FROM BOXING TO ACTING: 'NOUGHTS & CROSSES’ JACK ROWAN ON PLAYING CALLUM, LOVE, & ACTING

British actor Jack Rowan currently plays Nought Cadet Callum McGregor in the BBC TV Adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses novel. The series is the adaptation of the first book in the Noughts & Crosses novel series. The series is speculative fiction set in an alternate history, where black "Cross" people rule over white "Noughts."

In this exclusive interview, we spoke with Rowan about his character, the challenges and the rewards of playing Callum, working with his cast-mates, his acting journey from boxing to acting, love, passion, and things in store for him.

How was it to be a part of a show that explores a modern retelling of history and the power dynamics of society? 

I knew this was a show I wanted to be a part of from day one. Because of the unique prospect and of course the subject matter, the work we were doing was incredibly rewarding as it felt that there was something magical in the air. We knew how important it was to tell this story and do it justice. I’m just proud that I could be one of the people at the heart of it. 

How was it when you booked the role and when you first read the script?

I hadn’t actually read the book before auditioning for the role. I tend not to as you never want to get too attached to a role that’s not yours yet. However, I did read the scripts available and found the appropriate synopsis online, so I went into the audition room knowing where Callum was at. Of course as actors you want pretty much every job you go for, but this one I knew I WANTED so much. So when I finally booked the part I can safely say celebrations were very much in order. Then, you’ll be happy to know, I read Noughts and Crosses and without doubt it was the most enjoyable book I’d ever had the experience of reading, as I read it in a totally different way than I ever would have normally. There was a constant buzz in my body as I turned each page, because I knew I was lucky to have the opportunity to actually bring Callum to life.

What are the challenges and the best part about playing Callum’s character?

Callum's journey in Noughts and Crosses is one that catapults in so many directions. Where he ends up is so far-removed from the person he is when you first meet him. It was a dream role to land as a young actor because I was able to play so many different emotions as this one boy. At the end of each filming day, it always felt like the most rewarding and satisfying work I’d ever done. Of course one of the challenges was that as a novel and a series of books they have touched so many people’s lives in the past and present, so without doubt you want to do the character AND the story justice. Nonetheless, it was fuelling pressure and it only ever made me more hungry, more motivated and more excited to get stuck in and get it right. 

How was it to work with your co-star Masali Baduza and also the rest of the cast?  

We knew from our first chemistry read that we were Callum and Sephy, I guess I’m just thankful that the team did too! My favourite scenes from the shoot were always the ones with Masali because it felt that all that mattered in that moment were these two beautiful characters. The world, which is selfish and difficult took a chill pill for a second and the characters could truly be themselves in each others company. We also pushed ourselves as actors and always gave each other 110% effort, even when the other one wasn’t on screen. That goes for everyone to be honest. The truth is I enjoyed my scenes with everybody and as a result I felt I grew as an actor. 

Do you personally believe in star-crossed lovers?

I love, love. I’d like to think that if it's right, it can make it through anything. Everyone that comes into your life has a role. Some people are there to test you, some people are there to teach you and some people are there to love you. But the most important people of all are the people that make you want to be better.

What do you think the audience should take away from watching the show?

If people can take anything away from the show, I hope it's more of an understanding of the prejudices in the world, especially those who may never have had experience in their own lives of these issues. Also, it’s a visually stunning show to look at. Both Nought and Cross skin tones are always lit beautifully in the same shot and the world that was created for the series is incredible. It certainly gave me an undiscovered love for traditional African music, clothing and culture in general, so hopefully someone can watch our show and enjoy all of that too.  

Walk us through your acting journey so far. How did it start and how did you get to where you are right now?

So to cut a long story short, I used to be an amateur boxer and had 27 fights from the age of Twelve to Eighteen. However, around the age of Fifteen or so I suffered an injury to my back which kept me out of action for over a year. In the drop of a hat my routine was no more, and I needed to find something, anything to pass the time. It was in that injury period where I thankfully found acting and what appeared to be a curse, in fact turned out to be a blessing. I juggled both acting and boxing for a while after that until I landed my first ever acting job (Silent Witness for the BBC) in the summer of 2014; the rest is history. I gave up competitive boxing and continued with this acting dream. From the first day on that set I knew this was something I wanted to continue doing, so quite simply I have worked my arse off ever since to ensure that happens!

You have several projects in the works. Can you tell us a little bit about each project and what excites you?

I’m really excited for a feature film I played the lead in called 'BOYS FROM COUNTY HELL’, which was included in the Tribeca Film Festival line up this year. Of course, due to current world event it’s temporarily been postponed, but nonetheless will go ahead eventually I hope! This movie was unlike anything I’ve ever done before and I can safely say it was the most fun I’ve ever had whilst being an actor. Although the film has its moments of intensity and raw emotion, my character generally didn’t take himself too seriously, and that was a first for me! My character also spoke in a Northern Irish accent so that was a huge tick off the list. My Father’s from Northern Ireland and it’s a place I’ve been going to since I was a little boy, so it was nice to spend some quality time filming over there and connecting with some of my roots in a totally different and unique way.

As an actor, what type of roles and genres do you normally gravitate towards?

I don’t gravitate to anything specific. I hope to look back one day at a body of work and say something along the lines of “Wow...I’ve done it all! Played that role, wore that costume, had that haircut, spoke in that accent…”  

How do you normally prepare and get yourself into the headspace for the characters that you play?

A lot of it’s done pre job. I love to watch films, documentaries, perhaps even read some books that lend themselves to the material that I’m preparing for. For example, I once played a psychopath in a show called Born to Kill, so the things I researched were all about psychopathy. However, if you mean directly before a scene, ask anybody I’ve worked with and they will most definitely agree that when we’re about to get into a scene, any scene, you will most likely see me shadow boxing to get in the zone. The more intense the scene, the more aggressive the shadow boxing. I’ve learnt as times gone on its a personal trait that just really centers and focuses my body and brain. 

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

I mean, its kind of a cop out but I'd say Noughts and Crosses. Why? Because the cover has my face planted on it now!

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.