Joseph Quinn and Charles Melton Honor Retired Navy SEAL in New Film “Warfare”
Actors Joseph Quinn and Charles Melton recently took part in a heartfelt tribute to retired U.S. Navy SEAL Elliott Miller during the promotion of their upcoming film, Warfare. This tribute was organized by co-directors Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland, emphasizing their collaboration on a narrative steeped in real military experiences.
The friendship between Mendoza and Garland began when Mendoza, a retired SEAL himself, served as a military advisor during the filming of Garland’s previous project, Civil War. Mendoza shared the compelling story of his comrade, Elliott Miller, detailing their platoon’s risky evacuation during a mission in 2006 in Al Qaeda-controlled Ramadi, Iraq. Inspired by this true account, Garland decided to weave this narrative into their next film, appointing Mendoza as co-writer and co-director of Warfare.
Warfare centers around Mendoza’s team of SEALs, dubbed Operation 1, who were surveilling an urban area when they faced an onslaught from hostile insurgents. This ambush resulted in grave injuries to both Miller (played by Cosmo Jarvis) and Quinn’s character, Sam, inspired by fellow SEAL Joe Hildebrand. Particularly, Miller was unconscious for the majority of the tumultuous rescue efforts, with Warfare serving as Mendoza’s tribute to recount the crucial events of that day through the memories of his fellow combat veterans.
Melton resonated deeply with Miller’s story, stating, “Through this art form and this gift from Ray and Alex, [Elliott Miller] can now actually see what happened to him on this specific day. It’s something indescribable.” He also shared a personal connection, having a father who dedicated 24 years to the Army, including five in Iraq and Afghanistan, further amplifying the film’s emotional impact on him and his family.
Quinn’s demanding role required him to portray extreme emotional pain, often expressing it through agonizing cries. Although he preferred to deflect praise to the collective effort, Melton highlighted the dedication of both Quinn and Jarvis during the filming process. “Joe and Cosmo Jarvis spent two weeks crying, screaming, and yelling. It brought this heightened sense that kept it so alive. I’ve never seen anything like it,” he commented.
In the spring of 2024, the film’s set in London welcomed several surviving SEALs, including Miller, whose insight and firsthand accounts were instrumental in authentically shaping the film’s narrative. Mendoza emphasized the significant transformation he and his crew experienced during these intense filming periods, characterizing it as “the death of his youth.”
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Quinn and Melton discussed their unique experiences on set, including mentions of their future projects, such as The Fantastic Four: First Steps and the second season of Beef.
Behind the Scenes: Immersive Experiences Shape “Warfare”
Reflecting on their time together during filming, Melton elaborated on the immersive nature of the project, revealing that many of their interactions were informal yet deep in nature. “We trained together, ate together, and lived together, which was very formative,” Quinn added. This shared experience was crucial in establishing the camaraderie necessary to portray their characters authentically.
Quinn noted how the presence of actual SEALs from the 2006 mission provided crucial context and authenticity. He remarked that these veterans’ recollections filled memory gaps, making the portrayal more profound and relatable. “They were so kind and generous with their time,” he expressed.
Melton reiterated the authenticity shared between the two directors, stating they balanced responsibilities while creating a supportive atmosphere for the cast. He stated, “It was all a beautiful dance… a beautiful kind of concoction.”
Quinn also touched on the physical and emotional demands of his role, describing how a supportive environment on set helped mitigate the challenges he faced during filming. “It was a shared endeavor. I never felt alone in it,” he explained.
Both actors acknowledged the use of humor by soldiers, even in bleak moments, recognizing it as a natural response to the tension they faced. According to Quinn, “You have to find levity in the most macabre moments in your life. It’s a survival tool.”
The Power of Sound in Storytelling
Another remarkable aspect of Warfare is its sound design. Melton pointed out that the absence of a traditional score allowed for a more immersive experience, enabling viewers to interpret scenes through raw sound and silence. “On set, everything was created to be immersive so that we could really experience it all in real time,” he noted, highlighting the actors firing real blanks and the use of ambient sounds recorded on set.
Discussing the blurred faces in the film’s epilogue, Quinn suggested it was often to protect the identities of active-duty servicemen. “It’s important to preserve their anonymity and their ability to remain in service,” he stated. Meanwhile, Melton underscored the humility and respect that characterize the SEAL community, emphasizing their understated way of life.
Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Memories
As Quinn prepares for his role in The Fantastic Four, he affectionately recalls his previous collaboration with director Matt Shakman, recognizing how those earlier experiences shaped their current dynamic. The camaraderie built on set for Warfare holds a profound significance for both actors, with Melton particularly noting a day on set where they recognized the rarity of such powerful experiences in their careers.
“We have a very abundant group chat full of silly boys, so that’s always a good thing,” Quinn concluded, illustrating the light-hearted friendships born from intense experiences.
Warfare is set to hit theaters nationwide on April 11.