Interviewing actor Johan Wickholm

1-. How was your childhood?

My childhood was great for the most part.

I was born in Gibraltar, and grew up in a middle-class family. From a very young age, I was obsessed with superheroes. Some of my earliest memories come from stories my mom tells me — I used to dress up as Batman, bottle of milk in hand, and sit watching animated series at home.

I was always the kid who loved playing make-believe. I remember being around five or six years old and dressing up with a few friends as Batman, Superman and Spider-Man, just role-playing and creating our own stories. Looking back, I think that was one of the first signs that I had some sort of creativity within me.

That creativity carried into other areas as well. I used to write songs, even though music was never really my strong point haha. Recently, I’ve actually been thinking about getting into something like indie rock and possibly forming a band — although I’d need to learn how to play the guitar first. It’s definitely something that still interests me.

I remember going to a local audition when I was about eight or nine years old, for a really big studio film. At the time, I didn’t really understand what the audition process involved — I just remember my mum and dad encouraging me to walk into the casting room with a few friends. I think they knew what I was doing, I seemed to make everyone believe I was an intelligent child. Well long story short I didn’t end up getting the part, I remember just reading the lines so stale and just not putting much effort. I was more focused on wanting to go to the park, play video games and do what most kids my age were doing yknow.

Overall, I would say I had a pretty normal and happy childhood, but one that was always shaped by imagination, creativity and a love for storytelling — interests that have stayed with me ever since.

2-. From what age did you decide to be a actor and filmmaker and how did you know you had the skills to go on TV?

I got my first break in the industry when I was 20 years old, after being cast into a feature film. At that point in my life, I had just returned from Canada and was at a pretty low point. I had spent most of my teenage years focused on professional wrestling, and when that was suddenly taken away from me, I felt burnt out and unsure about what direction to take next, I felt lost.

When I got back home, I had a few conversations with my dad. I remember him and I discussing our love for film and he suggested I should seriously consider acting, he told me I had the right look for it. I had heard similar comments throughout my teenage years, but I was always very focused on wrestling. I’m quite stubborn by nature—once I set my mind on something, I feel I have to see it through.

I decided I would relocate to London and explore acting properly. However, before leaving, I had a real moment of reflection. I realised that I had spent eight years completely dedicated to one craft and hadn’t really enjoyed my life or experienced much outside of it. So I made a promise to myself to slow down, enjoy the process and give myself space to discover what I truly wanted.

While I was in London, I was walking around Piccadilly Circus and saw a huge billboard promoting Babylon. There was a long queue of people waiting to see the film, and I remember standing there and thinking how powerful that was—seeing so many people excited to experience a story together. I looked at the poster, with Brad Pitt as the focal point, and something clicked. I remember just thinking to myself, I wanna be like that guy, I wanna be the one making people line up and evoke such emotion in them, I wanted to be part of that world—to help bring people into cinemas and to create performances that could move and entertain audiences.

I’ve always been a big film fan. I’ve watched hundreds of films over the years and log most of them on Letterboxd, so cinema has always played a big role in my life. After that moment, I went home and spoke to a few friends and asked them how I could realistically get started in acting. They introduced me to several casting platforms and online resources, and I began applying for opportunities straight away.

Within a week, I received a casting call for a Bollywood feature film. I almost accepted it immediately, but at the last moment I decided to step back. It wasn’t about the industry itself—I simply felt very strongly that I wanted to focus on dramatic work and be careful about the kind of roles I took early on. I believe the first roles you accept can shape how you are seen as an actor, and I wanted my first professional experience to feel meaningful to me.

Shortly after that, my dad—who was acting as my agent at the time—unexpectedly met a film director through his work. He took the opportunity to speak to him briefly and mentioned that his son was trying to break into the industry. The director explained that he was developing a new project and was looking for young actors to play two brothers.

My dad asked me to send an introduction video, which I did that same day. Less than an hour later, I received a reply asking if I would like to meet for a coffee.

We met, and he talked me through the story and the project in detail. By the end of the meeting, he told me that he wanted me to play one of the two lead brothers. I was completely overwhelmed. I remember shaking afterwards and letting out a primal scream of excitement on the way home.

That project became my first feature film and my real entry into the industry. I worked on set for around twenty to twenty-five days, and that’s where I truly began to develop my skills. I learned by observing experienced actors, working closely with the director and crew, and understanding how a professional set actually functions. From there, one project led to another, and I slowly built connections and experience on each set.

That first opportunity opened the door for everything that followed and ultimately shaped the path I’m on today and the person I am.

3-. Did your parents support you in the decision you made to be an actor?

Yes, from a young age things were different. I am the first child of 4 so growing up I had to set an example of some sort. So I was there test subject a lot of the time haha, no but they’ve always suppose through my stubbornness.

4-. What was your first appearance on the screens?

“In Tenebras: Into The Darkness”

5-. What was the role you liked the most?

 I’d say “Letters Of Love” by far the most complex character I’ve undertaken

6-. What do you think led you to Fame?

I’d say my grit and sheer will, I’m someone like I mentioned that is incredibly stubborn. When I know I can do something I just do it, no hesitation. Regret is not something I like developing. So I just act no pun intended haha

7-. What types of characters you would like to interpret?

 Morally grey characters and complex characters, characters with proper development.

8-. What actresses and actors do you feel confortable working with?

 I like working with all different types, i thoroughly just enjoy working with new people and connecting.

9-. In what other genres of art would you like to participate? (Works of theater, music, among others)

Music like I mentioned earlier, but give me another 5 years to prep, debut album coming soon hahaha.

10-. Do you have any anecdotes that have marked you in your life and as a person?

 I went through a lot of personal development through my teenage years, which I’m sure I’ll mention in a few years from now, when I’m more comfortable talking about it.

11-. What has been your greatest achievement?

My most recent award circuit run which is ongoing as we speak, me and my team have picked up 3 awards since June and countless official selections at festivals for “Letters Of Love SHORT”

12-. What projects will you make next and which ones do you have in mind?

At the moment I’m working on a few things, most notably an anthology series with a good friend of mine, I’ve got a few feature films scheduled and I’m consistently speaking with industry peers on projects. The main thing for me is working with directors I like.

13-. Would you like to make a movie in Spain?

 Yes, I’ve worked on a few already. Spains right next door at the moment!

14-. You like Spanish cinema?

 Yes I do, I’ve watched many Spanish films and I’m always open to new work!