EXCLUSIVE: Director Martin Campbell and writer Dan Gordon discuss the twisted thriller Just Play Dead featuring Samuel L. Jackson and Eva Green.

      Samuel L. Jackson and Eva Green go head-to-head in their latest action-thriller, Just Play Dead. Directed by Martin Campbell, known for his work on 007 films, the movie tells the story of affluent criminal Jack Wolfe (Jackson) who attempts to fake his death to escape the authorities. However, Jack’s wife Nora (Green) has plans to genuinely kill him and claim the life insurance money.

      In a conversation with Digital Trends, Campbell and screenwriter Dan Gordon shared insights into the creation of Just Play Dead, why Jackson and Green were ideal for their roles, and what viewers can anticipate from this darkly humorous thriller.

      This transcript has been edited for brevity and clarity.

      Digital Trends: Dan, what inspired the story of Just Play Dead?

      Gordon: Just Play Dead is likely the only piece I've ever crafted entirely from scratch. Typically, my work draws from historical context or factual elements.

      While on vacation with my former girlfriend in Hawaii, we chartered a boat, and I gazed up at a cliff featuring an impressive mansion, undoubtedly owned by a wealthy individual. Yet, it had an eerie vibe. I thought, “That would make a fantastic movie location.” I just didn't have a clear idea of the narrative.

      I recalled an acquaintance who was a truly villainous person. The thought struck me, “What if he resided in that mansion?” From there, I began to explore his character and who he could be married to. That's how the concept developed.

      Additionally, I had always wanted to create a film noir, so I considered doing it in the style of a Coen Brothers-esque noir comedy—something really darkly comedic. Writing it was pure enjoyment; it was just… absolute fun. I initially wrote it as a novel, then adapted that into a screenplay.

      Digital Trends: That's impressive. Were there specific films that influenced your development of the movie? I’d love to hear both of your thoughts.

      Gordon: Definitely. I’ve always been a great admirer of film noir from the 1930s and 1940s, like The Postman Always Rings Twice, Double Indemnity, and others featuring actors like Sterling Hayden, Robert Mitchum, and Veronica Lake. In my mind, Nora Wolfe is a blend of Lauren Bacall and Veronica Lake. I wanted to take those archetypes and have some fun with them.

      Digital Trends: That’s cool. And Martin, were there any particular films that shaped your directing style for this project?

      Campbell: I don't believe any specific films influenced my style. However, I recall The Sting, which carries a slight tongue-in-cheek tone. Similarly, Ocean's Eleven shares that kind of humor.

      Ultimately, it was essential to capture the right tone for the movie. Balancing everything was key. All the characters are exaggerated, of course, but the focus was on maintaining the sense of humor. None of them exhibits any redeeming qualities; they all want to eliminate one another, aiming to claim the money without honoring any original agreement. Chaos ensues, as expected.

      Digital Trends: Right. You have some larger-than-life actors leading the film—Samuel L. Jackson and Eva Green. What was it like collaborating with them?

      Campbell: Well, I’ve previously worked with both, so I knew them well. They were perfect choices… both are exceptional actors. Sam always brings a spark of mischief to his roles, creating a slight sense of unpredictability.

      Eva is exceptional as well. To begin with, she’s a fantastic actress. Secondly, she has a wonderful sense of humor. Additionally, this role suited her perfectly; it's very much aligned with the kind of characters found in those classic noir comedies from the 1940s, as Dan mentioned.

      Digital Trends: Martin, throughout your career, you've directed many iconic action films, particularly the James Bond titles GoldenEye and Casino Royale, as well as The Mask of Zorro. Given this, how did you approach the action and tension in Just Play Dead?

      Campbell: Just Play Dead features less action compared to Bond films. It's more centered around character dynamics, relationships, and the plot.

      Firstly, Dan provided an outstanding script—very funny and well-structured. As for action, while there is some, it's significantly less than I usually handle, which was part of my motivation for taking on the project.

      Digital Trends: Were there any significant challenges during the film's development?

      Campbell: Dan and I spent a considerable amount of time refining the script. We filmed in the Canary Islands, and being an independent project meant a tight budget and schedule.

      Fortunately, I had incredible actors, and we completed the shoot on time and within budget. Overall, it was a different experience from my past projects, and I found it quite challenging but enjoyable. Filming was straightforward; the Canary Islands provide a stunning backdrop, so no complaints here.

      Gordon: