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‘Bad Times’ takes Hamm on another visit to 1960s
Actor says movie is ‘so different’ than Emmy-winning role
You are not imagining things. That is Jon Hamm fully turned out in 1960s-era attire for “Bad Times at the El Royale,” the first time he has revisited the era since his career-defining, Emmy-winning role as Don Draper in AMC’s “Mad Men.” But Hamm is a long way from Madison Avenue (and Draper’s exquisite wardrobe) as traveling salesman Laramie Seymour Sullivan, who checks into the once-glamorous El Royale resort. Sullivan’s loud demeanor and louder plaid suit jacket are so out there that Hamm knew it was a big step from his famous character: “It was like, ‘I think we can work with this.’ ” Hamm talks to USA TODAY about his stay at the “El Royale” (in theaters Oct. 12), the best Batman, what’s not wrong with baseball and everything he could say about his role in “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Question: So what did you say when they called about this “El Royale” part, which meant revisiting the “Mad Men” era?
Jon Hamm: Obviously, I’m hyperaware of the awareness that comes with being me in a ’60s period piece. I’ve lost roles because of that. I’ve talked people out of casting me in roles. It’s too reminiscent. You don’t want that thing. But this is so different, Sullivan’s so flamboyant. He’s so not Don Draper.
Q: That “El Royale” set is so elaborate. Were there real ice machines?
Hamm: There were no ice machines, but there were definitely beds and Bibles, that’s for sure. I could have slept there . ... It’s definitely the biggest set I’ve ever been on. I’ve had that immersive feel certainly on “Mad Men,” when you walk through the office and all the papers and all the minutiae are period-accurate. It really does help. It help forms the way the movie looks and the way it feels being there.
Q: I have to go to Batman, because the idea is so out there about you being in line as the next Caped Crusader.
Hamm: It’s on social media, but it’s not really a thing. You know that, right?
Q: Can you give an idea of how intense the security is around “Top Gun: Maverick” secrets?
Hamm: You are handed the script in an envelope. And the person who hands it to you sits and waits until you have finished the script, and then you give it back. It’s very hush-hush.
Q: Can you just tell us your character’s name?
Hamm: No, I cannot. But it is a cool name.
Q: There’s an ongoing discussion about speeding up the pace of Major League Baseball or making changes. As the world’s biggest St. Louis Cardinals’ fan, what should be done?
Hamm: First of all, it’s not broken. The last three World Series were the most exciting I have seen in some time. The product they are putting out is pretty great. In terms of pace, if you want baseball to be basketball, you should watch basketball. For me, the exciting part of baseball is the pastoral part of it. There is no better evening than going to a baseball game.
Q: So no changes?
Hamm: I would get rid of the designated hitter. The DH is an abomination.