TOM Austen’s responses to how he became interested in acting and how he had such a meticulously curated Instagram feed were strikingly similar. I was answered with, “It was never something that I thought ‘oh I’ll try this’,” and “I’ve never really thought about this like that.” But regardless of how he entered the industry, this 32-year-old actor, remarkably paving his own path, is starring in the newest show set to be part of the supernatural corner of the Marvel Universe, Helstrom.
The UK-born actor plays Daimon Hellstrom, inspired by the Son of Satan character in the comics, a character when paired up with his sister Ana (Sydney Lemmon), seeks to fight off true evil.
Tom Austen. Photograph: Nick Thompson
Austen, brought up in a military family, chose to “come up with an idea for what else he was going to do” career-wise and landed several TV and film roles in both the UK and the states, such as Guy Hopkins on Grantchester and Jasper Frost in the show The Royals on E!
Austen spoke to Glass about his upcoming role and maybe equal, if not even bigger news, his excitement behind writing a lot this past year and recently selling his “first feature to a UK company, which is in development.”
But in the meantime, he’s thrilled to put out this timeless story of good and evil and for fans “to experience something that’s way darker than anything out there at the moment.”
Tom Austen. Photograph: Nick Thompson
What drew you to the script of Helstrom?
Here’s the thing, you’re actually not allowed to read the script before you start working with Marvel. I had information about the character [and] the world they existed in, but it’s not until you [get] further down the line, that you really know what you’re dealing with. It’s a very unusual way to be working, but I found it quite exciting. It was like chucking the rule book out completely. I knew of the source material [and] the character, so I knew it was something that I wanted to be part of.
What did it mean to you to join the supernatural part of the Marvel Universe?
It’s incredible to be a part of something like this. There aren’t many bigger things in the world of TV and cinema at the moment than Marvel, so as an actor to be invited into that, it’s a massive honour, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. I mean I was really excited, but I was also scared that I was going to mess it up. But luckily, everyone involved was super supportive and made me feel so welcome.
I know that there are comic book fans out there, so did you feel that pressure to keep them interested and keep them engaged as well?
Oh yeah, the fans are out there, and they’ll let you know that they are out there. I think it’s more the job of the producers, the showrunner and the writer to [go] to the comics and ensure that they are staying true to [them].
As an actor, the thing that you’re working with is the final script. I read the comics and got a lot from them, [but] ultimately, I feel like the responsibility is on the writers and the producers, because the comics already exist. If you want to read the comics, read the comics.
We’re doing something new with this. We’re pushing the boundaries of what the comics can be [by] trying to open it up to a whole new audience.
Tom Austen. Photograph: Nick Thompson
Tom Austen. Photograph: Nick Thompson
Transitioning from the characters you played in The Royals and The Bold Type, what did you have to keep in mind when playing the role of Daimon Hellstrom?
I think as an actor, every [time] you start a new project you start at a different place in your life than when you started the last one. I feel as though [the] roles I’ve done before, they felt younger and when taking on this part, I was stepping into a different part of myself. It was the first big thing I was doing in my thirties, so it was nice to be able to bring the few elements of me that have done any growing up into this character and to experience someone at a different point of their life, who I am now.
Do you have a favourite episode for the audience to watch or are excited to see how they would react?
The final three episodes of this season are by far my favourite. Everything changes in the last three episodes for every character involved, especially for Daimon. For me, it was so great to be able to be in a completely different space as the character and I really can’t wait for everyone to see that.
Tom Austen. Photograph: Nick Thompson
How was it working with the rest of the cast?
The rest of the cast was awesome. Sydney who plays Ana, my sister, and I just clicked instantly. Our characters don’t click at all, but [we] worked so well together, and she’s become such a good friend. I’m completely in awe of her as an actor, I think she’s just incredible. Elizabeth Marvel who played our mother is just next level. We had a lot of fun while we did a lot of very dark stuff, which is exactly what I wanted.
What has been the highpoint of your career so far?
I shot a TV show playing one-half of a detective team with Jean Reno who’s been one of my favourite actors since I was really young, and we got to become really good friends. I think maybe two people watched the show, but it didn’t matter to me at all. It was so incredible to be able to work with someone who has inspired you for so long.
Tom Austen. Photograph: Nick Thompson
What advice do you have for aspiring actors or what piece of advice have you received that you’re grateful for?
I think the biggest thing as a young actor starting out that you have to do is just know your worth. I feel like there is so much good in our industry, but there is a lot of bad still, [and you] have to know who you are, what you stand for and be brave.
Tom Austen. Photograph: Nick Thompson
by Chandana Kamaraj
Marvel Universe, Helstrom, is available now on Hulu
Photographer: Nick Thompson
Styling: Rose Forde
Grooming: Carlos Ferraz using Dr Levy Switzerland and A Stylists Secret @Carol Hayes Management