James Scully

James Scully is an actor known for his roles as Forty Quinn in the Netflix hit series You, and JD in the Paramount series adaptation of Heathers. He has also appeared on series such as Quantico, 9-1-1 and Modern Love. Additionally, he starred on the neo-noir podcast series City of Ghosts as James Chapman. His newest movie Fire Island, which takes a queer spin on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, follows a group of friends who take a trip to New York’s Fire Island, a popular summer destination for the LGBTQ+ community. James plays the role of Charlie in the new rom com streaming now on Hulu. He also has two other new projects awaiting release, Untitled Julio Torres Project and Something’s More Than One Thing.

Pink suit by Catou
Shoes by Florsheim Shoes

How did you hear about Fire Island and what made you interested in doing the project?
I got sent the audition right at the beginning of COVID back when the project was meant to be released on QUIBI. I had never read a script so invested in capturing what it’s like when queer people interact with each other in the absence of straight animosity. It was the first queer story I had the opportunity to audition for that didn’t feel like it revolved around what straight people expect of us. Mostly, I couldn’t pass on the chance to kiss Bowen.

Tell us about your character Charlie? How did you connect with the role?
Charlie is someone who is sort of just beginning to unlock his queer potential. He grew up in a household where he was led to believe his queerness was a shortcoming he needed to manage or make the best of rather than a beautiful magic that grants him access to a beautiful, diverse community. In meeting Howie, he realizes the kind of joy and affirmation he could come to expect if he consciously invested in developing a chosen family rather than settling for the handful of gay people he met through his parents. I went through a similar experience during the pandemic, realizing that I could engage more actively with my identity and community in a way that felt healing and empowering. That I could pursue and celebrate my queerness, curating an identity that felt real and true to me rather than allowing my experience to be dictated by others.

What was it like to retell such an iconic story like Pride and Prejudice through a modern day, queer lens?
Immensely satisfying. I think there’s great worth to revisiting these traditionally straight canons and queering them. When I was growing up, I had to find myself in the cracks and subtext of straight stories; queer kids today shouldn’t have to work so hard. Knowing that we’re now building a catalogue of new queer stories just for younger queer audiences to connect to is so healing. Knowing that young queer people will be able to see themselves out and proud onscreen brings me great hope.

What are you most excited for viewers to see or experience when they watch the film?
An accurate depiction of a queer Chosen Family and the love, safety, and support we can find when we earnestly invest in our own community. The unabashed queer joy of the ending. And the MUNA cover of “Sometimes.”

Did you have a favorite moment in the production process?
Shooting the dinner scene at Tuna Walk and getting to watch queer icon Margaret Cho tell real, beautiful stories from her life as a queer person. Feeling so connected to the history of the island and queer media in general in that moment. Being surrounded by queer entertainers for whom I have such immense respect. And, of course, all the kissing.

Do you have any dream roles?
A comic book villain or The Emcee in “Cabaret.”

What are your goals for the coming years? Are there any other projects about which you are excited?
Currently working on the DC series Titans. The cartoon (Teen Titans) was VERY precious to me when I was growing up. It truly shepherded me through the beginning stages of puberty and adolescence. Getting to participate in the live action version is a dream come true. I’d say that’s my goal going forward: work on projects that would make 13-year-old me happy.

Left:
Aqua suit by Miranda Kurtishi
Pocket square by Miranda Kurtishi
Shoes by MAGNANNI
Shirt by TOM FORD by Neiman Marcus Roosevelt Field
Right:
Purple suit by Miranda Kurtishi
Shirt by TOM FORD by Neiman Marcus Roosevelt Field
Shoes by MAGNANNI

Who or what inspires you, both in acting and in life?
The people I get to work with. I have been so fortunate in my brief tenure as an actor to come into contact with so many insanely talented performers and Fire Island was no exception. Being in the same room as Tomás and Matt would make anyone excited to be alive. Also, my sisters, Kate and Lisa, who work hard and love harder. Ummmm, my Mom and Dad who told me I could be anything I want. My boyfriend, Julio, who is easily one of the most creative people I’ve ever met. My brother Conor and his girlfriend Dana, have the best taste in food and home decor. Every dog I’ve ever met. Getting to swipe strangers into the subway. Tiny, ridiculous moments in everyday life that artists would spend HOURS trying to recreate onscreen. This new, younger generation that already seems so much smarter and better equipped than we are. The podcast “How I Survived.”

Left:
Purple suit by Miranda Kurtishi
Shirt by TOM FORD by Neiman Marcus Roosevelt Field
Shoes by MAGNANNI
Right:
Aqua suit by Miranda Kurtishi
Pocket square by Miranda Kurtishi
Shoes by MAGNANNI
Shirt by TOM FORD by Neiman Marcus Roosevelt Field

When you aren’t working, how do you like to spend your free time?
Write, bike around New York, and watch a lot of cartoons. Sit in the park and talk to all the dogs that walk by. Drink way too much coffee.

Social Media.
@scullynjames. PLEASE DM me pictures of your pets.

Pink suit by Catou
Shoes by Florsheim Shoes

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CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
Creative Director + Photographer: Mike Ruiz
Talent: James Scully
Fashion Stylist + Producer: Alison Hernon
Groomer: Niko Weddle for Judy Casey using Sebastian Professional and Nars Cosmetics
Fashion Stylist Assistant: Melissa Kaiser
Fashion Stylist Interns: Mariam Balogun, Deniz Beytekin, Takai Taggart
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Flora Medina, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Studio: Blonde Studios

SHOP THE LOOK: JAMES SCULLY

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