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

      In their latest action-thriller, *Just Play Dead*, Samuel L. Jackson and Eva Green are at each other's throats. Directed by Martin Campbell, known for his work on the 007 franchise, the film centers on wealthy criminal Jack Wolfe (Jackson) who fakes his own death to escape the authorities. However, Jack’s wife Nora (Green) has plans to actually kill him and claim the life insurance payout.

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

      The transcript has been condensed for brevity and clarity.

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

      **Gordon:** *Just Play Dead* is probably the only piece I've written entirely from imagination. Normally, I work from a historical context or some element of truth.

      While on vacation in Hawaii with my then-girlfriend, we chartered a boat and I saw a mansion atop a cliff, clearly belonging to someone wealthy but with an unsettling vibe. I thought, “This would make a fantastic movie location.” I just didn’t have a story in mind yet.

      I also knew a person who was quite wicked, and I pondered what it would be like if he lived in that mansion. This led me to think about who he might be and whom he could be married to. That sparked the storyline.

      I've always wanted to create a film noir, so I decided to approach it as a dark comedy in a style reminiscent of the Coen Brothers. Writing it was incredibly enjoyable; I initially drafted it as a novel before adapting it into a screenplay.

      **Digital Trends:** That’s fascinating. Which particular films inspired you during the film's development?

      **Gordon:** I’ve always been a fan of 1930s and 1940s film noir like *The Postman Always Rings Twice* and *Double Indemnity*. Those films often starred actors like Sterling Hayden, Robert Mitchum, and Veronica Lake. Nora Wolfe, in my mind, is a mix of Lauren Bacall and Veronica Lake. I aimed to take those archetypes and inject some fun into them.

      **Digital Trends:** Interesting. Martin, did any specific films influence your direction style for this movie?

      **Campbell:** I don’t believe any specific films dictated the style. However, I do recall *The Sting*, which had a playful tone, and *Ocean’s Eleven*, which shared a similar sense of humor.

      It was essential for me to establish the right tone for the film. Balancing the larger-than-life characters while ensuring the humor shone through was crucial. None of the characters are redemptive; they’re all scheming against each other for money, revealing no intentions of sticking to their agreements. Naturally, chaos ensues.

      **Digital Trends:** And you’ve assembled a cast of larger-than-life actors. What has it been like working with Samuel L. Jackson and Eva Green on this film?

      **Campbell:** Having worked with both actors before, I knew they would be perfect for their roles. They are both excellent performers, and Sam possesses a mischievous glint in his eye. His character reflects that sense of unpredictability throughout the story.

      Eva is not only a fantastic actress but also has a wonderful sense of humor. The role suited her perfectly, echoing the essence of Veronica Lake and fitting the classic noir-comedy style.

      **Digital Trends:** Martin, you’ve directed numerous iconic action films, including *GoldenEye* and *Casino Royale*, as well as *The Mask of Zorro*. How did you approach crafting the action and thrills in *Just Play Dead*?

      **Campbell:** *Just Play Dead* contains less action than a Bond film, not in the same vein. It focuses more on character dynamics and plot development.

      I started with a great script—Dan crafted a really funny one. While there is action, it isn’t as prevalent as in my previous work, which is part of what attracted me to this project.

      **Digital Trends:** Did you face any significant challenges during the film's development?

      **Campbell:** Dan and I collaborated for quite some time to refine the script. We filmed in the Canary Islands, and being an independent project meant we had a limited budget and tight schedule.

      Fortunately, I had talented actors, and we managed to stay on schedule and on budget. Honestly, shooting was a dream; the Canary Islands provided a beautiful backdrop, so I have no complaints.

      **Gordon:** I’d like to add that collaborating with Martin and producer Moshe Diamant has been the most joyful experience of my career. Generally, I struggle to connect with directors, but this was entirely different.

      There was no ego involved; every note Martin provided, even the seemingly small ones, contributed meaningfully to enhancing the script