Justin Cornwell storms onto the action scene in Netflix’s ‘HAVOC’

Photographs, Styling & Interview by BRAD EVERETT YOUNG

Justin Cornwell lights up Netflix’s ‘HAVOC’ in a star-making performance

Justin Cornwell is redefining what it means to be a leading man. Whether he’s chasing down villains or lighting up a scene with boldness, compassion and humor, Justin Cornwell brings an undeniable energy to every role. In Netflix’s explosive new action film ‘HAVOC‘, he stands shoulder to shoulder with Hollywood heavy hitters Tom Hardy, Timothy Olyphant, and Forest Whitaker, delivering a performance packed with swagger, grit, and undeniable power. Cornwell impressed audiences with his breakout role in the television adaptation of ‘Training Day’, acting opposite the late Bill Paxton, proving he could command the screen with ease. Since then, he’s charmed audiences in the beloved holiday musical ‘Jingle Jangle’, brought intrigue and complexity to ‘The Umbrella Academy’, and added depth to Peacock’s bold retelling of ‘Bel-Air’. With every project, Cornwell showcases a rare blend of strength, vulnerability, and pure star power—solidifying himself as a force to watch.

Photograph By BRAD EVERETT YOUNG / Oversized Bomber by @OTT byott.com / Appears courtesy of Maison Privée

Justin, you’re absolutely no stranger to complex roles. How does your character, Charlie, in ‘HAVOC’ differ from what you’ve done in the past, and what drew you to this particular project?

The opportunity to work with Forest Whitaker again — and, of course, Tom Hardy, who is a beast — had me really excited, but it was Gareth Evans at the top of this project that truly had me salivating. I thought maybe I could finally do something different in my career that I hadn’t done yet — and I think we did.

You were incredible playing Detective Kyle Craig on ‘Training Day’. How did that experience shape you as an actor, and how does your new role in ‘HAVOC’ compare?

Playing Kyle was great. I was able to handle a lot of different weapons and undergo various tactical trainings that really helped prepare me for future action roles I hope to take on. I also had the opportunity to work with Bill Paxton, who truly taught me how to be a stronger actor, and I think that has helped me in every role since.

Photograph By BRAD EVERETT YOUNG / Necklace by @Vitaly VitalyDesign.com / Sunglasses by PRIVÉ REVAUX priverevaux.com / Blossom print jacket w/ flared sleeves by @OTT byott.com / OTT Appears courtesy of Maison Privée

Photograph By BRAD EVERETT YOUNG / Sunglasses by PRIVÉ REVAUX priverevaux.com / Blossom print jacket w/ flared sleeves by @OTT byott.com / OTT Appears courtesy of Maison Privée

You’ve worked in both network television and streaming with Netflix. How do you think the industry is changing, and do you approach roles differently depending on the platform?

The work isn’t any different for me. I look at the writing and try to figure out the best way to approach the story, the style, and the narrative — and how to affect my role to the greatest degree. I want to be convincing within the world I’m playing in, and also emotionally and internally.

With such an impressive ensemble cast in ‘HAVOC,’ how did you all collaborate to create a seamless and believable world for the audience?

Well, that’s on the director keeping us inside of the sandbox he’s created. We find our characters. We sit down and have detail table reads we check in with each other. The ensemble is great here. All pros.

Photograph By BRAD EVERETT YOUNG / Trench Coat by @Vegan_Tiger vegantigerkorea.com / Vegan Tiger Appears courtesy of Maison Privée

What makes ‘HAVOC’ stand out as an action film in today’s market? How is it different from other genre films currently being released?

I think action films succeed when they know what they want to be and they deliver on that promise of what they say. This film definitely delivers on the Havoc, but it’s also an action film that doesn’t try to bog you down so much. It wants to give you a scenario and it wants to cause chaos. Set em up. Knock em down. Good night.

You’ve had such a diverse career, from starring in ‘Training Day’ alongside Bill Paxton, ‘Jingle Jangle,’ ‘The Umbrella Academy’ and lots more. How has your journey as an actor evolved over the years?

I’m just having fun with it. Doing different things pulling different things out of myself. My journey as an actor has just been fun. I’ve also become more aware of my emotional states as I get older and it just makes it easier for me to create character.

Photograph By BRAD EVERETT YOUNG / Necklace by @Vitaly VitalyDesign.com / Trench Coat by @Vegan_Tiger vegantigerkorea.com / Vegan Tiger Appears courtesy of Maison Privée

You’ve worked across multiple genres, from drama to action and more. How do you decide what roles to take on? Do you seek variety or look for specific challenges in each role?

Well, I try to find things that scare me. I hate repeating myself. I don’t want to be known for the guy who does this or the guy who does that. I think my career has been kind of a testament to my range. I just want to keep that going. I want to find things that don’t have to be hard or difficult. just have to feel fresh. I just want to say oh, I don’t know how to do that and I want that fear of kind of jumping into something that might be unfamiliar to me like Havoc.

What has so far been the highlight of your career, and why?

Oh ‘Jingle Jangle’ was the highlight of my career so far. It’s just the first big budget I movie. I’ve been on just controlling the room as the main character in the first act and it just really solidified that I was doing the right thing with my life.

Photograph By BRAD EVERETT YOUNG / Robe / Coat by
@CharlesAndRon charlesandron.com / Charles And Ron Appears courtesy of Maison Privée

What do you hope audiences take away from watching ‘HAVOC?’

Take nothing. Leave it all on the field.

What keeps you motivated and passionate about acting?

Acting is a tool, I like to create and this medium is available for me right now. If my passion ever runs dry for film making naturally, then there’ll be no reason to force it and that’ll be cool too. Do what makes you feel good. Don’t do what doesn’t.