Blake Richardson Steps Into the Fire with War Machine
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Australian actor Blake Richardson is taking on the global stage with War Machine, the upcoming Netflix and Lionsgate release arriving this March 6th. In the visually epic, psychologically charged action film, Richardson plays “15” — the sharp-tongued joker of a tightly bonded unit facing overwhelming odds. Drawing on a lifelong background in martial arts, a deep love of physical training, and even experience in stand-up comedy, Richardson brings unexpected warmth and humor to a world defined by pressure and consequence. As War Machine prepares to reach Netflix’s 300 million subscribers, Richardson reflects on achieving a childhood dream, honoring the camaraderie of soldiers, and why this moment marks a defining chapter in his career.
“It’s impossible to articulate just how much this role means to me,” Richardson says. “I’ve dreamed of playing a great role in a massive, visually epic film since I was a little boy. And now I get to share that with the world. For Richardson, the professional milestone feels just as significant as the personal one. Launching onto a global platform that reaches hundreds of millions of viewers is no small introduction. “There’s no better way to step onto the global stage,” he reflects. “I’m incredibly proud of the performance and the story we created.”
When Richardson first read the script for War Machine, he was immediately drawn to its scale and emotional stakes. The story, he says, felt like a classic epic—a band of heroes standing together against overwhelming odds. But what resonated most wasn’t just the spectacle. It was the bond between the characters.
“He’s multi-faceted,” Richardson says of his character. brings light and humor into darker moments. On the surface, 15 can come across as jealous, mistrusting, even abrasive. But Richardson was determined to show what lies beneath that exterior.
“I knew what was in his heart,” he explains.“ He cares deeply about his friends and would do anything to protect them. “That’s what I focused on.” The performance required a balance of physical intensity and emotional restraint—something Richardson felt uniquely prepared for.
Blake, you’re an Australian actor stepping into a major global release with War Machine. At this point in your career, what does being part of a Netflix and Lionsgate project like this represent for you personally and professionally?
It’s impossible to articulate just how much this role and project means to me personally. I’ve dreamed of being an actor playing a great role in a massive, visually epic film, ever since I was a little boy, and now I get to share that with my friends, loved ones and the world. No matter what the future holds, I’ve achieved my dream and I’m incredibly proud of my performance and being a part of this story. Professionally, there is no better way to step onto the global stage than through a film reaching 300 million subscribers, and I can’t wait for audiences everywhere to experience what we created.
War Machine is intense, grounded, and psychologically charged. What initially drew you to this project, and what made you feel connected to the story being told?
When I first read the script, I was immediately blown away by the world that had been created and the people in it. It read like an old epic tale, where a group of heroes band together against an overwhelmingly powerful, unstoppable enemy. The camaraderie and love between the characters as they face impossible odds is what made me most excited to be a part of this project.
How would you describe your character in War Machine, and what were the biggest challenges in bringing him to life on screen?
I felt like I knew who “15” was the moment I read the script — how he saw the world, those around him, and himself. He’s multi-faceted, but definitely the joker of the group, bringing light and humour to darker moments. The challenge was that, on the surface, he can seem jealous, mistrusting, or even unlikeable, but I knew what was in his heart. In truth, he cares deeply for his friends and would do anything to protect them. That’s what I focused on to bring him to life on screen.
The film demands both physical commitment and emotional restraint. How did you prepare for the role, and what aspects of the character pushed you outside your comfort zone?
I’ve had a lifelong love for health and fitness, and I come from a martial arts background, which has taught me discipline, patience, consistency, and how to push yourself physically and mentally when needed. There are clear parallels between training with your team for an MMA fight and operating in a military unit—you support each other, push each other every day, and even deliver a few “loving” punches where needed! Honestly, that experience was the best preparation I could have asked for.
From your Social Media you also have a background in stand-up comedy, which requires a very different kind of presence and timing than film acting. How has doing stand-up shaped your confidence, instincts, or approach to performance on screen?
For me, stand-up comedy is largely about understanding your own voice and perspective on the world and all of life’s absurdities. You develop a specific point of view on moments and experiences we all share—that’s what people ultimately relate to and find funny. Developing this skill on stage has been invaluable in helping me find myself in different characters and in figuring out how to make audiences connect with the human I’m portraying in any story.
Comedy and drama often feed each other in unexpected ways. Do you find that your experience making people laugh influences how you handle darker or more serious material like War Machine?
Absolutely. Bringing light and humour to the darker moments of the film is something I’m most proud of in this performance. Laughter and humour are often a kind of medicine for people who’ve experienced real hardship. Our incredible military advisor, Tyler Grey, spoke about how Hollywood sometimes misses the mark in war films by stripping away the humour that exists between soldiers, even in the bleakest moments. Honouring that was something I was very proud to do.
War Machine explores themes of power, pressure, and consequence. What conversations do you hope the film sparks once audiences see it?
I hope people walk away feeling like they’ve had a hell of a time watching it. I genuinely don’t think there are many films out there like this—it has everything you’d want: action, comedy, horror, drama, and just overall heart.
As an Australian actor working across different markets and mediums, how do you stay grounded while navigating bigger productions and wider visibility?
I spent my 20s trying to get my acting career started, working every job under the sun—barista, security guard, retail worker, salesman, labourer, you name it. Let me tell you, nothing keeps you humble like frothing very specific coffee orders for very particular elderly women while approaching 30. These days, I stay grounded by keeping life simple—spending time with my close friends, my community, and my beautiful fiancée. My goal now is just to keep doing what I love: acting, and playing great roles in fantastic stories.
With War Machine reaching a global audience through Netflix, what excites you most about sharing this film now, and what do you hope viewers take away from your performance?
I hope audiences leave feeling like they truly knew “15” and cared about him. I was privileged to explore a lot of different colours and emotions throughout his journey in the film, and if viewers connected with him in any way, then I’ve done my job. I also hope they personally call and email every major director and studio in Hollywood and demand that “the man who played 15” be given more roles in the future—or they’ll riot. I don’t ask for much...
Looking ahead, after War Machine’s release on March 6, what kinds of projects or creative risks are you most interested in pursuing next?
I’m interested in any role that I feel I can bring some of my unique tools and instincts to that will do the story and character justice. Doesn’t matter the world or genre. I always try and bring elements of humour, cheekiness, physicality, danger and vulnerability to any role I play. However, let it be known, that if Hollywood and DC ever make a “Red Hood” film with the character Jason Todd in the Batman universe, I had better be their first call!
CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Blake Richardson
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Johnny Nicolaidis
PhotoBook Assistant to Editor-in-Chief: Brya Sheridan
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Emilia Stolovas, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine