Sam Claflin Discusses Global Fame Following ‘Me Before You’ and ‘Lazarus’

Sam Claflin skyrocketed to international fame through hit films like *Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides* (2011), *Me Before You* (2016), and the *Hunger Games* series. Now, as he anticipates the launch of his new thriller series, *Lazarus*, he discusses the implications of his global fanbase.

“I try not to dwell on my popularity too much, as it brings additional pressure. I feel fortunate that people engage with my work. My priority is to honor both myself and my audience, albeit I no longer want to carry the burden of solely making them happy,” he shares. Grateful for the support he’s received during tough periods, Sam expresses optimism about the future, noting, “The best is yet to come.”

Sam reflects on working with renowned figures like Bill Nighy and author Harlan Coben, describing it as a “dream come true.” He remarks, “Though I worked with Bill in the past, we never had many scenes together. This time, the opportunity to engage with him was a true gift. He pushes you to improve as an actor and is incredibly generous.” About Harlan, he adds, “His storytelling is phenomenal. I’ve always admired his works, so joining this project was a simple choice for me.”

Portraying Joel Lazarus came with emotional challenges. “Filming took a toll on me; after wrapping up, I went through a ‘mini breakdown.’ I hadn’t realized how profoundly the mental strain had affected my personal life. The role was demanding, but I was eager to give it my all. Thankfully, my colleagues and the production team offered immense support throughout,” he admits.

Sam expresses excitement for a potential visit to India, appreciating the love from his Indian fans. “I’ve always wanted to experience India. It’s on my travel wishlist, especially since a friend lives in Goa,” he concludes.