At 51, Jude Law remains one of the most vibrant actors of his generation, continuing to impress audiences with his diverse roles across film and television. Recently, he has taken on significant projects including the political thriller The Order, the drama Firebrand, and the much-awaited series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.
Jude Law, known for his role as Dickie Greenleaf in The Talented Mr. Ripley, recently reflected on the evolution of his career and how he navigates the pressures of fame. “I don’t have social media, but I’m learning from those who do,” he shared during a video call with EL PAÍS. “One of the joys of acting is surprising people and playing roles, making them believe you’re someone other than who you are.” This sentiment is particularly pertinent as he revisits characters and themes from his past works, celebrating anniversaries and shifting narratives.
Law stars as Terry Husk, a veteran FBI agent, in the upcoming film The Order. Directed by Justin Kurzel, the film tells the story of a white supremacist terrorist group active in the U.S. during the 1980s, based on the horrifying real events linked to the controversial novel The Turner Diaries. It is particularly timely, considering the resurgence of far-right ideologies today. “Zach Baylin wrote the script before the 2021 Capitol assault, and now it feels eerily relevant,” Law noted, emphasizing the character's depth and the film’s political undertones.
Alongside The Order, Law is featured as Captain Silvo in Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, which released on Disney+ on December 3. He expressed both commitment to the new project and joy at being part of the Star Wars universe, which he connected to his childhood. “I was introduced to the Star Wars universe when I was nine,” he explained. “I love the idea of taking childhood fantasies and injecting adult themes alongside them.” With tales of adventure exploring through the eyes of young characters, this series attempts to carve its niche away from the hefty lore of the main franchise.
While these new roles keep him busy, Law reflects on the lessons learned throughout his career. He admits he wishes he had established boundaries of his personal life earlier. “I’d have probably built [a wall] earlier,” he said. “I’m just not interested in promoting who I am or what I think anymore.” This realization safeguards his capacity to surprise audiences continuously, allowing them to see varied performances without heavy associations to his off-screen persona.
Looking back at his iconic film Closer, which premiered two decades ago, Law articulated its relevance. “It’s about how we feel when we meet someone who connects with us and the horror show of splitting up,” he recalled. “The script is human, raw and sincere.” Such roles paved the way for him, helping him break free from typical acting molds as he challenges societal standards through his characters.
Another milestone for Law is his portrayal of Henry VIII, underscoring how he mixes mainstream blockbusters with more serious, character-driven narratives. “The mere fact of making Firebrand from Katherine Parr’s perspective says so much about where we are today,” he stated. Law’s character arc explores new dimensions of power and vulnerability, interests mirrored throughout his dynamic acting career.
Despite the accolades and the stardom, Law maintains humility and curiosity about his craft. “I’m very happy aging,” he stated, emphasizing both challenges and opportunities lie within growing older. He believes acting isn’t only about maintaining physical appeal, but rather about shaping characters through maturity and lived experiences.
Even with his success, Law often reflects on the past, especially the 1990s, when his career first flourished. “Your 20s are a minefield, you’re comparing yourself with others, learning who you are,” he remarked. “But I was very fortunate to be [20] at the time.” The nostalgia of those days instills pride, yet he cherishes the depths he can explore as his career progresses.
With the recent release of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, many are excited for what his character Jod Na Nawood will bring to the Star Wars narrative. Acknowledging Star Wars fans' skepticism, Law expressed confidence after witnessing the series himself: “I actually had my reasons for doing it.” He hopes to portray someone reflecting on their past traumas, giving viewers another perspective of the galaxy far, far away.
Looking forward, Law is poised to continue his legacy, hoping others see the diversity of talent present within such characters he chooses to portray. From political dramas to adventures set among the stars, it is clear Jude Law is far from finished. His steady evolution as both actor and storyteller will remain compelling, as audiences continue to embrace the nuances of his work.
