Simon Lööf doesn’t blink
Simon Lööf isn’t afraid of the dark; in fact it’s calling out to him and he’s ready to answer. The Swedish born and raised actor, best known for his breakout role in Threesome, is now prepared to take to the global stage. Enter Netflix’s An Honest Life – premiering July 31st. The film sees him take on his most complex role yet – a character who, by coincidence or fate, shares his name and some of his own inner conflicts.
As he spoke with IMAGINE – on a train gliding through the Swedish countryside, no less – there was an undeniable, captivating intensity to the 29-year-old. There’s a clarity to the way he talks about his ambitions – he knows exactly where he wants to go and he’s ready to put in the work to get there. Lööf isn’t driven by the lure of fame; instead, he’s focused on longevity, on carving out a career that endures beyond his time on the screen. There’s a mature self-awareness to him, as if he’s already made peace with the long game.
And then there’s the thrill of darkness. When he says his dream role is a psychopath, there’s no wink, no irony – just pure conviction. He knows that’s where he’ll thrive, and somehow, you know he’s right. It’s a bold vision, but one that feels inevitable. With An Honest Life, Simon Lööf isn’t just proving his range – he’s announcing himself as a force, ready to explore the shadows and everything they reveal.
Patrick Grady: Hi Simon, how are you?
Simon Lööf: Hey! I’m really good, thanks. I’m on a train, so you’ll have to let me know if the sound goes.
PG: Will do. I’d love to start with your upbringing, you were big into hockey as a kid, weren’t you? How has that shaped your approach to acting?
SL: In so many ways. Obviously, making films is all about being part of a team. I wouldn’t be able to do anything without the team, both in front and behind the camera. You end up putting so much trust into everyone involved and vice versa, which can add an incredible amount of pressure. I realised that pretty early on and it’s stayed with me.
PG: Are you someone who thrives under pressure or do you find yourself running from it?
SL: I need it. If I don’t feel a certain pressure, what’s the point?
PG: One of your first big roles was in Threesome. How did you emotionally prepare for a project like that?
SL: Since it was my first thing, I was kind of in the dark. It’s funny, Lisa [Linnertorp], the director and creator, brought me in like 20 times. I thought that was just how things were done. The standard audition process but we had like eight hour workshops, where I was really pushing my limits. She really tested me and I think she knew I needed that. Not only for her to confirm that I could do it but also to prepare me without me even realising it was preparation. After that whole process, I had no doubt in my mind that I could do it.
PG: Wow, it really sounds like she gave you a lot of her time and energy, which you don’t always come across in your industry.
SL: She is one of a kind. I’ve never met anyone so engaged. She really gives you her life when you’re working with her, which is so amazing. I can’t wait for the world to see what she’ll do in the future.
PG: Tell me about An Honest Life. What was it about that project that drew you in?
SL: I auditioned and when I was told they wanted me to do it, I read the book. I thought it was so interesting, also the character’s name is Simon, so that helped. I could see myself in a lot of his decision making and his struggles, so I was really excited to try and tell that story the best way I could. Getting the chance to work with Mikael [Marcimain] was also a huge bonus.
PG: This role kind of feels like a turning point, it’s a complex lead role. What would you say it’s taught you about yourself as an actor?
SL: I’ve done projects before and tough ones at that but after shooting An Honest Life, I think I’ve matured in terms of how I navigate the work. I realise now that I’m going to do a lot of things differently in terms of other roles that are coming up. I’ve learned a lot about who I want to be.
PG: Your character takes a lot of big risks in this film. What’s been the biggest risk you’ve taken in your own life?
SL: Quitting reliable work and deciding to lean into acting. It’s a huge risk to decide to do something that you have no experience in.
PG: Did you find yourself second guessing yourself or did you just jump in?
SL: Weirdly, I didn’t second guess myself. There was nothing else I could imagine myself doing. I do think I was lucky though, it was only six months before I landed my first project. If it had been a year or two, it might’ve been a different story. I knew something would come up eventually, it just happened so quickly.
PG: What sort of roles are you most excited to explore in the next few years?
SL: I want to explore some darker roles. I feel like they’d be fun. Maybe they’re not fun at all but I want to reach as far as I can into the dark. Besides that, I want to do some fantasy or explore stories from thousands of years ago. I want to do everything.
PG: Growing up, was there a film you remember seeing and thinking, “God, I’d love to be able to do that.”?
SL: The one I always come back to is the Joker. It’s a character I would go crazy with. Heath Ledger was just out of this world. It is one of the strongest characters I’ve ever seen in a film.
PG: What was it about Heath Ledger that inspires you the most?
SL: He had range. I mean, he was literally able to go to the darkest place but at the same time, you can see him in so many other roles where he’s the opposite of that. I think he was so pure. He had the ability to show different sides of himself. I really respect that.
PG: If you had the opportunity to ask him one thing, what would you want to ask him?
SL: Wow, what a question. Geez, now I’m just trying to think of something smart. Maybe I should just keep it simple and ask him, “How are you, really?” You know? I think that would be more important. I think that’s it.
PG: When you’re preparing for roles, what interests you more, the psychology of the character or their more physical form?
SL: Varies from role to role really, but I would say the psychology is more interesting to me. That’s where I tend to start; the rest will fall into place after I’ve analysed their mental state. I try not to overthink it either though, if the script is strong, it’ll naturally take you there and you just have to let it happen.
PG: Lastly, where can we expect to see Simon Lööf in the near future?
SL: An Honest Life is out on Netflix on the 31st of July. Besides that, I’m doing as much as I possibly can. I’m excited for what’s still to come.
TALENT Simon Lööf
PHOTOGRAPHER Jesse Crankson
STYLIST Justin Hamilton
HAIR STYLIST Kei Takano
GROOMING Natsumi
STYLING ASSISTANT Katie Somavia
VIDEOGRAPHER Alex Tang
VIDEO EDITOR Archie Dalziel