GRUMPY MAGAZINE - Tomer Capone (Solo Edition)

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ABOUT Grumpy Magazine is an international digital and print publication founded and curated by Jasmine Perrier. Selfpublished from France since 2016, we aim at covering the cultural landscape across the world and sharing a genuine vision of life to get you out of your grumpy mood. More than just a magazine, we are interested in aesthetically pleasing a modern take on traditional staples and thus offering a unique book capturing thoughtful stories and stimulating sceneries.

This standalone feature is taken from Grumpy Magazine’s IN CONVERSATION series and exclusively available as a solo story featuring one talent and 20+ pages of interview and photos.

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COVER | Tomer Capone wears Maison Montagut

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TEAM & CONTRIBUTORS Jasmine Perrier at Studio J•T•P Publisher | Editor-in-chief | Producer | Writer | Designer Contributors Karen Fukuhara | Pierre-Emile Havette Emilie Plume

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Barbara Ikkache

SPECIAL THANKS BACK COVER | Tomer Capone wears Lacoste jacket | Pyrenex t-shirt

Pinnacle Public Relations Initiative Group | Sofitel

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Craig Schneider Le Scribe Paris

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The Opéra

INTERVIEW BY Karen Fukuhara PHOTOGRAPHY BY Pierre-Emile Havette STYLING BY Barbara Ikkache GROOMING BY Emilie Plume LOCATION Suite Opéra at Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra PRODUCTION BY Jasmine Perrier at Studio J•T•P

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omer in Paris

With the wild success of The Boys, Tomer Capone and Karen Fukuhara caught up with each other before the season three finale to discuss their connection and collaboration since the first day they met and look back on career highlights and challenges.

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IN CONVERSATION WITH

Tomer Capone 06

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W

hen Tomer Capone prepared for his audition for The Boys from Tel Aviv, he had an unexpected encounter with the local police after being spotted

by a neighbor with a fake gun. Not long after, he was on a plane to Toronto, heading out into the unknown. For the Israeli actor who grew up watching classic American movies like Edward Scissorhands or The Big Lebowski, Frenchie was a dream role because of the work required to step into the mind of the troubled yet compassionate and many-sided vigilante. A pillar of Amazon’s hit superhero satire is the dynamic between Frenchie and Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara), to the delight of fans fond of their evolving relationship which appears like a light in the darkness of the show. As we watched the actor pose for the camera at Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra, we quickly gathered that he was incredibly committed, easy-going, and spontaneous — some traits that have undeniably contributed to his international career thus far.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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I’m proud to say I understand why fans say that we are the heart of the show. I think it’s about me and you, it’s a connection. There is something that draws you to these outsiders.

’’ KAREN FUKUHARA: Hi! How are you?

things together and fly to Toronto. I didn’t know anything about the cast or the show. I landed in Toronto, buzzed my hair, and went to the most funky, weird places in Toronto, just to hang out with some punk rockers.

I had two episodes until you arrived and I was super excited to meet you. I remember us meeting at that place you talked about with Jack — you ordered a whiskey sour.

TOMER CAPONE: I’m good, love. I’m so happy you are doing this. Thank you.

KF: I’m really excited to do this. I did this last year with Erin [Moriarty], and it was really fun to get to know my castmate.

TC: Like we don’t know each other at all.

KF: Yeah!

KF: To start off, I want to go back to day one, when we first met in Toronto. I came in a little late because it was episode four already, and Jack [Quaid] texted me right away and he said, ‘‘I’m getting the good boys together, let’s grab some drinks.’’ My first impression of you was awesome. I remember feeling really relieved because of how passionate you were about Frenchie and the relationship between Frenchie and Kimiko. It’s been awesome ever since. What was your first impression?

TC: At that time, whiskey sour was my drink.

I was obsessed with it, and I was like, ‘‘Yeah, that’s my girl!’’

KF: Really?

TC: Yeah. So, that was a good start.

KF: That’s so funny. I remember that, good times. We’ve talked about this many times, but for you, that whole audition process was pretty short, right?

TC: When I met you for the first time, it was just horrible. No, I’m kidding [laughs].

TC: It happened at breakneck speed. If you’d told me that I would be Frenchie from The Boys, I’d like, ‘‘Really, what?’’ I can handle my French, but I’m not French. So, Frenchie was a dream role because it’s a transformation.

I remember having fun when auditioning. I don’t know if you know the story, but one of

KF: [Laughs] How did it feel going into The Boys?

TC: First of all, getting Frenchie’s role was super quick. I had four to six days to get my

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a farm and flirted with the idea of trying something with acting. I was very shy but a good friend, who is now my mentor and my Israeli agent, opened it up for me. Then, I remember taking the train once a week from the north of Israel to Tel Aviv, where all the big stuff happens. It sounds cliché, but when I went on stage for the first time, something felt right. It was like being on a horse that knows you and you know him. I felt uplifted, but then, they said the scene that I did was horrible.

the neighbors in Tel Aviv thought the toy gun I had was real, and they called the police. At the last minute, they recognized me from this Israeli thing I did. We shot another take after the cops left. So, I guess the intensity was real. You knew for quite some time that you would come in, right?

KF: I found out maybe a few months before.

TC: Did you have the script? Because I only read it on the plane to Toronto, and I was like, ‘‘Hello, Kimiko!’’ It was all very tense in the first season.

KF: What? Why? [Laughs] TC: It was so funny but I loved it. They gave me a scene from this play with this very old guy who is having this monologue about him wasting his life and not giving attention to his wife. I thought it was very strong, so when I went on stage, I dyed my hair white, hunched my back, took a cane, and did this crazy voice. They didn’t like it [laughs].

I understood that it was something that I had to learn.

KF: Frenchie is a completely different character for you, and you were in Fauda before. Would you say that being a paratrooper helped with that?

TC: A lot of my Israeli breakthrough roles were post-traumatic heroes, soldiers — let’s just say that I was in a surrounding that really understood those worlds.

KF: You were in the Forces but you were also the leader, right? So, bringing people together was also something that was part of being in that.

KF: Did you take classes then?

TC: A lot of them. Two days ago, I did another session on this body language system with a great teacher. Learning never ends. How funny it is when we think a scene went horrible, but then, people say, ‘‘That was one of the best scenes you guys have ever done.’’

TC: I feel like when you are in any sort of intense, out of the ordinary environment, or group of people, at the end of the day, you know that you can only rely on each other.

Similarly, between action and cut, we only have each other to complete the mission.

KF: Since we both just watched our most recent season, there were definitely some scenes that I was not happy with on the day, and later on, I was like, ‘‘Oh, it’s not terrible.’’

Then, the opposite happens [laughs]. You never know with acting. You said you were into American film and TV and you did a movie with Natalie Portman. Was that a big moment for you in your career?

KF: Definitely. How did you get into acting from that life step?

TC: There is something that is very Israeli — after you finish your service, you get on the plane and regain yourself in a different situation. So, I was in India for a long time, just having fun. I thought I could maybe continue my army career when I started it, but it changed quickly. Traveling and knowing different people from all over the world opened up something from my childhood. I remember sitting in front of the television, watching movies, and being like, ‘‘I can be a part of this world.’’ As a five-year-old, I was certain that I would be this colorful wrestler in WWE. Then, I came back [from India] and my first love was horses and animals. I started working at

TC: I think it calmed me down. I got cast by Natalie Portman directing her first movie to be her love interest. I was very fine with that.

KF: You were very ok with it [laughs].

TC: We had some time to meet each other and have those conversations about the profession because she is one of the best and has been there for a long time.

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KF: Was it a dream to make it to Hollywood?

farther than most of us. So, living there six months out of the year must be difficult.

TC: No, because I started pretty late, and it never stopped. It was job after job, and I felt so committed.

TC: And that’s just Toronto. I spent six months in Budapest shooting a movie.

Right now, I’m looking at my house door, and I’ve got two big suitcases, ready for a green light. So, [traveling] is a blessing and a curse because it’s beautiful to get to see a lot of places and meet cool people, but to be honest, you get sick from hotel rooms at a certain point because you don’t have your own space, your environment for more than two months, and you see your family less.

Not to sound like I’m complaining, but there are a lot of sacrifices when you are an actor.

You live like a gypsy in a way.

KF: I’m curious to know what piece of advice Natalie Portman gave you.

TC: Oh, it’s a good one. To be honest, she said, ‘‘If you want to direct a movie, never be in it.’’ [Laughs] KF: Really? Interesting.

TC: Because she was the lead role and directing, what happened was this bizarre thing where she was doing her scene before running back to the monitors to see the takes. And the movie was in a lot of dust, a lot of mud, and a lot of rain, so it was too much.

KF: Did you love the traveling aspect more when you were younger? Because right now, it’s hard being away from family, but I think it’d be even harder later.

KF: What are your best and worst times on set? My worst times are usually off-set because I’m auditioning and I think that’s the hardest part of being an actor. You have to be really confident with what you bring to the table, and sometimes, it doesn’t happen for you. What about you?

TC: I don’t know if it gets harder, but it’s definitely something that makes you stronger in a way.

KF: Alright, let’s talk about Frenchie. You get the script, you read it, what do you do?

TC: First of all, I go, ‘‘Oh my god.’’ I read it again, and usually, I’ll call you and say, ‘‘Did you read that? Did you see that?’’ Then, I calm down and I start to write whatever comes to mind in the most spontaneous way possible. And we have the table work.

I’ll go through anything I have in my toolbox and you get to a point where you are like a reporter, which is what you are doing right now [laughs]. You do research about anything that you want to be clear about.

For me in this season, it was Novichok, that Russian nerve gas. I also keep a journal for Frenchie that I’ve carried from season one.

It’s a lot more personal, it’s about inner thoughts, traumas, what Frenchie would say to himself, all those kinds of things. And I hear a lot of French rap music. You hear it as well, I’m playing it all day long.

TC: I agree with what you are saying about auditions. It’s this weird thing where sometimes you really want something, and then, you forget that it’s not about how you were on the take, it’s about so many other things. It’s the most cliché thing, but I’m thinking of the Rocky Balboa phrase — it doesn’t matter how many times you fall down, it’s how many times you get back up. So, it’s this love-hate thing. In terms of my best or worst parts, after doing that for a couple of years in my twenties where I was acting to survive, now I’m finding joy in acting in a way that it’s just me doing the work of being present in the moment and having fun. In this season [of The Boys], I did some videos to myself to remember that one day further down the line and be like, ‘‘It’s so cool man, you got to appreciate some stuff you went through and it’s not taken for granted.’’ These are the best parts.

Then, it’s the blessing and the curse, which is traveling. Right?

KF: I do! What is one song that you think defines Frenchie or you listen to [in order to] get into him?

TC: Since day one, it’s been ‘‘Ça plane pour moi’’ by Plastic Bertrand. I think it’s one of

KF: You live so far away from Toronto, even

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the greatest French songs from the eighties.

I don’t know how it came to me, it was out of the blue.

always pretty scared of it. But something with Frenchie opened a whole new world of improv. I don’t even care if it’s in the movie or not, but I think Kimiko and Frenchie’s secret handshake that we built together is the coolest stuff for me and you this season, even if it didn’t get in.

KF: Was it in season one, your introduction scene where you are either making a bomb or putting together things with the goggles?

You asked to play [a specific song].

KF: We did it so many times! [Laughs] TC: Yeah. That was a very significant and important moment for me as Frenchie because when I came in, they had already shot the first episode. I heard the song they pitched in the script and I didn’t like it. At the time, I had this playlist that I did very quickly and I really liked. I had that specific song that I was so into and I thought it would be perfect for the scene. I pitched it to Eric Kripke, our amazing showrunner, and I was amazed that he was like, ‘‘I love it, we are gonna see if we can get clearance for it.’’

The day after, it was played on set. So, I was like, ‘‘I’m at the right place, with the right people.’’ And we are still trying to pitch so many things [laughs].

TC: But you know what? At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if it’s in or out, it’s going to affect the scenes and our relationship anyway. It’s worth everything because you build this world and make it more grounded and believable when we have to say the lines, or sign the lines.

KF: Is there a favorite scene of yours that you are proud of?

TC: Wow, I’m not a fan of watching myself [laughs].

KF: Me neither [laughs].

KF: So many things [laughs]. In a lot of interviews, you’ve spoken about how you love how collaborative The Boys production is. But what do you usually want from a writer, a director, or a showrunner you are working with?

TC: I saw some stuff but I don’t know... I’m proud to say I understand why fans say that we are the heart of the show. I think it’s about me and you, it’s a connection.

There is something that draws you to these outsiders. I love the simple scenes more than anything. Although I did love us watching Crimson Countess [Laurie Holden] doing her thing this season.

TC: I’ll talk about The Boys for a second because this is what we are rocking right now. You know what Eric says in every email that he sends, he is like, ‘‘Even more than you are talented and you are a great actor, you are a great human being.’’ And that’s something I agree with. More than anything, you want something communicative and you want to feel trust there. So, I love when we are like, ‘‘Let me try something. It will work or won’t work, but let’s just explore it for a second, and then, we can shape it up.’’

So, I want openness and fun.

KF: That was such a fun day.

TC: Wait, what is your favorite scene? I’m curious.

KF: Honestly, there are so many moments between Frenchie and Kimiko that I absolutely love, but my favorite moments on set are the things that we do in between setups. By season three, we have our own little thing going and it’s just so fun to spend time with you.

KF: You always bring really creative and fun ideas. Even little things where we are in the back of someone else’s conversation, living as Frenchie and Kimiko. Do you love improving?

TC: You know what? My favorite scenes are the ones where I’m not doing a lot, and you are doing your fight scenes. I’m like a kid on set watching this crazy girl doing her crazy shit. It’s the coolest thing ever so whenever that happens, those are my favorite scenes shooting or doing.

TC: I do. It’s a new thing for me because when I did some courses and I was a little bit in school, I don’t know why I was

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KF: [Laughs] It’s funny though because Frenchie doesn’t tend to do a lot of action, and you’re probably one of the most athletic people there.

amazing nature. And then, I love seeing movies at the Fox Theatre in The Beaches.

It’s this great old-fashioned theatre and they are screening the coolest stuff.

TC: Kripke’s inbox is packed with emails [laughs]. They are begging for Frenchie to get some more action scenes — hopefully in season four.

KF: We still have to go skydiving. I haven’t gone yet.

TC: And you have to come with me to [Canada’s Wonderland]. We never did it because Jack always bails on me.

KF: Other than the action scenes, is there anything you hope for in season four? I hate answering this question because if you say it, they won’t write it [laughs].

KF: We have to go because we shot there [when Frenchie and Kimiko travel to VoughtLand to meet Crimson Countess], but we’ve never seen it for what it actually is [laughs].

TC: Why do you see it like that?

KF: I feel like a lot of times, if you think of something, the writers don’t want to do that. They will probably think of something better. That’s how I answer all things about Frenchie and Kimiko’s relationship because I don’t want to say something and then prevent it from happening or not.

TC: Take me on a roller coaster ride, Karen.

KF: I will 100% take you up on that offer. I think a lot of people that might be reading this interview have never been to Tel Aviv.

TC: It can go so many ways. Whatever comes, I’ll accept it with love and we are going to do our best to bring it out there. But same as you, I don’t want to manifest anything.

I want to let the writers do their own thing.

I’m super curious to see where we get to go.

TC: I think Tel Aviv is one of the coolest places on earth. I’ve been traveling a lot for the past couple of years, and I can honestly say that Tel Aviv is one of the most beautiful, mysterious, and interesting places I’ve ever been. I love it, obviously because I live here, but it really is. It’s different.

KF: What would you say to your younger self?

KF: I have to visit. Last question, what is your dream role?

TC: Look at that, I’m still young and dumb!

[Laughs] I don’t know if I feel old enough, but it would be something like, ‘‘Keep it real, look out for your authentic self, don’t complain, don’t explain, just do it. The rest will follow.’’

TC: For me, it’s more about being in the moment, that pursuit that I’ve had over the last couple of years. More than anything, I want to work with people that I admire on magnificent stories and have fun on the way. I hope for roles that would be again magical, in beautiful worlds that eventually make people laugh, cry, maybe fall in love, and put a smile on their faces. So, it’s a winwin situation.

KF: Wow, great, I love that. I can’t believe you just thought of that.

TC: It’s just things I picked up from wiser and older people than me.

KF: Manifest it, believe it, make it happen.

KF: What is your favorite place to go to in Toronto?

TC: Don’t complain, don’t explain, just do it.

Great interview, thank you!

TC: Oh, that’s a good one. For me, Toronto is surrounded by the most

KF: That was awesome. Thank you for your time.

THE BOYS IS NOW STREAMING ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO

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‘‘

Keep it real, look out for your authentic self, don’t complain, don’t explain, just do it. The rest will follow.

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‘‘

After doing that for a couple of years in my twenties where I was acting to survive, now I’m finding joy in acting. In this season [of The Boys], I did some videos to myself to remember that one day further down the line and be like, “It’s so cool man, you got to appreciate some stuff you went through and it’s not taken for granted.”

’’

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