As a cinephile with a penchant for gritty, challenging roles and a fondness for stories set against breathtaking backdrops, I wholeheartedly recommend adding “SAS Rogue Heroes” to your watchlist. The Derby-born Jack O’Connell has truly outdone himself in this gripping series, having already demonstrated his versatility in extreme filming conditions.
Add SAS Rogue Heroes to your watchlist
Jack O’Connell possesses a keen affinity and skill for tough, demanding roles shot in secluded settings. About five years back, he was in a frozen region close to the Arctic Circle filming “The North Water,” a BBC whaling series where he portrayed killing, gutting, and seeking refuge inside a polar bear. Earlier on, he filmed “Godless,” a Netflix western revenge drama set in the New Mexican mountains. In his earlier career, he starred in Angelina Jolie’s film “Unbroken,” spending almost half a year in Australia, portraying the physically demanding lead role of Louis Zamperini, a Japanese prisoner of war survivor.
Lately, he experienced a new challenge as he ventured into the Moroccan desert for the initial season of “SAS Rogue Heroes”. The Derby-born performer confessed then that this role proved to be the toughest he had ever taken on.
It appears that the 34-year-old finds delight in enduring hardships, and was happy when the BBC series got renewed for more episodes filled with thrilling SAS Second World War missions. The first season took place in 1941 during the North African desert campaign where a tough yet efficient squad was formed by Lieutenant David Stirling (played by Connor Swindells), led by Lieutenant Paddy Mayne, an Irishman who disliked authority but loved poetry. For the second series, the battlefield shifts to Europe and the 1943 invasion of Sicily, which was essentially a dangerous frontal attack carried out by the SAS.
Do we glamorise violence? These fellas’ actions are responsible for the liberty we have – that is amazing to me
Compared to our four-month shoot for series two, which took place in Croatia instead of Sicily, anyone thinking it would be a breeze was in for a surprise. According to O’Connell, with a wry smile, “It certainly wasn’t a walk in the park.” Despite not being in the desert or an extremely remote location, it was still sweltering hot.
The storyline commences in Cairo, launches with a chilling Italian sea invasion, followed by relentless skirmishes against both the Germans and Mafia. Consequently, there was an abundance of content to cram into just six episodes. “This production is incredibly ambitious; fitting all the necessary elements within our timeline was no small feat. Therefore, staying in top shape – mentally and physically – is essential because it’s intense, and that intensity has to stem from the subject matter.
Right from the start, it’s clear that war can leave no one untouched, not even the most resilient. In a fit of fury, Mayne, having been denied permission to go back to Ireland for his father’s funeral, eliminates an entire group of Military Police in retaliation. This intense emotion resonated deeply with O’Connell, who hails from a working-class family in Alvaston, Derbyshire and made his film debut at the age of 15 in Shane Meadows’ This Is England.
I’ve forged a career on roles available to a working-class actor
Being away from home is the hardest part about this job
Currently, O’Connell has a wide range of roles to choose from. He recently worked on Danny Boyle’s reboot of the zombie franchise titled “28 Years Later.” In the horror movie “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler (known for “Black Panther”), he portrays a monstrous antagonist. Earlier this year, he took on the role of Blake Fielder-Civil in the Amy Winehouse biopic “Back to Black.” This time, instead of a typical villain, he played the complex character of the singer’s on-again, off-again boyfriend who may have contributed to her drug addiction.
Today, O’Connell has a lot on his plate, so multitasking is necessary. Before heading to the gym, he’s promoting his latest project and discussing it. “I enjoy boxing,” he mentions, preparing for his workout. “I love playing football.” He emphasizes self-care, saying, “Remember, you are your own toolkit in the end of the day.
During periods between jobs,” he mentions, “it’s up to you whether you view it as an extended vacation to relax and potentially gain weight, or a chance to keep yourself sharp and prepared for future opportunities.
Soon enough, he’ll be traveling to a remote, challenging destination for several months to shoot his upcoming intense yet magnificent movie.
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2024-12-21 00:06