Since breaking out in Shadow and Bone, British actor Archie Renaux has conquered fantasy, sci-fi and romcom, from Alien: Earth to Upgraded. Now he’s stepping into something entirely different and excitingly unpredictable: War, Sky’s new legal drama about love, power, betrayal and the law.

Set against the messy, high-profile divorce of tech mogul Morgan Henderson (Dominic West) and international film star Carla Duvall (Sienna Miller), it follows Johnny, an ambitious young lawyer starting from zero in London who is thrust into a world far beyond his understanding. It’s a cutthroat, late-capitalist world where having a job is the only goal.

In what’s possibly Renaux’s most important role yet, he plays a double agent for two rival law firms in a real David and Goliath story, driving much of the narrative. He shines as the heart of the show. But I can’t tell you much more than that. Every episode of War brings a new twist, and the less you know going in, the better. Trust me: you’ll want to watch it in your own time and see it unfold for yourself.

1883 Magazine chats with Archie Renaux about landing the show, the interesting dynamics of the story, future projects, and more.

What was the main draw for you about War as an actor?

I got sent the first two episodes, and that’s really what hooked me: the pace of George [Kay]’s writing, the way each episode ends on a cliffhanger, how well developed the characters are. You could really feel things taking shape within those first two episodes, and it was clear it would be a great series. But on top of that, the character of Johnny was just brilliant. He’s battling a lot, particularly his ambition and his morals, and I think that’s quite interesting to play with. What does it look like when someone’s that desperate? And when do the repercussions begin to catch up with them?

And what was the point that made you feel like, “I have to have this role?”

It was Johnny. Reading him, and seeing the journey he gets to go on. He starts off at the bottom, with things maybe not going so well for him as a lawyer in New York, where he’d worked and had some experience. Then he has to start again in London. I think that’s really interesting. He’s right back at the bottom, but with the same ambition and drive.

I think that’s also what makes him the audience surrogate. He’s in a world where everyone’s trying and failing to be unfeeling because their humanity can’t help but come through. How did you work with that? How do you make him yours and develop his complexities?

I think he’s quite earnest beneath all the bravado. That’s how people will see him, and that’s why they’ll be on his side, in a sense. We all relate to starting at the bottom and trying to make it. I think that’s a universal thing. Even for myself, I was working on building sites as a laborer when I was trying to make the acting happen. So there was something in there with Johnny that I could really relate to. I know how tough that can be, but very, very rewarding if it does come off.

And I think that’s why he gets into some quite sweet dynamics with a couple of characters. What was your favourite one, and what was it like bouncing off such a stacked cast?

I was really spoiled in that respect because I had so much opportunity to mess around and play with those dynamics.

With James [McArdle]’s character, Nick, and Phoebe [Fox]’s character, Serena, they’re my bosses, but there was a bit more warmth with Serena. Nick was a little harder: a few dirty looks every now and then, and just a bit more scrutiny under his eyes.

Then there’s Sienna’s character, a mega famous actress coming into the office. How does Johnny view her? She’s a client first, ultimately, but she’s also someone he’d know from films and television.

And then there’s his counterparts in the office, who are at a similar age and stage in their careers. There’s that banter and fun, poking fun at each other over who gets to go out on these little missions.

While watching War, I immediately thought of this quote from Doctor Who: “You think that I care for you so little that betraying me would make a difference?” It feels like it captures the show, because the intersection of love and betrayal is such a huge part of it. Did that resonate with you?

I think that’s what makes the show so gripping. Everyone has experienced some sort of betrayal at some point in their lives, and hopefully everyone has love in their lives as well. So people will be able to relate to what’s going on in the show a lot. When relationships are on the verge of breaking down and there are other motives at play, it’s a constant battle of winning by any means necessary, and at what cost? It’s a divorce, right? They’re going to end up hurting each other and probably other people, whether directly or indirectly. That’s just the way these things play out, and that’s what makes it so interesting to watch.

What was your favourite day on set?

I really enjoyed the restaurant scenes at the beginning, where Johnny’s working in hospitality. We had a lot of supporting artists, and I remember one day we got really pushed for time. I had a lot of different cues: put a drink down here, some food over there. It was really hectic, but that’s what working in hospitality is like: very messy and very hectic. I really enjoyed it. I had to be on the money to make sure we made the day.

You’ve done projects with established fan bases, like Shadow and Bone and Alien, and now you’re doing something entirely new. How did that experience shape going into War?

They’re quite established things, whether from literature or past films, so this is a totally new experience. It’s funny to do press like this, where people have no idea what they’re in for, because you can’t talk much about it.

Everything is a spoiler!

Yes, it’s been tricky. That’s the theme of today: don’t give anything away. [laughs] But it’s exciting, and I’m excited for people to see it, really. I’m jealous of them in a sense, because they get to watch it knowing absolutely nothing. Even when we were filming the series, we were given a few scripts in advance, so we knew where the characters ended up. The fun’s spoiled for us a little bit in that respect.

So, is there space for Johnny in season two?

[Laughs.] I don’t know.

At this point in your career, is there any advice or redirection you’ve received that’s made you rethink how you approach your work?

The things that really stand out are the things I’ve learned on my own. Being on set and working on War, I got to be in most days, just practising my craft so much. I’ve also learned that I have to understand the character, and our similarities, to make it real and believable. I have to love the project. When you’re really passionate about something and doing what you love, it’s really hard to mess it up and not do good work. So it’s about finding the love within it. It does feel like I’ve come on a bit of a journey with this one. I’ve loved every single minute of it.

You’ve done fantasy, sci-fi and rom-com, including Upgraded, which I’m a huge fan of. [At the time of the interview, the sequel had not been announced.] What haven’t you done yet that you’re dying to do?

Out-and-out action would be something I’d be very interested in. I’m from quite a sporty background, so I like a physically challenging role, and I’d quite like to do something like that next.

Speaking of Upgraded, are you planning to do a project with every Riverdale cast member? Can you tell us about your upcoming film Falling with KJ Apa?

[Laughs] Hopefully! Falling is a love triangle between two best friends who are polar opposites in how they see romance. Their relationship gets put to the test when a girl comes between them. It’s an interesting thought, a real slice of life. It’s very contained, and I think it’s a true reflection. I don’t want to give too much away, but I like it, and I like the way it ends as well.

I love working with KJ. We’ve become really good friends now. He’s one of my best mates, although he lives on the other side of the world, but we keep in contact a lot. I’ll be seeing him soon, hopefully, in New York.

Finally, what’s next for you?

Honestly, right now it’s just family time. I’ve got a five-year-old daughter, and she’s just started at a new school. When you’re filming, you have to be away for quite some time and you’re not as present as you’d like to be, so I’m looking forward to just being in dad mode again, to be honest.

Watch War on Sky now.

Interview Farah Sadek

Photography Sky