THE LONELY ROAD TO THEO

It’s no easy task taking on an iconic character from a beloved novel, especially one like author Donna Tartt’s Theodore Decker. To get into Theo’s headspace, Ansel Elgort isolated himself ahead of filming. “I spent days alone wandering the streets in the cold. I spoke to no one to feel the isolation and disconnection Theo was feeling while he was there.” The actor, 25, shares more with Us.

Q: What drew you to Theo?

What I love about the story is how it engages both the

heart and the mind. You quickly connect with Theo and want to follow him through this epic journey as he tries to leave tragedy behind and find love and happiness.

Q: How did you tap into the character? Director John Crowley and I spent a lot of time talking about him. Theo has moments of fun, but he’s not a lighthearted person. He’s carrying a lot of weight and trauma, and he’s been living a lie for a long time. He’s a tortured soul.