Imagine a young actor, just 14 years old, embarking on a journey that would make any seasoned performer envious. Meet Lox Pratt, a rising star who has landed not one, but two dream roles that will undoubtedly shape his career.
Pratt's first major role is as Jack in the highly anticipated BBC adaptation of 'Lord of the Flies', a story that explores the dark side of humanity. With a script penned by the talented Jack Thorne and directed by Marc Munden, this production is a buzz-worthy project in itself. But wait, there's more! Pratt is also stepping into the magical world of Harry Potter, playing the iconic Draco Malfoy in HBO's upcoming series.
When we sat down with Pratt via Zoom, his resemblance to J.K. Rowling's Slytherin antagonist was uncanny. From his curly blond hair to his piercing blue eyes, he could have stepped right out of the pages of the beloved books. Pratt is part of an impressive cast that includes some of Britain's finest talent, such as Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, and Janet McTeer, alongside fresh faces like Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton.
In this exclusive interview, Pratt shares his journey and the challenges he faced while filming in Malaysia. He talks about the moment he realized he had landed the role of Jack, and how he prepared for this complex character.
"I was thrilled, but also aware of the long casting process I had gone through. It was a milestone, and I knew I had to deliver. Filming in Malaysia, on a tropical island, was an adventure in itself. I had to embrace the role and make it my own."
Pratt delves into the world of 'Lord of the Flies', a story about schoolboys stranded on an island after a plane crash. He discusses his interpretation of Jack, a character who becomes obsessed with hunting and power, leading to a tragic descent.
"When I explored Jack's character with Marc, we drew inspiration from Malcolm McDowell's performance in 'A Clockwork Orange'. I studied his swagger and found similarities with Tommy Shelby from 'Peaky Blinders'. It was a fun process, but I had to separate myself from Jack at the end of each day."
Pratt also shares his thoughts on working with Jack Thorne, the acclaimed writer behind 'Adolescence'. He reveals their discussions about Jack's neglected background and his inability to express affection, which adds depth to the character.
"Thorne had some fascinating insights. He wanted to portray Jack as misunderstood, not a horrible person. It's a complex role, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to explore it."
As for his experience on the Harry Potter set, Pratt describes it as a completely different world. He talks about joining the Malfoy family and working alongside Johnny Flynn, praising his talent and aura.
"The set had an amazing vibe. It was a unique experience, unlike anything I had done before. Flynn is a wonderful actor, and I believe we make a great duo on screen."
With two impressive roles under his belt, Pratt reflects on his journey and the opportunities that lie ahead. He expresses his desire to play a nice character at some point, but for now, he embraces the complexity of his current roles.
"I'm grateful for these opportunities, but I know I have to work hard to make them extraordinary. I want to learn and grow as an actor, and I'm excited to see what the future holds."
'Lord of the Flies' will be available on BBC iPlayer from February 8th, with weekly episodes airing on BBC One. Don't miss this captivating adaptation and Pratt's stellar performance as Jack.
