What pressure have you put on yourself with this film?
Did you set a high bar for yourself that you wanted to reach?
How did this particular script come your way?
Image via Universal Studios
What made this the project that you wanted to be your directorial debut?
EUSEBIO: (Producer) Kelly McCormick brought me the script, years and years ago.
There have been different incarnations of it.
Image via Universal Studios
Were there any major changes made before you shot the movie?
EUSEBIO: The premise is there, but I had to shape it to my sensibility.
We rewrote it for Ke.
I wanted to verify the audience felt like he was doing things they wouldnt expect him to do.
What surprised you about what he was able to do with the action?
Did anything change with the action once you saw what he was able to do?
Ke did all of it, aside from jumping through windows or getting smashed on the floor.
What surprised me was that he could do more and more and more.
Everything I asked, he could do it.
Image via Universal Pictures
He has a very happy, very uplifting, sunny, serene existence.
And so, when his past comes back, were like, What is he trying to cover up?
We also see that this woman has come back into his life.
What can you say about that dynamic?
EUSEBIO: Its seeing two actors at the top of their game, trying to play off each other.
That was fun for me.
Image via Universal Studios
Youre seeing them do these performances live, and thats very fun to see.
If you enjoy what youre doing, it comes off on screen.
I feel like everyone had a good time.
I had such a great cast.
They put one hundred percent into it and it shows.
We were using that to set the bar.Nobodyset the bar for that.
Youre just seeing these average Joes surviving these extraordinary circumstances.
We took that model and we ran with it.
Kes character is an overachiever in his new life, which is a fan place to find him.
Theres a quote in the trailer that says, Hiding aint living, which is really true.
Do you feel like thats something that is universally relatable?
Whats your true self?
Dont hide who you really are.
One of 2022’s most remarkable and celebrated comebacks.
What has it been like to show this film to family and friends and get their reactions?
Youre putting a part of you out there and youre just hoping everybody enjoys it.
EUSEBIO: Yeah, thats true.
Ive watched it so many times.
Its nice to see what an audience reacts to.
Thats the beauty of going to the theater because everyone is experiencing the same thing in real time.
You just want to see what everyones reaction is, with a bunch of people watching.
EUSEBIO: Anytime youre stepping into a different level or job, its a challenge.
Ive worked on a lot of movies.
I started as a performer, working my way up to second unit director.
I enjoy the whole process.
But Im still in the process of it.
Im still on the journey of it, but I love it and I think its so fun.
So far, its super exciting.
I just want to see what happens when I get to my destination.
Do you want to do more than one of these movies, if this is successful?
He delivers such a layered and deep performance.
The guy can do anything.
Love Hurtsis in theaters on February 7, 2025.
Check out the trailer:
