Actors can spend their entire career waiting for a role like Eddie Munson. The resident metalhead of stranger things Central executive from Hawkins, Indiana, Munson captured the hearts of viewers around the world, becoming a successful internet sensation that transformed actor Joseph Quinn from a relative unknown in the world of television and film into a star. to become. Hammer sat down with Quinn earlier this year to talk about Eddie Munson, his guitar heroes and why Foo Fighters should write the music for his on-screen band, Corroded Coffin.
When you took on the role of Eddie Munson, did you expect it to take off like this?
“Not at all. No, I think expectations get you in trouble in this game, and I couldn’t have predicted the warmth and acceptance that people have for him. So it’s a really nice feeling, that’s me. caught completely off guard.
What attracted you to the role in the first place?
“Well, the odds are so stacked against you – it’s very rare that you’re asked to participate in something of such cultural significance, so it was a no-brainer.”
How much of the character had been fleshed out when you were cast?
“I auditioned a few scenes that were actually on the show. We had no idea how many episodes he was going to be in; we were told at least four. But I had no idea what would happen. at the end, or how much he would actually be involved in the season, so I’m glad to have so much to sink my teeth into.
What were your influences for the character?
“I think we all have these people who were a little older than us growing up that we admired or had a soft spot for. I was always very impressed by these people who were a little older than me and who were very unconventional, a little attention-seeking.
How much does Eddie think of you?
“Not much. We all have times when we feel vulnerable, maybe overcompensated. I joined my school two years late, so I guess there was maybe a bit of overcompensation there But I was very lucky, I always had friends and I didn’t feel like an outsider too much.
But with all of my characters, if you don’t humanize them, you don’t care about them, and if people aren’t vulnerable and themselves and authentic, you tend not to really want to be with them. I think we’re much more drawn to someone who’s offensively flawed than someone who’s constantly trying to be perfect and impressive.
We hear you “connected with the character through the metal” – what were your entry points?
“I listened to Black Sabbath’s Master Of Reality over and over again. Master Of Puppets too, Slayer…all that kind of stuff. It was my voice in this whole world, really. Black Sabbath were my guys, and Led Zeppelin too , but I guess they are less metal.
Is it true that you are also a guitarist?
“Yes, I’ve been playing since I was a kid, but it’s been terribly under-practiced the last few years.”
What brought you to the guitar?
“Well, my dad played guitar and my granddad played for a while, so it’s something we would do as a family. We are by no means virtuosos, but we all have a try.
Who are your guitar heroes?
“Hendrix is a no-brainer, I’ve always been very much in love with him. Nirvana was my first real obsession with the band; I had all the posters of Kurt Cobain on my wall. It’s a bit cliché, but it is right.
Have you had any comments on Master Of Puppets’ epic solo in the new season? Was it your choice?
“I don’t know where the showrunners got it from! Haha! But it was entirely their choice. It was the perfect song for a crescendo to take us through this crazy streak. I think it’s an inspired choice, really.
Will we ever hear Eddie’s band, Corroded Coffin?
“We are working on an EP… Joke! I am joking!”
It’s not that ridiculous – Dave Grohl did it with dream widow This year…
“Maybe I should email him – ‘Could you write the music for Corroded Coffin please?'”
How would they sound?
“Oh, the shit! Real old-school thrash – really fast, really evil.
If you could play any rock star in a biopic, who would it be?
“Keith Moon would be pretty cool, you could have a lot of fun with him. I don’t understand how it hasn’t already been done. In fact, I heard there was something in the works, but I don’t think I’m in consideration for that. Anyone can go… It’ll be a lot of fun.
Season 4 of Stranger Things is now streaming on Netflix