NEWS
Sam Claflin's body challenged in Me Before You
16 May 2016
Sam Claflin found Me Before You the most physically challenging project of his entire life.
The 29-year-old actor stars in the drama as Will Traynor, a young man who relies on carer Louisa Clark (Emilia Clarke) to look after him after being left paralysed from an accident. Although there's little movement for his role, Sam found keeping still most of the time even more difficult than fast-paced action scenes like he experienced in The Hunger Games.
"I think this was the most physically challenging thing I have ever done in my entire life," he told Total Film magazine. "You have to understand, to not move, to sit in a certain position, to keep my hands (still)... I was using muscles that I'd never used before. Of course, I can never fully understand what it is to live like that."
Sam was given an insight into his character's life after meeting with some real-life paralysed people. The process opened his eyes and made him realise how grateful he should be for little things like jumping into bed after a long day at work or even simply putting pyjamas on.
There were moments throughout filming that the British star found himself being able to relate to Will too, mainly with his alter ego's outlook on life.
"I think there was a great deal of me in Will," he explained. "Of course, Will has a very dark side to his personality but everyone has a darkness, and pushed to a certain point, you will meet that darkness.
"However, all it takes is one person to take you back into the light, and I think that's exactly what happens with Will. I genuinely think his determination and passion is something I share."
Me Before You, based on Jojo Moyes' same-titled novel, is set to hit cinemas from June 16 (16).
The 29-year-old actor stars in the drama as Will Traynor, a young man who relies on carer Louisa Clark (Emilia Clarke) to look after him after being left paralysed from an accident. Although there's little movement for his role, Sam found keeping still most of the time even more difficult than fast-paced action scenes like he experienced in The Hunger Games.
"I think this was the most physically challenging thing I have ever done in my entire life," he told Total Film magazine. "You have to understand, to not move, to sit in a certain position, to keep my hands (still)... I was using muscles that I'd never used before. Of course, I can never fully understand what it is to live like that."
Sam was given an insight into his character's life after meeting with some real-life paralysed people. The process opened his eyes and made him realise how grateful he should be for little things like jumping into bed after a long day at work or even simply putting pyjamas on.
There were moments throughout filming that the British star found himself being able to relate to Will too, mainly with his alter ego's outlook on life.
"I think there was a great deal of me in Will," he explained. "Of course, Will has a very dark side to his personality but everyone has a darkness, and pushed to a certain point, you will meet that darkness.
Me Before You, based on Jojo Moyes' same-titled novel, is set to hit cinemas from June 16 (16).
