Lars Arentz-Hansen played Buggs in The Beach, alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Tilda Swinton, Virginie Ledoyen, and a host of other talented actors under Danny Boyle’s visionary direction. His performance added a fascinating layer to the film’s eclectic community, making Buggs a standout character. We caught up with Lars to discuss his journey into acting, his time on The Beach, and what’s next for him.
The Journey to The Beach
How did you land the role of Buggs?
“I first met casting director Gail Stevens and director Danny Boyle before my screen test. Initially, I auditioned for one of ‘the Swedes,’ but I suspected that my Scandinavian look didn’t quite match Hollywood’s blonde, blue-eyed stereotype. During the audition, I asked Danny if they’d cast Buggs yet. In The Beach novel by Alex Garland, he’s South African, so I wasn’t sure if I’d fit. Three weeks after I was turned down for the Swedes, I got the call—Buggs was mine.”
The Beach Experience
What were the highlights of filming?
“It was my first major production, and every moment was incredible. We spent three months in Thailand, living and working together in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The crew, the cast, the whole experience—it was just unforgettable.”
What was it like working with Leonardo DiCaprio and the rest of the cast?
“It was a mix of seasoned professionals and fresh faces. Some of the actors had been in the industry for a while and were incredibly skilled, while others were just starting out. It created a unique dynamic, which I think translated really well onto the screen.”
You played the group’s carpenter—are you any good at carpentry?
“Not really! I’ve played a carpenter at least four times in my career, but I wouldn’t trust myself with any real-life handiwork.”
Life Before and After The Beach
You originally studied law. When did you decide to switch to acting?
“I studied law in Oslo but felt drawn to the creative world. I moved to Cape Town and studied drama at the University of Cape Town. It’s a fantastic drama school, and I knew I wanted to act—I just wasn’t sure I’d be able to make a career out of it.”
You’ve lived in Norway, Cape Town, London, and LA. Where’s your favourite place?
“I’d love to settle somewhere warm. Coming from Norway, I have a natural hatred for the cold.”
Behind the Scenes of Acting
What’s the scariest part of an audition?
“Being emotionally flat. Forgetting lines is one thing, but chasing an emotion when you’re not in the right headspace is terrifying.”
What’s the strangest thing a role has required you to do?
“Apart from awkward sex scenes in a Norwegian TV series, I once had to spend hours in freezing cold river water in Spain for a scene. I refused at first, but they gave me a bottle of whisky to warm up. I drank as much as I could, then just went for it. By the end, I was so cold, I might as well have been the rocks in my own whisky.”
What do you wish you’d known when starting out?
“To relax and trust the process more.”
Who would be your dream co-stars?
“Daniel Day-Lewis, Meryl Streep, and Dame Judi Dench.”
The Ups and Downs of the Industry
What’s the hardest part of being an actor?
“The constant uncertainty about where the next job is coming from.”
And the best part?
“Booking a job and finally being able to relax—for a little while.”
Did you fully understand what you were getting into when you chose acting?
“Not at all.”
Looking Ahead
What’s next for you?
“I have two scripts I’m really passionate about and would love to bring to life. Now, I just need to find someone with a lot of money!”
Lars has come a long way from his law school days in Oslo, carving out an exciting career in the entertainment industry. With a mix of stage, film, and television roles under his belt, we can’t wait to see what he does next. And if this interview has left you nostalgic for The Beach, go on—give it another watch!
