: When you’re not working or at the gym, what activities help you relax and recharge?
AMT: Exploring nature—just a full day being exposed to the elements. And when you come back to the office the next day, you’re a different person. I think it’s the best therapy for me when my schedule gets too hectic. Let’s say I plan a day trip to Yogyakarta, leave early in the morning, return home at night and I’m a different person the next day. I do this routine a lot. I just need to be in the nature and look at the greenery. That way, I can recharge myself.
Exploring nature—just a full day being exposed to the elements … and when you come back to the office the next day, you’re a different person. I think it’s the best therapy for me
DA: Speaking of nature, what are your favorite destinations?
AMT: Mountains are my favorite. Also, place I’ve never been to before. I’ve barely covered Indonesia in my travels. I do a lot of traveling, but this year, I plan to travel only within the country.
DA: If you could work on any kind of dream project and collaborate with anyone you like, what would that dream project look like?
AMT: I am still not entirely sure but, obviously, it would be a comedy movie. I would also love to be involved in a movie production instead of starring in one, especially a horror flick.
DA: Lastly, what message would you like to share with your fans?
AMT: Being able to do something consistently and stay disciplined every day in whatever you do can definitely help you achieve success. So, yeah, just be consistent and stay disciplined … and try to be positive during hard times.
Photography Zaky Akbar
Styling Isabella Harahap
Photography Assistant Eka Saputra
Styling Assistant Vanessa Yofania