Actor Stephen Oyoung chatted about “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” and “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning.”
How was your experience in “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew”?
I had an amazing time working with all the different big-time directors for each episode.
What other production could you work with Jon Watts, Lee Isaac Chung, Bryce Dallas Howard, The Daniels, Jake Schreier, and David Lowery up close, not only to witness but to actually be part of their creative process in action?
It was surreal. And the inner Star Wars geek in me came out when I was working with the amazing puppeteers and costumers at Legendary Effects who are responsible for so many memorable creatures and characters in so many films.
What motivates you each day as an actor?
I want to tell stories. That’s all there is to any of this. There’s obviously the business side to it, but there are so many other ways in the world to make money.
Why choose acting? Because even if there was no money, actors have this drive to tell a good story. We’re all just traveling minstrels deep down.
Can you tell us briefly about “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning “… What was that like?
Just like the missions themselves: Top Secret. Hush Hush. But I can tell you that I saw the world’s largest underwater stage.
Tom and McQuarrie are like a dynamic duo of filmmaking. They work with the same people through the years so the level of teamwork between all departments was unparalleled.
I think everyone had this feeling that they were working on something special, and so of course everyone was giving their all. It’s what you want to do in this business, really. Just make a special product. Tell a cool story.
How does it feel to be an actor in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
It’s scary, the amount of change taking place, and how quickly it’s all happening. It’s scary living in unprecedented times and these are unprecedented.
The only thing I can do is try to keep up, and be aware of where the prevailing winds are taking us. Long term I think there will always be actors.
It’s the human condition. But if I want to make a living as an actor, I think only the top of the top will be able to do that in the future. And frankly there are so many gatekeepers on the way there, that you have to find your own way.
So, it’s a double-edged sword. A lot of the jobs and systems you used to rely on for your shot are gone or going away. But you have, thanks to social media and streaming, more ways than ever to get yourself out there to the people instantaneously. I think that’s where I’m headed.
Were there any moments in your career that have helped define you?
My stunt career helped me to be humble, to know my place in this business and to be a role player on a production. And of course Marvel’s Spider-Man PS4 gave me huge visibility in the video game space for which I will be forever grateful.
I’m hoping “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” opens doors for me in film in the future.
What is your advice for young and emerging actors?
Figure out your niche. What is it that makes people like you, or want to watch you. What quality do you bring in your real life or in your performance that people tune in for. And unless you’ve won the life lottery you’re going to get told no a lot more than yes.
So, get ready for that. Because this business is about attrition. Can you sustain yourself through it all.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
I used to think it literally meant a G-Wagon in your garage and a million bucks in your bank account.
But you can’t take it with you, so I think real success is being surrounded by people you like, and being able to do work you want to do.
For me, that’s work that means something to people out there. Oh, and be a nice person. Seriously that’s all.
What would you like to say to your fans?
Thanks for your support. I never imagined I’d ever even have fans. I hope to keep making cool stuff that you like!
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning opens in UK cinemas on May 21, 2025 and in the US on May 23, 2025.
To learn more about actor Stephen Oyoung, follow him on Instagram.
