Alex Wolff Unveils Secrets of 'The Line,' Touring with Billie Eilish, and Experiences with Christopher Nolan: A Journey of Artistic Indulgence
Patience has paid off for Alex Wolff, who has shown commitment to Ethan Berger’s The Line for nearly a decade. This fraternity-centric drama takes us on a rollercoaster ride of youthful exuberance and dark revelations as Wolff portrays Tom “Sunshine” Backster. Tom dives headfirst into the all-too-glorious benefits of joining the fictional Kappa Nu Alpha fraternity, reveling in the camaraderie and brotherhood—at least until the honeymoon phase crumbles into hazy darkness. Hazing takes center stage when his best friend, Mitch Mitchell (Bo Mitchell), goes to shocking extremes with the new pledges, leaving Tom to grapple with the implications of his choices and the toxicity that breeds both in fraternity halls and personal relationships, particularly with Halle Bailey’s Annabelle Bascom. Ultimately, the film casts a stark light on a reality far too many know all too well: the devastating consequences of the vile rituals that haunt college campuses everywhere.
From the tender age of six, Wolff has been fortunate enough to earn his living as a performer, but he has opted out of a traditional college experience. However, true to form, he went above and beyond in preparing for this role—spending a week absorbing the atmosphere of a South Carolina fraternity. “You feel like you have an authority... It’s a place where you might inflict some of your personal pain on someone else, and feel encouraged to do so. That behavior is the bottom of humanity,” Wolff reflects in an interview. His emotional rollercoaster was undeniable: the thrill of college camaraderie, mingling with the awful dread of hazing customs that seem to belong in a bygone era.
It’s not all serious subjects for Wolff, though. He and his older brother, Nat, have been making music together since their appearance in The Naked Brothers Band: The Movie, a delightful little gem directed by their mother, Polly Draper. Fast forward to a recent Oscar party where serendipity struck, and Alex crossed paths with the phenomenal Billie Eilish. While there to celebrate Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, little did he know it would lead to a musical collaboration that somehow makes this astro-empire seem all too small. Eilish not only produced one of their songs but contributed her ethereal voice. Talk about hitting the cosmic jackpot.
As for his time in Oppenheimer, Wolff’s portrayal of physicist Luis Walter Alvarez features a scene that packs quite the punch—literally! He makes a dramatic exit from a barbershop, sprinting to alert “Oppie” (Cillian Murphy) that the Germans have split the atom. “It doesn’t matter if you have one line or if you’re there every day; Chris Nolan makes you feel like it’s the most important thing you’ve ever done,” Alex shares. With Nolan, even a fleeting moment feels monumental—a lesson in the art of filmmaking that could reshape a career.
In a recent exchange, Wolff’s candidness gleams brighter than his Hollywood peers. “First off, thanks for taking a break from hanging out with global pop sensations to be here today,” the laughter rolls out as observers are reminded that for all the glitz and glamour, it’s those genuine connections that matter most. Was Billie Eilish a longtime fan? “I’m not really sure. Hopefully,” he muses, recalling the instant rapport they struck when they played music together at Coachella. A feeling that many would envy, to say the least.
Switching gears, the conversation dips into heavier themes: tackling hazing culture and fraternity life. “It was the script that drew me in, and then Ethan’s vision captivated me. This film doesn’t just show what happens; it sheds light on how such traditions have evolved, woven with sensitivity.” But as deeply fascinating as it is, there’s a sobering clarity woven into the discourse of fraternity traditions and the damaging ‘sanctity’ of those that refuse to protect the lives of impressionable young men.
Although Wolff didn’t walk the traditional college path, it’s hard not to wonder if a part of him didn’t secretly wish for a glimpse into those carefree days amidst his deep dive into hazing culture. “I had already lived with a fraternity for a week to prepare, and oh, the wave of emotions!” he reflects, as he recalls the intoxicating allure of belonging that so many young men chase, sometimes at the expense of their well-being.
And now, as he reminisces about his late co-star Angus Cloud—whose passing left a gaping hole in hearts and on the screen—Wolff’s luminous admiration shines through. “Angus was so in the moment and pure. There wasn’t a second of phoniness. I felt privileged to be in the same room with him.” A heartfelt confession that wraps the audience in warmth, reminding us of the fleeting treasures in our lives.
As for other roles—like portraying the legendary Leonard Cohen in So Long, Marianne? Wolff admits, “The pressure is tremendously high.” But it’s in these pivotal moments, whether on stage or screen, where he finds his voice, alongside familiar figures who inspire growth in a legendary lineage spanning across music, film, and storytelling. So whether he’s in the spotlight, behind the camera, or strumming a chord on stage with Eilish, Alex Wolff embodies a creative spirit that whirls through each venture with the heart of an artist, eager to leave his mark.
The Line is currently playing in select theaters. In this whirlwind of creativity, who knows where the journey will