Asa Butterfield on Playing a Would-Be School Shooter in 'Our Hero, Balthazar'

In a new interview with CULTURED, actor Asa Butterfield and director Oscar Boyson discuss their film 'Our Hero, Balthazar,' a satirical take on two boys from different backgrounds—a rich New York teen (Jaeden Martell) and a poor Texan (Butterfield)—who bond over loneliness and guns. Butterfield, known for roles in 'Hugo' and 'Sex Education,' worked with a dialect coach for months to perfect a Southern accent while avoiding stereotypes. Boyson, a Maine native who produced 'Uncut Gems' and 'Good Time,' encouraged Butterfield to push boundaries. The film premiered in Texas, where audiences felt the character Solomon was authentic. Butterfield admitted the most embarrassing moment was having to perform a rap written by Boyson during a table read, which was later cut. The actor said the role required him to access emotions he hadn't explored before, and he values the creative control of small-budget films.