Jack Dylan Grazer
stars in film
Shazam! Fury of the Gods
Photography Kourtney Kyung Smith
Creative Director Deborah Ferguson
Interview Deborah Ferguson
Jack Dylan Grazer; a trail-blazing young actor launched into icon status by the age of 13 as Eddie Kaspbrak in the box office smash hit film “IT”. His introduction to acting as a young student came to him by default while attending The Adderley School which not only led to leading acting roles but served as an outlet for his multiple interests in music, dance, and musical theatre.
The DC universe film “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” in which he co-stars as Freddy; as the fast-talking nerd released Its sequel in March is among his successful projects releasing in 2023. A much-anticipated upcoming film is the Chuck Klosterman adaption “Downtown Owl” directed by Lily Rabe and Hamish Linklater.
Aside from his 2023 films he has starred in a highly acclaimed HBO series “We Are Who We Are “ created by award-winning Director Luca Guadagnino. Jack’s career overflows into music by way of his band and screenplay writing. All whilst he is evolving a multi-hyphenate career, he has created a Bi-Annual Scholarship fund for students of his Alma Mater at The Adderley School.
What are your most memorable moments for your character Freddy while filming Shazam in the sequel?
Getting to round up the cast and then also bring in some incredibly talented and powerful female leads was really spectacular and special.
Were you able to your input on the evolution of the Freddy character? If so, can you share a few of the details?
Yes absolutely. He and I pretty much aged together as one symbiotic critter kid in a sense. I really relate to Freddy anyway, so I loved delving deeper into his emotionality as he rows into a young adult.
Has working with extraordinary, highly acclaimed directors and producers inspired you to consider directing and writing your own films and or series?
Absolutely. I’ve always been inspired by good films and television and I’m always going to be coming up with ideas. I want to direct and I want to write a film, and that’s been my plan for a long time when the right time comes, it’ll get made.
What genre of film would you like to produce, write, and direct?
I kind of want to explore every genre. As long as the writing, story, and thematics are smart and compelling, I am attracted.
Do you have a dream team of collaborators you wish to evolve films and series with?
Absolutely! There are a lot of actors and directors and writers that I look up to and who inspire me. Spike Jonze is a director I really love and I’d love to play pretend with Tilda Swinton someday.
While on our cover shoot, I was impressed with your authentic in-depth knowledge of music and filmmakers that most people of your generation would not be so savvy to. Can you share where this passion and knowledge evolved from?
I’ve always been eager to expose to myself to culture and pursue research in music and film. As a kid, I watched a lot of movies and was raised on old-school music ranging from the 1940s to the 1970s and further. I love it. I’m a classic film and music trivia whiz, I swear.
You’re also a multi-talented musician who had a band; can you elaborate on which genres of music inspire you?
Right now, I really love psychedelic fusion instrumental music. I’ve been really into music theory and composition too and have been just having so much fun.
Do you like to attend live music gigs at small and large venues? If so, what type of venues inspire you to enjoy live music?
Honestly, I’ve been to so many different venues both giant and tiny but I love the tinier ones a lot too for small makeshift jazz and blues. I went to a jazz bar in LA recently called the Baked Potato and loved it and there’s also this cryptic little mega-cool jazz cave in Paris, that I love too.
Your passion and interest in design and fashion are amazing, and you have been aligned with brands such as Dior MAN, Celine, and Saint Laurent to name a few. What were your thoughts on the Kenzo Paris Spring 23 looks you wore in our cover shoot?
I love love LOVE Kenzo! The collection that I had the privilege of wearing reminded me of what it felt like the first time I ever dressed up in a costume as a little guy. Being a clown in the mirror, or Indiana Jones or Batman, or whoever I wanted. Ultimate freedom of self-expression.
How much time do you make daily Skateboarding and who’s your favorite pro skater?
To be honest, I haven’t been skating as much as I’d like to as of recently because there’s a lot of rain and cold weather where I live in Nashville now but I still love it so much. My favorite pro skate is probably Chris Jolson or Antoine Dixon.
Was there anyone in your career that you feel helped support you to where you are now? A director? Producer? Fellow actor?
Oh definitely, I’ve been honored to work with so many incredible creatives and they’ve all filled me with their personal insight and enlightenment in one way or another.
What inspired the Scholarship you created? Do you have any other foundations or charities you like to support?
I started my scholarship at the Adderley School because, simply, it was the least I could do to give back to the vessel of love that fueled and influenced my whole entire life. I also work very closely with Stomp Out Bullying, Ican Foundation, and No Kid Hungry to spread more awareness worldwide and do my best to make this world a better, more awakened foundation for young people.
What advice would you give a young actor?
Love yourself at every stage, no matter how hard it gets, and stay disciplined because, without discipline, talent won’t really take you too far.
Photography
Kourtney Kyung Smith
Creative Director & Fashion Editor
Deborah Ferguson
Web Layout
Jill Ryan
Grooming
Colleen Dominique @ eamgmt
Thank you Platform PR & Kenzo