Jacket by Annakiki
Top/Shorts by Ashton Michael

The ascending star of Netflix’s The Get Down and the blockbuster Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is on the verge of something big. Can you feel it?

There’s something reductive about being labeled “the next big thing” in Hollywood, particularly when the so-called overnight success happens after more than a decade of backbreaking toiling at your craft. But, as a culture, we can’t help but love an interesting origins story and, boy, does actor Justice Smith ever have one.

Born the fifth of nine kids to loving, but financially strapped musician parents in Anaheim in the heart of Orange County, the 28-year-old was starred in Nickelodeon’s The Thundermans, HBO’s Masterclass, All The Bright Places, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and Pokémon Detective Pikachu. Smith will next be seen in two upcoming films, The American Society Of Magical Negroes and I Saw The TV Glow, both showcased at the recent Sundance Film Festival. Despite the constant work he’s booked, acting was never a foregone conclusion given Smith’s natural shyness and self-proclaimed bouts with social anxiety. But, yet, here he is, on the precipice of what yet may be global superstardom.

With his memorable moniker—c’mon, Justice Smith is a name for Tinseltown if there ever was one—coupled with his acting versatility and eclectic career choices, it’s time everyone got to really know this you-never-saw-him-coming budding thespian become a cinematic force of nature. He’s ready—are we?

Intro by Richard Pérez-Feria | Photography by Mike Ruiz

Trench Coat by Stella Jean
Shirt by Gray Scale
Pants by Pas Une Marque
Shoes by Warren Alfie Baker

What happens when you’re recognized IRL? Does your social anxiety kick in or are you used to it now?
It depends. I love meeting people who are fans of my work and I never mind being approached. I do get anxiety after the initial niceties are over and then I’m stuck with that person (i.e. in line for something, in an elevator, etc.). Or even when someone at the table over at a restaurant recognizes me. Maybe it’s narcissistic but I start to get really self conscious that I’m being watched, and it makes me shrink. I feel this unnecessary pressure to live up to whatever role they’ve seen me in and it makes me avoid loud dramatic expressions of self, even though I can be rather extroverted when in anonymous settings.

Collar Shirt by Ashton Michael
Top Layer Multicolored Sweater Vest: @paura
Gold Pearl Bracelet by Ashton Michael
Safety pin Lunch box by Ashton Michael
Silver Bracelets & Rings by RARE-ROMANCE

The images accompanying this feature are epic. What made you give the thumbs up to coloring your hair in those amazing colors? Did [photographer] Mike Ruiz talk you into it—he’s very persuasive.
I came to the set really angry about something. And I was in a “fuck it” kind of mood. It was the perfect shoot for the mood I was in. The clothes had a punk rock feel to them so we blasted punk over the speakers and I felt like I could use everything I was feeling in the photos. It was so much fun. And everyone on set was so down.

I’m not sure if you caught this recently… RuPaul, who has a brilliant memoir out now, has been asked repeatedly who he thinks should portray him in a biopic, he unequivocally chose you. That would knock me on the ground if that happened to me. Truly amazing. Thoughts?
I was in utter shock when I found out. I would do it in a heartbeat if it were to happen. We gotta just find someone to write the script.

Jacket by Annakiki
Top/Shorts by Ashton Michael
Shoes by Pskaufman

How does a struggling shy middle child find acting success in the heart of Orange County, not exactly known for diversity or inclusion?
I would do a lot of community theater and school plays. I wouldn’t say I found “success” in the OC per se but I did learn a lot about life, for better and for worse, which helped foster a pool of emotion to draw upon in my art.

What has been your scariest moment that you conquered and powered through?
I went through a very dark depression in high school. My mind was an unsafe place to live. I only survived because of my obsession with acting. I couldn’t wait to get into class to do my monologue or scene. It was the one place all of my messy big feelings were celebrated. It was an outlet for unmining all my pain.

How often are you underestimated?
I don’t know. Whenever I feel like someone is underestimating me, I take it as a reflection of their own anxieties about the thing going well. I get irritated, sure, but also I know what I can bring to a project and that when they say “action”, everyone will calm down.

When was the last time you had a good cry? Over what?
My last good cry was to my therapist about the reception of American Society. I care so much what other people think of me. Not in a day-to-day sense, but definitely in a public sense. And that session really helped me reshape some philosophies in my life that were holding me back. I never stop learning about myself. And I heal one thing and a new thing pops up. It’s beautiful.

Full Look by House of Harry Halim
Jewelry by RARE-ROMANCE
Shoes by Hyusto

Tell me your dream film project: Who’s the director? Co-star(s)?
I need to work with Viola Davis. I’m her biggest fan. Jeffrey Wright is another one. I would love to do Long Days Journey into Night with them. I’ve always wanted to play Edmund Tyrone. I’ve actually made a list of actors that I’m really interested in working with, although I have to admit it’s a bit random: Betty Gilpin, Geraldine Viswanathan, Olivia Cooke, Dominique Fishback, Myha’la, Ayo Edebiri, Donald Glover, Daniel Kaluuya

What’s a little-known talent you have?
I have a black belt in tae kwon do. And I can read tarot cards.

Suit by Byblos
Shirt by Ashton Michael
Shoes by Warren Alfie Baker

One moment you wish you could do over.
Last night lol. I overshare sometimes. I had drinks with my friends and I over shared and the way they looked at me was like their entire perception of me had changed. And then I had anxiety about it all night. I’m sure it was fine though.

What does success look like?
You tell me. Still figuring it out. Don’t know if I ever will. There’s ways in which I feel creatively successful that aren’t always congruent to when my ego feels successful. I wish I could align the two.

Finish this sentence: In ten years, Justice Smith is…
Ten years older.

Elizabeth Ruffle Collar Used as Headpiece by The Last Follies Closet
Full Look by Ashton Michael
Shoes by Hyusto

Who are the first three people you’re thanking from the stage moments after winning your first Academy Award?
My mom. She sacrificed so much to support my passions. My fiancé. And my first drama teacher.

**Left:**
Suit by Byblos
Shirt by Ashton Michael
Shoes by Warren Alfie Baker
**Right:**
Trench Coat by Stella Jean
Shirt by Gray Scale
Pants by Pas Une Marque
Shoes by Warren Alfie Baker

What was the best acting you’ve ever seen? Actor? Film?
Every week I feel like I see another incredible performance that inspires me. Dominique Fishback in Swarm is one the most underrated incredible performances I’ve ever seen. Viola Davis in Doubt but honestly everything she does. Jeffrey Wright in Angels in America. Sandra Huller in Anatomy of a Fall. Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka lol. Don’t judge me. That performance is incredible.

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Justice Smith
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Interview Questions by Richard Pérez-Feria
Fashion Stylist: Melvin Sanders at TMG
Groomer: Raquel Moreno
Photo Assistant: River Chad
Set Design: Brandon Carter
Fashion Styling Assistant: Tarese Shadae
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine

Justice Smith Is Ready