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 hard for me to fully put into words what this project means. As a kid, I always imagined myself in a sweeping, cinematic film, something epic in scale and now that dream has become real. To share that achievement with my friends, family, and audiences around the world feels incredibly special. Professionally, there’s no bigger introduction than being part of a film that reaches a global Netflix audience. It feels like stepping confidently onto the international stage.
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?
The script immediately pulled me in. The world felt expansive and mythic, almost like a classic heroic tale where a group stands united against an unstoppable force. But beyond the action, what resonated most was the emotional core. The camaraderie and loyalty between the characters gave the story real heart, and that’s what made me want to be part of it.
How would you describe your character in War Machine, and what were the biggest challenges in bringing him to life on screen?
I connected with “15” right away. I understood how he saw himself and the people around him. He’s layered, often the joker of the group, someone who lightens heavy moments—but he’s also complex. On the surface, he might appear jealous or mistrusting, even a little abrasive. The challenge was revealing what’s underneath that exterior. At his core, he deeply loves his friends and would protect them at any cost. I focused on that emotional truth to guide the performance.
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?
Fitness has always been a major part of my life, and my background in martial arts really shaped my preparation. Training for MMA teaches discipline, patience, mental toughness—and how to push through discomfort. There are strong similarities between preparing for a fight with your team and operating as part of a military unit. That shared sense of support and accountability translated directly into the film’s dynamic.
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?
Stand-up forces you to understand your own voice and perspective. You learn how to observe life’s absurdities and connect those insights to an audience. That skill has been incredibly valuable in acting because it helps me find authenticity in every moment—even the heavy ones. Comedy isn’t separate from drama; it’s another access point to the emotional core of a character.
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. I think humor is emotional glue. In the most intense moments, people still laugh—it’s how we survive discomfort. Being able to bring levity without undermining seriousness made the emotional beats feel real. That blend of comedy and depth is something I’m proud of in this performance.
War Machine explores themes of power, pressure, and consequence. What conversations do you hope the film sparks once audiences see it?
I hope people think about the bonds we form, how friendship and humor can live side by side with fear and danger. I hope they see that even in the darkest moments, connection matters. That’s what this story gave me, and I hope viewers feel it too.
As an Australian actor working across different markets and mediums, how do you stay grounded while navigating bigger productions and wider visibility?
Staying grounded is everything to me. I’ve worked every job imaginable while pursuing this. From barista, to retail, security and labor so I know what hustle feels like. Now I lean on routine, the people I love, and staying humble. The goal isn’t fame, it’s longevity and truth in every role.
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?
The thought that so many people—around the world—will have access to this story excites me. I hope they take away something real, something human. If they walk away feeling like they met “15”, then I’ve done my job.
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 open to anything that pushes me: emotionally, physically, creatively. Big roles, quiet roles, genre experiments as long as the story moves people. That’s always the compass. And if one day a project like a Red Hood adaptation comes knocking…well, I’ll be ready.
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