Since watching Under Paris, we’re afraid of what might happen in the Seine during the Olympics!
Nassim Lyes: “It’s true that we were able to add a little stress to the Olympic Games (Laughs). But I think that in the days to come, people will be more afraid of legislative elections than sharks!”
This film is a resounding success in France but also internationally. What effects will that have on your career?
N.L.: “I have always trusted my destiny, but this success does open new doors for me. Other professionals know who I am now. Especially in the United States, where I dream of working, so I am very happy. Even though I had already taken on international roles in The Spy series by Sacha Baron Cohen and Julia for HBO Max, this visibility should speed things up even more.”
You’ve been labeled as an action movie actor, even though you’ve done a lot of comedies.
N.L.: “In action comedies like Farang or more recently, All Time High, with my co-screenwriter, Julien Royal, I flaunt that label a bit. I don’t deny it, on the contrary, I happen to love it and I have the technical background to do it well. But I don’t want to limit myself to one genre because I am interested in everything. If the script is good and I feel comfortable with the role, I am the happiest actor.“
Is doing an action movie a must in order to break through in the United States?
N.L.: “Yes, it is currently the easiest door for me to open in the United States. But more generally, what I really like in movies like Under Paris is that you entertain and appeal to a wider audience. And, it was the first time that my family, who lives in the South of France (Nîmes,) called to congratulate me! They’d all seen it.”
How do you get a lead role alongside Bérénice Bejo when you are a young actor?
N.L.: “I’m not that young. I had the incredible opportunity to start my career at 20, with a main role alongside Jean-Hugues Anglade and Gilles Lellouche in the film Blind Valley by Tristan Aurouet, in 2010. If the movie was not as successful as expected, it led me to get an agent and to continue working with supporting roles (Lascars, etc.). I think I never gave up. Today, I am enjoying the extraordinary success of Under Paris. It’s the first time I’ve played a cop: up until now, I’ve been playing the guy who gets chased (Laughs).”
Is this an opportunity to break stereotypes maybe?
N.L.: “Yes, of course. I told myself that…
Photo: Ulysse Carbajal/Styling: Meggy Sabb/Director: Thomas Heisser ecru Jane shirt, MOUTY beige wool flared suit pants, LOUIS VUITTON Ocean Biretrograde Automatic 42 mm watch. 18 carat rose gold. Openwork dial, index, retrograde counters and central ring in 18 carat gold, luminescent hands, emerald applique in 18 carat gold. Brown leather bracelet, HARRY WINSTON
Full interview in issue 8 of OniriQ Magazine
