Exclusive Interview: David Arquette Talks The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, Being A Part of the Scream Legacy, and More

David Arquette needs no introduction. The award-winning actor, director, producer, and writer has over 100 credits to his name and is best known for projects including Eight Legged Freaks, Never Been Kissed, Celebrity Name Game, and the iconic Scream franchise. Currently, he can be seen in the must-see film, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry.

Based on the New York Times best-selling novel, bookstore owner A.J. Fikry’s (Kunal Nayyar) life is not turning out as he expected as he struggles both emotionally and financially. After his wife’s tragic death, he feels lost and left behind in the rapidly evolving world of today. As he tries to keep his store afloat, he begins to drink his sorrows away ultimately hitting rock bottom when his most prized possession, a series of Edgar Allen Poe poems, are stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, the unexpected arrival gives Fikry a new lease on life, and love, that are greater than he ever imagined. The film also stars Lucy Hale, Christina Hendricks, and Scott Foley.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with David about The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, being a part of the Scream legacy, and more.

PC: You’ve done it all throughout your career. What was it about The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry and this character that drew you in?
David: It was the script. Gabrielle Zevin, the writer of the novel and screenplay, created such rich characters. It had a wonderful cast and director, Hans Canosa. I felt really honored to be asked to be a part of it. It was filmed in Cape Cod and takes place on this fictional island called Alice Island, but it’s a beautiful setting and felt like a special project to be a part of.

PC: It was a quick turnaround for you after you landed the role and when you flew out to film this project. How helpful was it for you having Gabrielle on set as you brought this beloved story and character to the screen?
David: It was incredible to have her there. A lot of the time, I use a lot of improv in the things that I’m a part of. I find comedy in the setting, the characters, and the relationships. This was more structured. She had written a very clear character, so that helped calm me. We filmed this during the off season in Cape Cod, so I was able to listen to the different accents and pick up a few things. I was in awe of her and this amazing cast.

PC: In the film, we see the impact that A.J. has on your character. Who were the people in your own life who shaped the storyteller you are today?
David: I had an amazing drama teacher named Ben DeBaldo who really focused on me and helped me go down the path of acting and have confidence in myself—also, the incredible directors like Wes Craven, Walter Hill, and really talented actors I worked opposite of along the way. But my core group of friends that I grew up with were some of the most influential. It was the kids that I went to elementary and high school with who I’m still friends with. They had an impact on my life at an early age.

PC: This is such an interesting story where we’re following these sets of characters over an extended period of time, which you all brought so much nuance to. What were some the subtleties that you wanted to include in your character’s evolution?
David: Because it takes place outside of Boston, I wanted him to have a unique accent. I wanted to bring a touch of that into this character because he’s a working-class guy, a small-town cop who is very old school. He believes in this town, loves this community, and wants to keep it safe; that’s his attitude. You meet a lot of people like that in your life.

But there’s also a feeling that he’s a fan of A.J.’s. He’s got the bookstore. He looks up to him and his knowledge of books. He’s also a fan of Christina Hendricks’ character, Ismay, because they went to school together and he always thought she was pretty. Scott Foley’s character is this writer that he doesn’t know very well but knows him from around town as the funny guy. I could bring all of those different relationships into my character.

PC: In an industry that’s all about blockbuster action films, it’s really beautiful to see a project like this that’s about the human connection and the evolution of relationships. There’s such great chemistry that comes off the screen between you and the rest of the cast. How were you all able to build that bond in such a short amount of time?
David: Gabrielle really created the world and Hans put pieces together to create an environment where we were all comfortable and felt safe. It was all about staying true to this incredible script that Gabrielle wrote. It’s made with a lot of hard work. Independent films are a hustle; you have to learn a lot of dialogue and get through a lot of scenes in a day. On my first day of work, I was like, “I’m worried about not getting my lines straight.” It was pages and pages of dialogue. But I really leaned on a lot of my costars and learned from them and watched their processes. Gabrielle wrote a character that was so specific that it grounded me.

PC: I was looking at some of the interviews that you’ve done for this project and found it so interesting that you were nervous about that first day of filming. Do you still get butterflies after building such an illustrious career in this industry?
David: do. As a person, I’m filled with a lot of self-doubts. I’m super critical of myself. I have confidence, but I have to tap into it and believe in it. I have to put those negative voices aside and not get in my own way. A lot of acting, in my opinion, has to do with confidence.

PC: Towards the end of the film and part of your character’s evolution, he starts his own book club. What would be on David Arquette’s book club? What’s on that must-read list?
David: Oh my gosh. In the film, my character mentions Infinite Jest. I read that throughout this whole production. It’s a really dense book with characters who are all over the place and have all these wild stories. But I also just read Gabrielle’s new book, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, and that would be first because it’s about the gaming world and takes place in LA. There are all these references that I love. It’s a relationship book, which I always love, too. Then, there’s the name of this book called The Secret series by Pseudonymous Bosch, which I read with my kids. It’s a mystery that’s so well written.

PC: This film is a love letter to literature. Has there been a script that you’ve read that changed your life?
David: I’m about to celebrate the 25th anniversary of a film that I did called Dream of the Fishes. It was written by Finn Taylor. It’s a really beautiful story about a guy who’s suicidal, who gets saved by someone who has a life-threatening disease. It’s this journey that follows these two friends and is about getting out of your shell and learning your self-worth. It’s a film that I’m really proud of. I actually filmed it directly after Scream 2. That was a wild moment in my life.

PC: Oh, wow. That’s a very big transition from one project to another.

PC: This project has so many beautiful themes. Was there one that hit home for you? What do you hope audiences take away?
David: The theme of family and how that family manifests itself in your life is so important. The family that you form throughout your journey in life is really an important element of finding joy. And books! The beauty and necessity of books and their importance.

PC: Beautifully said. You’re no stranger to bringing members of law enforcement to life on the screen, but probably none more famous than Deputy Dewey in the Scream franchise. What was your reaction when you learned his fate in the fifth installment?
David: Oh my gosh. They hadn’t told me! So, I was flipping the pages, and I was like, “Oh, I have a pretty good role in this film.” Then I was like, “Oh, that’s why…” because it came to an end. It broke my heart. It was really hard. I love playing the role and being a part of these films. Hearing that they’re doing a sixth and not being a part of it, it was like, “Oh.” It was also impactful because we had lost Wes. It was a stretch of twenty-five years of my life. It was an impactful and beautiful experience. I’m so happy I was a part of it.

PC: Did you ever imagine that it’d be the cult classic that it has become?
David: It was really special working with Wes and Kevin Williams, who had written such a brilliant script. I loved working with all the other actors in it. There was such an energy to this whole group, but I could have never imagined it become what it did. You really never know.

PC: Back to The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. Christina, who stars in this film alongside you, also produced it. You have experience working behind the cameras as well. Have you found your experiences as a director, producer, and writer has changed the way you’ve now approached your work on screen or vice versa?
David: Sometimes. When you produce something, depending on how involved you are, it can be a bit stressful. There are a lot of lawyer and agent conversations. If a fire happens, you have to help solve it. It’s a luxury of being an actor; you don’t have to worry about the pitfalls.

Has it changed the way I perform? Not necessarily. As an actor, you’re always looking for your next job, unless you have a series or something ongoing, but you try to get something that you believe in and work with people you like and the story that’s being told. You never know how things will turn out. It’s always special when it turns out to be something that you’re proud of.

PC: What’s next for you? What’s left on your bucket list?
David: Oh my gosh. I’m doing Bozo: The Clown stuff right now and trying to relaunch a brand that I loved as a kid and worked my whole life to be a part of. It’s pretty incredible to have this opportunity. I also have a beautiful show that I’m part of called Mrs. Davis—that’s coming out soon. I’m really excited about people seeing it because I got to work with amazing writers, actors, and a fantastic production team.

To keep up with David, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Watch The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry wherever you stream movies.

Photo Credit: Scott Holloway