Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Wildhood’s Joshua Odjick

Joshua Odjick is one of the breakout stars of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. He blew audiences away with his performance in Wildhood

The coming-of-age drama follows a rebellious two-spirit teenager who runs away from home to find his birth mother and reclaim his Mi’kmaw heritage.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Joshua about discovering his passion for storytelling, Wildhood, and more.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Joshua: I discovered my passion for acting when I was sixteen. I went to one class thinking I’ll never come back again but left wanting more.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Joshua: Heath Ledger. I’ve watched The Dark Knight countless times, and each time I’m still in awe of the presence he brought to the camera. Another is one of the people I started acting with; he was a mentor and an amazing actor.

PC: In addition to acting, you’re also a musician. How has that medium made you a stronger actor and vice versa?
Joshua: Sometimes I bring my guitar to set; so I’ll play when I feel anxious if I have free time or when the actors are sent to their rooms. I feel like it drops me in.

PC: Tell us about Wildhood, your character, and what attracted you to this project.
Joshua: Wildhood was a pivotal moment in my life. I read the script and I was hooked; the script is touching. I have family members who are two-spirits, and I wanted to tell a story that they can relate to.

PC: What was it like collaborating with Phillip [Lewitski], Avery [Winters-Anthony], and Bretten [Hannam]?
Joshua: Phillip is an amazing actor, a real good friend, and a great person to have around for a self-tape. Avery was like a little brother on set. His vulnerability and presence are inspiring for his age. Bretten is an incredible writer and a brilliant director. But most importantly, they’re my Mi’kmaw family members. They were so great about letting the actors explore in order to make the story what it is. All of them are so brilliant, and I am honored to have worked with every one of these souls.

PC: The film premiered at TIFF and it’s been incredibly well received. What has that response meant to you? What do you think is resonating most with audiences?
Joshua: The response from TIFF was frightening for me. [laughs] I had no idea how my performance looked. While it was being premiered, I couldn’t sleep a wink. I was halfway across the world. I was so touched to hear the response and how it resonated with a lot of people who are a part of the LGBTQ2+ community. I’m very happy to allow people to witness their life on screen.

PC: Besides Wildhood, what’s next for you?
Joshua: I recently finished a big-budget TV series in Europe called The Swarm. I also booked a few gigs and plan to work on myself.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Joshua: My guilty pleasure movie is Back to the Future. I love that movie.

PC: Favorite book?
Joshua: I’m a lazy reader, but I’d like to say stoicism and self-improvement books.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Joshua: I’d say Slave Play. I have only seen a few plays in my life, but the first play I loved has to be Slave Play.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Joshua: The Eagles. I was raised on the Eagles. I was raised old-fashioned with music from my parents’ era and love it.

PC: Dream role?
Joshua: I’d love to work with Christopher Nolan or Martin Scorsese as a leading actor. Something that has meaning but is also not too serious. Also, a Marvel film.

To keep up with Joshua, follow him on Instagram.