Theo James recently reflected on his role as a time traveler in HBO’s short-lived series, “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” during a candid chat with The Hollywood Reporter. Portraying Henry DeTamble, a character grappling with a genetic condition that propels him through time, James discussed the complexities of acting opposite himself in scenes where different versions of Henry interacted.
“I played against myself … I put everything into it — some of my best work,” James shared enthusiastically with THR. He admitted that he didn’t watch the show before its premiere, buoyed by the excitement and positive buzz surrounding the production. “When people react like, ‘F— yeah! This is f—ing awesome!’ anyone would feel good,” James quipped, expressing his own satisfaction with the series’ initial reception.
Based on the acclaimed 2003 novel and following a 2009 film adaptation starring Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana, HBO’s iteration of “The Time Traveler’s Wife” garnered favorable reviews. However, despite its promising start, the show was abruptly canceled after just one season in July 2022. Following the WarnerMedia and Discovery merger, the series, along with others, was later removed from HBO Max.
Reflecting on the abrupt end and subsequent removal from the streaming platform, James humorously recounted his initial reaction. “I thought, ‘Oh God. Oh God. I think I’ll have another drink.’ Then I had to show up to the thing, which had been f—ing destroyed,” he recalled, highlighting the rollercoaster nature of the entertainment industry.
In a separate conversation with Anthony Mackie for The Hollywood Reporter, James also opened up about how fatherhood has reshaped his perspective on career choices. As a father to a two-year-old daughter and a son born in 2023 with his wife Ruth Kearney, James acknowledged a significant shift in priorities. He noted how fatherhood has tempered his approach to selecting roles, moving away from merely “selling a product — yourself” in the early stages of his career.
“Kids helped that for me,” James remarked, indicating that his children have become a central influence in navigating professional decisions. Prior to fatherhood, James humorously admitted to taking on roles sometimes just for the sake of work, joking, “But I don’t want to take our kids out of school” for every exciting project that comes along. This newfound perspective underscores James’ evolved outlook on balancing career aspirations with family commitments, emphasizing the transformative impact of fatherhood on his life and career.
