The Horror Revolution: First off, what’s your favorite horror movie? What movie scared you the most?
Nate Wise: I saw the original Insidious in theaters and those jump scares were just so refreshing and delicious. I saw Midsommar during Covid and I couldn't think happy thoughts for a few weeks. One Hour photo is one of those slow burns that maybe isn't a horror but really tickled my goosebumps.
THR: I loved your performance in Cannibal Mukbang as the lead character Mark. What drew you to the film and that role?
NW: The script was so fun to read. And then I met Aimee and she is just so sweet and passionate. She was very open to collaboration and that was just such a green flag walking into it. Mark is basically who I was in my early 20s so I was excited to revisit that part of my life.
THR: Mark is a really fascinating character and you play him in a way that almost feels detached and as if he’s just waiting for shit to go sideways. What inspired the performance and the mannerisms you gave him?
NW: As I said before--Mark is just me when I was younger. He is so desperate for love and connection that the potential of messing it up scares the shit out of him. I leaned into the stakes of meeting this beautiful girl who seems to have the key to everything he's missing--and also how easy he thinks it will be to blow it. Aimee and I also discussed his discomfort with his own body and how foreign intimacy is to him--especially since he lost his parents at such a young age.
THR: Cannibal Mukbang was bloody and delightful, a true treat for indie horror fans. What are some of your favorite moments during filming?
NW: The last scene was so fun to film. It was one of those moments where it just feels like a good play--the whole room is buzzing and everyone silently agrees to forget that we're playing make-believe. Those moments don't always show up when you're working--a lot of times you're just trying to convince the camera it's real and tell the story--but when it does happen it's a bit of magic.
THR: I’m a big fan of indie horror in general, but I really enjoy the films that surprise me with how good they are, and Cannibal Mukbang certainly did that. Are you drawn to horror as an actor, or are there other genres you’d like to work within?
NW: I'm still early in my career so I am still curious about everything. Theater is where my heart is currently, but I get more work in TV/Film. I would love to do more comedy or play someone offbeat or a villain.
THR: I thought that you and April Consalo did a phenomenal job playing off of each other in the film. How did the two of you prepare in order to seem as close as you are?
NW: We met many times and talked about everything--about the movie, about our lives, and about what art and acting meant to us. We understood that to make these characters come to life that we would need to feel comfortable with each other and ourselves. We were very open about our obstacles and fears going in. We created a space where we both could create uninhibitedly and in that space you quickly become old friends. It became fun and then it just took off from there.
THR: If you could work with anyone in the industry, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
NW: In terms of artists at large I would have to say Martin McDonagh, Bo Burnham, or Alejandro Iñárritu. In terms of actors, I was always drawn to performances where you can no longer differentiate between the character and the actor--that level of study and humility to lend yourself to a character always feels profound to me. There are many people who work that way, but to me I would say Robin Williams, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Cate Blanchett, or Christian Bale.
THR: What inspired you to want to become an actor? Are there any films or roles that made you know this is what you wanted to do with your life?
NW: Robin Williams was always someone who made me want to become an actor. The range in his performances made me want to be brave, play and be seen. He also never failed to make my dad laugh which probably had a big effect on me. And I think I was destined to become an actor the first time I made someone laugh.
THR: What’s next for you? Are there any exciting upcoming projects that you can share?
NW: I have been writing a couple plays that I am excited to submit to different programs. I am also finishing up my first album for my music project Sky Adler. I plan to start releasing it over the summer.
THR: Finally, what part of the human body do you think would taste the best? Also, just for my own purposes and for no specific reasons, what would be the best way to cook said body part?
NW: I feel like the butt probably has a good amount of fat content? Unless it's like a soccer player. But I would roast it in a stew with hard apple cider and a lot of rosemary.
