I am Slit in Mad Max, Stryker in X-Men, Chuckler in The Pacific, and actor/director Josh Helman in real life. AMA!

How amazing was it being in Mad Max? Was it a fun film to make?

edit to add: The final "Witness me" scene gave me chills, and still does. Just wanted to tell you that. Up there with one my personal "best death scenes ever".

The most fun. Got some life-long friends out of it, got to ride on the bonnet of a car and shoot a gun, all the good stuff. And George Miller is such a sweetheart. I love that man to death.

And yeah - both "Witness Me" deaths were awesome. Morsov and Nux-y Wux-y. Bless their sweet little hearts.

Jesus, spoiler alert, Josh Helman...

OOH! SPOILER ALERT. Sorry. I suck at this.

what did that silver spray paint taste like?

Regrettably (SPOILER ALERT) I never used it in the film. I wish that I knew. I like to imagine it was some kind of food dye base, but who knows. It probably tasted like copper and corn syrup.

Josh, mad max ruled, can you describe the most "LOVELY DAY" that you've had in all of your acting career?

When I got the call to say I had landed the role in The Pacific, I was almost broke, standing next to my dad, and at first I thought they were telling me that I had booked a KFC commercial. After we cleared that up, I sat down and couldn't speak for about 15 minutes. Then I called everyone I knew and ran around like a crazy person. It was a very lovely day.

How jacked was Hugh Jackman in real life?

We're currently separated by the Pacific Ocean and I think I can still see his biceps

YaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaY What a lovely DAY! I can talk to AMAZING GUY, Josh Helman! Thanks GOD! Hello Josh, I am your huge fan from south Korea and I appreciate that for doing this event Do you have any plans to visit South Korea? 조쉬 헬먼 사랑해요 ♥

I would love to one day, and I'm sure I will, but I have no plans to yet. What's your favourite thing about South Korea?

What is your favorite memory in filming the awesome Mini-series 'The Pacific'?

Boot Camp. 10 days of Marines yelling at us on 4 hours sleep a night and then finally bonding with the Marines when we all ate pizza and drank beer in our foxholes and cried. That's how the real military is, right? And Tom Hanks came in on day one and gave a big speech in which he said my character's name and I think I pooped a little.

Hi Josh! What's a role that you were really torn up about not getting, but looking back are glad you didn't?

I think Kristen Stewart was the right choice for Twilight. But man I would have kissed the SHIT out of that Pattinson guy.

Phrasing!

Mother! Phrasing!

Congratulations on Fury Road, it's pretty awesome. How does it feel to have a relatively minor part in a film that is getting such impressive reviews? I've often wondered if it makes people feel more distant from it, or almost like they have a more personal relationship with the project because they are less openly connected to it.

Also, how much impact do you think filming in more obscure locations had on the quality of the film?

It feels incredible. More than anything, I just want to work with awesome people on awesome films, I really don’t care how big the role is. Each movie is a little family and I want to be in as many great families as possible. So I feel very connected to the good vibes of Fury Road. And yeah - shooting in Namibia was incredible. A film like this, being so visual, benefits so much from its locations. Wouldn’t have been the same without those amazing vistas.

Secondary question, give me a theory - how would the film have progressed differently if Slit had beaten Nux in the fight the steering wheel at the start?

He would have peaced-out, driven to Xanadu and partied with Olivia Newton John. Probably.

Hey Josh, thanks for doing this AMA!

Will we be seeing you again in the X-men universe? Because you killed it as William Stryker!! And what is a fun fact about you? In mad max, during the scene where you were spitting nitro into the engine, were you really riding on the trunk of the car or was it special effects?

Oh, I was strapped to that car. It was awesome. That was one of the best days on a set I've ever had. So much fun.

A fun fact about me? I can balance a chair on my chin.

Would you rather fight a 100 tiny Danny Devitos or 1 horse sized Danny Devito?

One horse sized Danny DeVito. That man deserves to be a giant for a day.

Hey, youd did a great job on Mad Max. What was going on your mind when they told you was selected to play the role ?

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTT THEEEEEEEEEEEEE FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

was basically it.

Josh Helman, is that you?

I sure hope so, because otherwise I have been tragically misinformed.

Tragically misinformed or magically transformed?

You, my friend, are a spoonerism superstar.

What line have you said in a movie that you'd like to have as your catch phrase?

Well there was an alternate line that McQuarrie whispered in my ear to try, more to make the crew laugh than anything else I think. It was in the scene outside where I was having the tete-a-tete with Reacher. So the line, "Shut your mouth, Sandy!" was almost "Shut your cock-holster, Sandy!" ... And that's the day that I fell in love with Chris McQuarrie. (Yes, a terrible line in real life. But a great line from an asshole's mouth in a movie.)

Best, Josh "Shut Your Cock-Holster" Helman

This is not a very great catch-phrase, in retrospect.

Just wanted to get one in before it was all over. How fun was it doing this AMA?

Hugs and kisses. Let's get a drink soon.

Yes let's. Tonight maybe? This is really fun! Do I sound like a complete neanderthal?

You're doing great.

You're so sweet and handsome.

Really liked you in 'Jack Reacher'. What was it like to work with Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise?

AMAZING. Such generous guys. McQuarrie is a hero to me, he really is. That man's brain is incredible. I had the audacity (read: inexperience) to ask him if I could ad-lib a line. He didn't hesitate to say yes. I mean, the dude won an Oscar. For writing. What the fuck was I thinking? And then he laughed and I think it's in the movie now. I owe him everything, in a way.

Which line?

The line in the bar right before Tom sighs and says, "Outside."

Do you have a "most embarrassing Audition" story?

YES.

I can't sing. Let's start there. For some reason, I got an audition for a film in which I had to sing. Normally you would sing a ballad or a show tune or something. I don't know, actually. But seeing as I knew I was going to bomb, I decided that I was going to sing The Superhero Song by Stephen Lynch. Spoiler Alert: it's filthy. Well, it gets to being filthy and mean after starting gentle and light.

Needless to say, I did not get that role.

What was your favourite role that you have had?

Hard to top being cast as Joseph in the nativity play when I was 5. Had a mad crush on the girl playing Mary, too. Sadly, it never went further than me pushing her on the shoulder and running away giggling.

so as almost everyone knows by now Mad Max was a super awesome movie...but i just can't imagine you showing up to an audition looking like your character. how did that work? .. im assuming you actually had to audition for that role.

I did audition. I was flown to Sydney and spent I think 5 hours doing various improvisations and small scenes with Nico Lathouris, one of the co-writers. I jumped around and screamed and behaved like an utter loon. But I loved it. Probably the most fun audition process I've ever had. And then a few days later my Aussie agent called to say that I'd been offered a role. Then I got to go into Kennedy Miller in Sydney, read the script, look at the thousands of story-boards, and geek out of my fucking mind.

That sounds like the best day ever! I couldn't even imagine the feeling of scoring that gig.

Did you go into the audition knowing that you would be doing improvisational scene work? Or did you you think it was going to be a typical reading? Also, have you had formal training in theater background? Or have you learned from mostly experience or specifically film acting? Very excited to see your career grow, and hope only the best man!

Thanks, mate. I knew there was no script. So that made me free to play because I had no lines to screw up. It could all come from me. I had theatre training but also film training too at my university, QUT. It was a great place to learn. I was a terrible actor when I was there, though. Scared of my own shadow. I think they're all secretly surprised that I have a career now.

Why is your family's brand of mayonnaise superior to other brands of mayonnaise?

The crack.

Hey Josh, great job in Mad Max!

You also fancy yourself a director, what's your dream project?

Also, I noticed you were in Jack Reacher. What did you think of Pittsburgh?

Thanks!

I thought Pittsburgh was rad! I would like to go back and spend more time there. I hear they shot some of Nolan's Batman trilogy there, too. That's pretty awesome. I just played a character from Pittsburgh in a new Starz show called Flesh and Bone. I went back there for a few days to spend time in bars and talk to the locals. It was great.

As for a dream project as director, that's a tough one. Once I get Kate Can't Swim under my belt, I think I'll have a better idea. If it goes well, there's something I want to shoot next year with my buddy Badge (one of the best actors out there, in my opinion) if he's not shooting something. That boy's always working on something.

What have been the most challenging and most exciting things so far about making your first feature film?

Also, what does "true-blue dinky-di" mean?

Well, fundraising is hard. We're crowd-funding through Kickstarter, and it's challenging to try and keep getting the word out without getting on people's nerves. It's tough to communicate why you believe in something to a group of people who don't necessarily care about it. I don't feel like I'm great at that, but my producers Sam and Jen are awesome. I try to stay out of the limelight, so putting myself out there in a way that is genuine but could be misconstrued as the opposite sucks. So hopefully we can raise the money, I'll make a strong debut, and next time we won't have to rely on the kindness of strangers (Tennessee!!).

The exciting thing, though, is that I get to make a movie! I've wanted to make movies since I was a kid. To me it's a great way to spend your life. I'm lucky that I get to be in them, and if I get to make them too then I'll consider myself the luckiest man alive. Unless they're shit. Then I'll probably be bummed.

Also, True Blue and Dinky-Di (rhymes with Thinky Fly) mean "legitimate" or "true" or "real" in Aussie slang. They both mean the same thing. I just put them together. It's tautological, I know.

HI!!! I absolutely LOVED Mad Max!!! My brother saw it three times and I saw it twice! You were amazing! What was it like filming in the desert!? And what is Tom Hardy like!?

Tom is a genius. I don't know how he does what he does but he does it and it's awesome.

wow! thanks for replying! I'm ecstatic! <3 I can't wait to see more of your work! What's your favorite movie/Tvshow!?!

I'm loving Daredevil. My boy Toby Moore plays Wesley, and he KILLS it.

What's the best advice that your parents ever gave you? Also, I'm very happy about Gay Marriage being legal, too. :)

"Don't speak unless you have something to say." "Treat others how you would like to be treated." "Don't come in the bedroom if the door is shut."

Josh, How tall are you?

I think you are taller than 6' but I can't find exactly info

6'2".

Thanks for doing this! How was the atmosphere on the set of Mad Max? Any funny stories you are willing to share?

It was testing sometimes, but only because it was a behemoth shoot in trying conditions. That being said, morale was always high and we had an amazing crew who brought their all. The stunt team on MM:FR deserves all of the accolades possible.

As for stories: One day I put on a sailor's cap in my Slit get-up and paraded around like I was in a musical. I found it funny?

Loved your character in The Pacific immensely!! (And also love your sporadic tumblr appearances when your interactions with fans leave us all in tears)

While filming The Pacific, how was your off-screen experience with James Badge Dale, Jacob Pitts, and Keith Nobbs? Any good stories to tell, and do you guys still keep in touch? Those scenes always brought great comic relief to the series and you all seemed to have good chemistry!

Those men are all dead to me.

Okay, that's not true. They're all basically my best friends. If we were gay we'd never get out of bed together. I love them all and I hope if I go first that they'll all collaborate on a rap eulogy for me so I could die again with love and happiness.

Hello Mr.Helman!

So, trying to ask this as least awkwardly as I can. I moved to New York a little while ago for a Virtual Reality internship, just for the summer. I also really liked your work, and your character in Mad Max was one of my favorites.

I recently picked up the Mad Max comic books - and I had kind of assumed you lived in Australia? So imagine my surprise, when that very same day, I'm 99% sure I walked by you on the street. I kind of did a double take and made a weird, loud whale noise ... But being the shy girl that I am, I figured it would be rude to run after you and ask for you to sign them. ( And there was also that percent of uncertainty, because man wouldn't it be embarrassing if it wasn't you? HAHA. BOY this is sure getting awkward.)

So basically, my question is this: are you doing any public appearances in the city where you WOULD sign my comic books within the next week before I head home? Because that would be super cool.

( Or maybe you do live in Australia and I'm being delusional. Oh my god. )

You are adorable. Sadly, I don't think that I will be doing anything, I have to leave the city in the next couple of days for work. Was it New York where you thought you saw me? It could have been some other almost-but-not-quite-handsome man.

Hey, I liked your character and how he harrassed Nux. How does it feel to be part of the best action movie in the past decade? Thanks.

It feels awesome. Total dream come true. Especially as an Aussie. To be in Mad Max? Fugghedaboudit.

Just watched the kickstarter video again for "Kate Can't Swim" (for the third or fourth time).

What draws you to the filmmaking style of the Duplass Brothers and Cassavetes and how do you feel it will influence you as a director and actor on your film?

I love the way Cassavetes and the Duplass Brothers give their actors so much to work with. Cassavetes always scripted his films first, which I don't think the Duplass brothers always do, but despite that they both manage to create work that feels emotionally authentic. That's really what I'm interested in. Getting behind the façade.

Is Charlize Theron as beautiful in real life as she looks on camera?

Yes. She's gorgeous. And hilarious.

Great AMA! Love your responses!

How do you normally prepare for your roles?

I try to read the script as many times as I can until the story is second nature to me. Then I can just focus on what I'm doing as a character, and what I'm really doing with my dialogue. I try to create as much back-story as I need to have a sense of why I'm after the things that I'm after and then I try to let it all go and play with the other actors.

Will you be growing a "between projects" beard leading up to Kate Can't Swim?

I would hope one day to match the flaxen thicket of joy that is your beard, Ross. But alas, such miracles are not possible.

Do you prefer acting in action films to other kinds of films? Or do you want to expand your repertoire? What's a role you've seen and thought- I'd be great for that!

Seeing Matt Damon in The Bourne Identity made me want to be an actor. I had read and loved the books, but Damon is a VERY good actor, one of my favorites, and he created something so specific and unexpected in that character. It the complexity in characters that I love to explore. So whatever movies those characters come in.

Hi Josh! I just wanted to say that I really love your role of Stryker in Xmen. And you are my favorite out of all the actors that played Stryker. How did you get into position into playing the role?

Flattering of you to say that. I think I would rather watch Brian Cox or Danny Huston, but I will accept the compliment anyway. Thank you!

I just got lucky. I auditioned for another role - Young Juggernaut - and got cast, and then they eliminated that role from the script. So I was out. Then they were looking for someone for Stryker and brought me back in to audition. I did, they thought I didn't suck, and the rest is history.

Oh gosh I hope I'm not too late -- Gotta tell you, Slit turned out to be one of my absolute favorite characters from Fury Road! And I think one of the most iconic moments is when Slit's hanging halfway off the hood of the Interceptor looking like he's absolutely having the time of his life in the final chase -- really kind of catches the crazy vibe of the film and the war boys.

That being said! What was going through your mind when you were shooting scenes that had you climbing over all those moving vehicles? I know some shots were movie magic'd to make them safer but were you actually throttling across the desert in scenes like the one when you're on the Interceptor ?

I loved it. That lean wasn't scripted but the car wasn't going that fast and it felt like a good moment for some kind of orgasmic physical indulgence. I'm glad it made it into the movie, even for a second.

Most of the time I was just thinking, "WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

Who's your favorite actor/actress to work with and why?

I've worked with Nick Hoult twice, and I would work with him on everything if I could. I think he's the bee's bollocks. He's just so goddamn sweet and he smells like freshly chopped wood. It's glorious.

Could you tel us about the makeup application process for Fury Road?

I had two prosthetics artists, Sean Genders and Jess Reedy, who made me up every day. It took 2.5 hours. But I loved it. Sean and Jess are true masters and lovely to boot, so I couldn't have had it any better.

I hate the sight of you!
Why do I hate you?

Get off the computer and go to sleep, Dad.

When they put staples through your cheeks, how badly did it hurt?

On a more serious note, how awesome does it feel to be (just about) the most memorable face from the trailers? (where you're pointing ahead and grinning)

I was pretty stoked about that, can't lie. It's totally surreal. That was my last shot on the movie, too - my last day on set. Very sad.

Do you have any tips for anyone who wants to try as an actor? I really want to try, but there isn't really any acting classes where I live so if you have any other tips. That'd be really helpful. :)

Ps, I loved you in X-men :)

Love Emma. :)

It's a tough industry. There's a reason that people say, "If you can do anything else, do it." But the people who stick it out find a place. But the bottom line is, do it. Do it as much as you can. Learn from actors that you admire. And enjoy it! It's easy to forget to enjoy it, sometimes.

Josh... who would you rather face in a muay thai fighting pit?

Joey Pantoliano or Michael Ironside?

xoxo

Joey Pants vs. Mikey Ironsides. Oh yes that is a good match-up, my friend. I say let them fight each other and then I'll fight the loser.

Did you see the original Mad Max films before acting in Fury Roads? And how is George Miller? Crazy?

George is SO SWEET. He's a gentle teddy bear of a man with a giant roiling jet-fueled circus playing 24/7 in his mind. You would never expect it from so soft-spoken and genial a man. I love him dearly.

When did the idea of "Kate cant Swim" came into your mind? Any funny incidents while filming the movie?

It actually started as something I was going to shoot as a short, about an innocuous but somewhat irresponsible comment made between two couples that causes a different reaction in everyone and a changing of allegiances. Then the more that I thought about it, it started to suggest itself as something else, as a bigger idea, with a deeper history between these two women. So it went from there.

We haven't actually started filming yet - we're planning on starting in August if we can raise the money in time. We have 6 days left to raise $20,000. So we'll see. I'm hopeful.

What is the best part of directing your own film?

Taking something from genesis to completion, and finding out what the movie wants itself to be. There comes a point where I just have to get out of the way and let it be what it wants to be. I know that sounds a bit hippy-dippy, but it's kinda true to me. You do the work first and then let it all come together.

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2015/06/22/mad-maxs-josh-helman-writes-about-directing-his-first-film/ this says it in a different way. It's scary but exciting.

Hey Josh, I was wondering how it was for you to work on your first lead role in your recently shot movie, Falling.

What was it like having your first lead role versus the supporting roles you've had in the past?

It was challenging, but I was fortunate to be working with other great actors. When you have a good cast, then everyone lifts each other. Paul Sorvino worked on the film, and he said "You give me my performance, and I'll give you yours." I loved that quote of his. So true.

You just need more rest. I was working 12-14 hour days, and there was a lot of emotional stuff. But it was great to play a regular guy instead of a crazed lunatic. For once.

What's your favorite place to eat in the world?

Aussie Christmas lunch with my family. Best thing ever.

You know I am a big fan of your work in the Pacific. It was sooo cool to see those miniseries they are the best miniseries I've ever seen. I read Leckies book and many others from the pacific and it really means a lot to me that you read this. What do you remember most from shooting the Pacific?

Campfires on the beach with the cast on the weekends. Best time ever.

Where you already an Xmen fan wen you signed up for days of future past?

I loved the movies but didn't know the comic books that well. Singer's movies were always my favourites. He and the writers brought the most heart to the characters.

Can I crash at your house for awhile?

Yeah but you have to water the cats and feed the plants.

What the hell! I thought u were american. Surprised to find out that ure actually Australian. Haha. U did a great job on The Pacific. One of the best mini series ever produced. Must be an honor to work in those. How was it going from Australia to being in Hollywood?

I am a fake American, it's true. But I've lived here for 5 years now, so I'm starting to blend in. Thanks for the kind word about The Pacific, too. I love that show. Band Of Brothers, too, is incredible.

Going from Australia to Hollywood is tough as shit. I borrowed money, I was broke, I worked under the table, but I never stopped trying to be better and I'm just lucky that someone believed in me. That's the thrust of it.

Yo Josh! You're great man. What are your thoughs about Slit and Nux's relationship in Mad Max? Are they bros? Partners? Do they hate each other? Does Slit touch Nux's butt? Do you have any "headcannons" of the characters yourself?

ALSO. DUDE THOSE PANTS HAVE A LOT OF CRAP ON THEM, did any war-boys have accidents with their pants sliding right off? It seems like that would be an issue.

Belts. The secret is good belts. Big commodity in the post-apocalyptic wasteland.

And yes, we would touch each others butts all the time. Just not with our hands.

I've always wondered, what's the best part about being famous? Free drinks? Strangers loving you the second you meat? The girls or gays?(whoo legalized)

I don't really think I'm famous, and I kinda don't want to be. Sure, people give you free shit sometimes and that's awesome, but I would rather be able to have real interactions with people that weren't coloured by some preconceived notion. Can you imagine what it must be like to never leave the house because of that? That shit scares me, quite frankly.

Hey man, I've loved everything in your career thus far so keep up the amazing work.

I'm curious, how often do people think you're David Keith's son? You guys have remarkably similar eyes.

I've never got that before. A lot of people say Seann William Scott. Some people say Josh Hartnett. My mum thinks Matt Damon. I have gotten David Keith before. I'm flattered by all comparisons.

Do you still consider yourself an honorary member of Peath Company?

If they'll still have me, then YES.

Did everyone really give the V8 Salute to Hugh Keays-Byrne whenever he was on set?

Yes. That happened. He WAS Joe.

Hey josh, really like you in mad max. Just a quick question, that silver spray in the movie, that was supposed to give you super powers right?

Actually, I think it gives you tetanus.