Theo Rossi, renowned for his roles in films such as “Army of the Dead,” is gearing up for a new milestone in his career as he steps into the director’s chair for his upcoming thriller, “Shell Game.” The 50-year-old actor recently spoke to PEOPLE at the Clarins X V Magazine Golden Hour event in Austin, Texas, held on Oct. 18, where he shared insights into his humble beginnings and his excitement about his directorial debut.
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Rossi revealed that his journey in the film industry has been a gradual progression, starting from the very bottom. From working as an extra to producing his last six films and now venturing into directing, he has come a long way. He expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, saying, “Directing was always kind of where I wanted to end up, so I guess, in some weird way, I’m almost there. It’ll be really cool. I’m really excited about how it’s all coming together.”
The inspiration for “Shell Game” stemmed from Rossi’s admiration for the 1995 thriller, “Heat,” directed by Michael Mann. The film, starring iconic actors like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, left a lasting impact on Rossi, prompting him to explore the world of high-stakes heists and intense relationships. Rossi shared, “I just love exploring the underworld. It’s something I grew up in and I like… Relationships are really tested under pressure.”
Apart from directing, Rossi is also actively involved in producing the movie, collaborating with a team of talented individuals. “I’ve been doing this for a long time now, and directing was always kind of where I wanted to end up, so I guess, in some weird way, I’m almost there,” he continues. “So it’ll be really cool. I’m really excited about how it’s all coming together.”
His passion for filmmaking extends beyond his professional life, as he also balances his busy career with family commitments. Rossi shares two sons, Arlo and Kane, with his wife, Meghan McDermott. Reflecting on his youngest son’s love for special effects and character transformations, Rossi revealed, “He’s really big into special effects, and he’s 7. He has all these [fake] scars. He does these fake tattoos.” The actor added, “He’s a makeup artist in the making.”
As Rossi delves into this new phase of his career, fans eagerly anticipate the release of “Shell Game” and his creative vision brought to life on the big screen. With principal photography scheduled in Texas and New Mexico this fall, Rossi’s directorial debut is set to be a compelling addition to his already impressive body of work. Keep an eye out for more updates on Theo Rossi’s directorial journey as he navigates the world of storytelling behind the camera.