Jude Law's Undercover Prep for 'The Order': Stalking Co-star Hoult
Actors Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult reveal unconventional preparation methods for their roles in "The Order," a film about 1980s white supremacist terrorism. Director Justin Kurzel's approach brings authenticity to this politically charged narrative.
In an unexpected revelation, Jude Law disclosed his unorthodox method of preparing for his role in the upcoming film "The Order." The actor, known for his versatility, took on the challenge of portraying an FBI agent by secretly following his co-star Nicholas Hoult for a day.
"The Order," directed by Australian filmmaker Justin Kurzel, delves into the chilling world of 1980s American domestic terrorism. The film, set to release on December 6, 2024, is based on the 1989 non-fiction book "The Silent Brotherhood" by Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt.
Hoult, who plays the role of Robert Jay Mathews, the leader of the white supremacist group, shared that he and Law intentionally avoided interaction during the initial weeks of filming. This approach aimed to maintain the tension between their characters, with Law's FBI agent in relentless pursuit of Hoult's extremist leader.
"I just found out on the boat here [that] one of Jude's tasks was to follow me for the day. I just found out. But he was trailing me for a day and I didn't know about it."
The film explores the activities of The Order, a white supremacist terrorist organization active in the United States during the 1980s. This group, inspired by the controversial novel "The Turner Diaries," conducted a series of robberies and counterfeiting operations to fund their extremist agenda.
Law's character, Terry Husk, is a composite of various federal agents who worked on the case. The actor embraced physical transformation for the role, sporting a prominent mustache and portraying the health challenges faced by his character.
The Order's activities led to one of the largest FBI domestic terrorism investigations of the 1980s, codenamed "BRETHREN." The group's ideology was rooted in Christian Identity, a racist and antisemitic interpretation of Christianity, and their manifesto called for the overthrow of the U.S. government.
While the filmmakers refrained from drawing explicit parallels to current events, the relevance of the subject matter is evident. The Order's blueprint has been linked to more recent extremist activities, including the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 and the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Hoult emphasized the importance of understanding how such groups prey on the disenfranchised and lonely, a tactic that remains relevant in today's political landscape. The film's release, scheduled for after the 2024 presidential election, is likely to spark discussions about the ongoing threat of domestic extremism.
As "The Order" prepares to hit screens, it promises to offer a gripping and unsettling look at a dark chapter in American history, brought to life through the dedicated performances of its lead actors and the meticulous direction of Justin Kurzel.
