German-Canadian actor and filmmaker Dennis Andres chatted about starring in “Juliet & Romeo” as Lord Paris. The film is coming to theaters nationwide on May 9th.
Set in 1301 at the end of Medieval times, the “Juliet & Romeo” franchise finds our most famous Star-Crossed lovers turning the tides on the history Shakespeare based his own story on, as they reveal the truth to the very future of the Empire.
But the biggest twist in this most beloved of tales is leaving the poetry of Iambic Pentameter in the past, for the original Pop Music that rockets these ever-present themes right to the heart of our characters in the most surprising, and perhaps most powerful way that has ever been seen—or heard—before.
The greatest love story of all time, set to the greatest music of our time. Starring Rebel Wilson, Jason Isaacs, Jamie Ward, Clara Rugaard, and Dan Fogler, among others.
How was the movie ‘Juliet & Romeo’ for you?
Painful! Yeah, if you get the chance to work in historical Italian castles with very talented actors and filmmakers for a few months, I do not recommend it. It’s for the birds!
No, of course it was a one-of-a-kind experience, especially in a day and age of special effects and green screens.
Being on location in Italy, on a set designed by Dante Ferretti, in a wardrobe designed by Luciano Capozzi, fueled by endless espressos… I mean… it’s hard to beat that, you know? “No Ragrets” – Scottie P.
What did you like most about playing Lord Paris?
I liked that it was a fresh new take on the character, something a bit different. He carries a bit more bravado than previous versions of the character.
Tim Bogart and I very quickly saw eye-to-eye on what we had in mind for Paris, which made the process very smooth for me.
We just had to be careful that I didn’t make Paris more likable than Romeo.
How was your experience in Workin’ Moms?
I will always be grateful to the character and show, as it gave me my proverbial kickstart. I really enjoyed playing my character for the four seasons that I was on the show.
How does it feel to be an actor in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
Loaded question. I’d say it’s equally frustrating and exhilarating. Things move fast now. Between streaming, social media, and new tech, the landscape’s constantly shifting under your feet. It forces you to stay sharp, adapt, and sometimes pivot on a dime.
As I add writing and directing into the mix, it kind of feels like you’re trying to tell a timeless story… while still keeping one eye on the algorithm.
That’s the fun of it too, I suppose—figuring out how to use all these new tools and apply them to your vision.
I was just watching an interview with Ben Stiller and Adam Scott about a robotic arm they used in Severance to shoot Adam exiting the elevator—wild stuff.
It looked awesome. So, there are plenty of benefits to the digital age as well for both actors and filmmakers.
What do your plans for the future include?
Takes a deep breath… How much time do we have? Maybe we will stick with the current top hits.
The film that I wrote, The Ferryman’s Coin, will also be my directorial debut and is probably my top priority at the moment. I’m very excited to go into pre-production for that film very soon.
Along with The Ferryman’s Coin, I am working on building my new production company to tell all the stories I always wanted to work on or in.
Well, you see, Guy Ritchie has been beating my door down to work with me. So I suppose I will have to say yes to him soon. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep making excuses. He is the GOAT, so hopefully, he will trust me with a project sometime soon.
Were there any moments in your career that have helped define you?
Every. Single. Fail. I hate admitting it because they usually grind my gears so much. In a backward way, my failures are the reason I am still doing this today.
Call it stupidity or German stubbornness… all of the above? Long story short and short story long, the majority of my career consists of failures or rejections, and that’s where the lessons have always been. Price of admission, it seems.
What is your advice for young and emerging actors?
Well, as per my last answer, “If you don’t quit, you can’t fail” (I wish I could take credit for that quote).
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
Oh, good one. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this exact question. A little while back, I had this moment where I realized if I told 25-year-old me where I’d be today, he would’ve been over the moon. Elated. And yet… I wasn’t feeling that same joy.
So I had to ask myself, why? I figured out that I never really celebrated the small wins along the way. Even though they stood out, through all the rejections and failures, I just kept moving.
The goalpost shifts. Plain and simple. By the time I get anywhere near the goal I set for myself, it’s already moved—sometimes a few meters, sometimes a mile. Always just out of reach. So, I decided to redefine success.
Forward momentum. It’s a double-edged sword, though—because that way, you’re always and never succeeding.
Might not be a bulletproof plan, but I’ll keep you posted next time we chat!
To learn more about actor and filmmaker Dennis Andres, follow him on Instagram.
