Rami Malek, Charlie Hunnam Talk “Intrinsic Connection” on Set of ‘Papillon’

Sunday evening at the London West Hollywood hotel, Charlie Hunnam, Rami Malek, director Michael Noer plus other members of the cast and crew were on hand for a special screening of Papillon, a remake of the 1973 adaptation starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman.

Hunnam and Malek discussed the actors’ relationship on set and their upcoming projects. On how Papillon was brought to him, Malek told The Hollywood Reporter that he was a fan of Noer’s work and the remake idea “was a really unique perspective, and that’s what makes it palpable for me to go into a remake of this film because if you watch his work, you’ll see what a unique voice he has and why it would be worthwhile in taking on such a daunting task.”

Malek also spoke about co-star Hunnam: “Working with Charlie was something I wanted to do. We talked on the phone and I felt an intrinsic connection to him.” He added: “I could talk to him actor to actor and we challenged each other day in and day out in such a positive way, learned from one another.”

Director Noer added, “If one was to look at this as a love story like I do, the chemistry between Papillon (Hunnam) and the guy is so essential. So first we were so happy that Charlie committed to the project. But then, of course, we need a ‘Julia Roberts’ if we have a ‘Richard Gere,’ so I was so happy to see Rami and it was love at first sight.”

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Hunnam told THR that working with Noer was a longtime career goal of his. “He was really on my radar; somebody that I hoped at some point [to have] a chance to work with. It was exciting to get a call from him.” He added, “I find the filmmakers that I really like are interesting in exploring the same things that I’m interested in exploring. It’s a director’s medium.… And if it’s a director that I’m really interested in, that’s 90 percent of the decision.”

Hunnam also dished on a couple of his upcoming projects. One of which, True History of the Kelly Gang, had just wrapped filming. “I can tell you, it’s zero hyperbole, it was the greatest experience I’ve ever had in my career… just had a wonderful time.” 

Malek commented on recent news that Mr. Robot may be coming to an end after season four, saying, “I really don’t know. Our cast likes to throw out rumors into the world and cause a lot of controversy so that Sam Esmail ends up taking the brunt of it. So I’m not going to add to that.” The lead on the USA show added, “I love this show. I have no feelings about being ready to depart it at anytime soon. It’s such a special period of my life and a character that I’ll keep in my pocket for quite a long time.” Regarding whether filming has been completed on season four, Malek states that the cast hasn’t even started and the show is slated to be released sometime in 2019.

Papillon is set to hit theaters Aug. 24.

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