Joseph Morgan - Herbert West: Reanimator
Joseph Morgan is an accomplished actor, director, writer, and producer whose career spans more than two decades across film and television, who will next star in Herbert West: ReAnimator, a modern-day reimagining of H.P. Lovecraft’s classic sci-fi horror tale.
Directed by Michael Grossman and written by Jade Sandberg Wallace, the project, produced by Woodlake Entertainment at the helm of Jeff Lewis, marks another exciting addition to Morgan’s growing slate of film and television work. Known for bringing intensity and complexity to his roles, Morgan’s involvement in Herbert West: ReAnimator further highlights his versatility and continued presence in genre-driven storytelling. Morgan will also serve as an Executive Producer on the film.
Elevated Magazines sat down with Joseph for a one on one with the next Herbert West: Reanimator.
Tell us why this role excites you.
Morgan: Herbert West is a product of his past and his unrivaled ambition. His obsession and his damage give him a unique perspective on life and its possibilities.
Why did you want to take on Herbert West?
Morgan: I recognized in West, the potential to explore someone who has essentially constructed his own reality, meaning he has warped the moral guidelines of society to suit his own ambitions. The unthinkable is allowable should it yield a greater good.
Were you familiar with the story before the director approached you for Herbert?
Morgan: No. I had never seen the 1985 film and I hadn’t read the short story (though I immediately read it after being approached).
What has it been like transforming to this part?
Morgan: I’ve loved every moment.
What are some acting techniques you applied to this role?
Morgan: One thing I did for this role, as I have done for many roles previously, is to keep a character journal. This contains many different images and inspirations, including poetry and quotes, anything that feels like the character to me. I also write much of the character’s thoughts and history inside, as well as how he feels about others and himself.
Now on a more personal note. What is your favorite genre of film?
Morgan: Horror/Fantasy.
What is your favorite horror movie?
Morgan: The Shining and Pan’s Labyrinth (though perhaps that is more dark fantasy than horror).
Where do you live when not shooting and where did you grow up?
Morgan: New York is where I live. I was born in London but I grew up in Swansea, Wales.
What inspired you to get into acting?
Morgan: The movies of my youth - Pulp Fiction, Heat, 12 Monkeys, Dusk til Dawn, The Shawshank Redemption, Leon, Interview with the Vampire, Braveheart, The Usual Suspects, Se7en, Trainspotting, Scream.
Who do you see as iconic actors that inspired your career, who are some of the greats to you, past and present?
Morgan: Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Daniel Day-Lewis, Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson, Cillian Murphy and Heath Ledger.
Who is a director you dream to work with?
Morgan: Guillermo Del Toro.
Anything else exciting to share?
My wife, Persia White and I have a production company called Morgan White Productions and we have another horror project in development called Tomb Town - When a haunted author returns to the snow-bound town of his childhood to unravel the mystery of his brother’s death, his search for a faceless killer blurs the line between the fiction he created and the truth he can’t escape.
Morgan’s Early Career: Trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, Morgan was cast before graduation by acclaimed director Peter Weir to co-star opposite Russell Crowe in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. Following standout performances in projects including Alexander, Ben Hur, The Vampire Diaries, and numerous acclaimed British television dramas, Morgan achieved international recognition for his portrayal of Klaus Mikaelson on The Vampire Diaries. The fan-favorite character led to the successful spin-off series The Originals, which ran for five seasons and earned Morgan multiple award nominations, including the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Actor in a New TV Series. Expanding his creative career behind the camera, Morgan directed three episodes of The Originals, earning praise for his distinctive visual style and storytelling. Most recently, Morgan starred as a series regular in Peacock’s Brave New World, HBO Max’s Titans (Season 4), and Paramount+ and Amblin Television’s Halo.
Filming took place this past summer in Illinois with the film slated for 2027.
Follow Joseph online @therealjosephmorgan on Instagram and X @JosephMorgan and follow @renanimatormovie on Instagram.
Reanimator BTS Image Credits: Matt Lief Anderson
