Why Aussie star Jai Courtney let Margot Robbie ‘tattoo him’

They starred together in a Hollywood blockbuster – and a bizarre chain of events led to Margot Robbie permanently ‘inking’ Jai Courtney. Here’s what happened.

From John McClane’s son Jack in A Good Day To Die Hard [2013] to Captain Boomerang in the Suicide Squad movies, you have played key roles in blockbuster movie franchises. What role do you get most recognised for?

It would have to be [the 2010 TV series] Spartacus, which was one of my first roles. That show is one of those weird sleeper hits where I will be in Morocco, and I will get recognised for Spartacus. Or shooting something in Italy? Spartacus. Any weird corner of the globe, it’s that one for sure. But I must have one of those faces because I get recognised for things I wasn’t even in. I had to let some kid down once in an airport because he was certain I was in the Bourne movies. I had to tell him I wasn’t, and he was so disappointed.

Was it a childhood dream to work with the likes of Bruce Willis, Tom Cruise [in 2012’s Jack Reacher] and Arnold Schwarzenegger [in 2015’s Terminator Genisys]?

I have been fortunate to share the screen with some absolute legends, and it’s a lot of fun. To

do a Terminator film? That was bananas because I was such a huge fan of those movies growing up. Tom is obviously an absolute legend. It’s been a few years now since I have done anything with those fellas, but I certainly feel lucky to have done so. They are all role models to me.

Jai Courtney. Picture: Getty Images

You are largely based in Los Angeles. Apart from friends and family, what do you miss most about home?

We have the best beer in the world. It’s true, believe me, because I have sunk a few in cities all over the world and I always look forward to the ones I have at home most. I like a Coopers Pale [Ale], but I’m not too fussy.

Do you look for jobs that will bring you back to Australia?

I’ve been lucky enough to come back probably every few years, usually to do something I’m passionate about. We have great stories in Australian cinema and TV and wonderful filmmakers … I grew up on Australian film and TV, so being able to contribute to that is a priority.

Growing up, which Aussie film or TV show had the biggest impact on you?

I always loved the world of low-rent crime figures and Australia always did that really well. So, Chopper [2000] and Two Hands [1999] were films that I had on VHS and would watch on repeat in my teens. Chopper [starring Eric Bana as Mark “Chopper” Read] is a film that I now insist on screening for people wherever I can. It’s kind of hard to get your hands on over here [in the US] because it’s not on any of the streamers, but if I ever meet someone on a job who hasn’t seen it, I force it upon them. It’s one of my favourite performances of all time. Eric Bana in that is incredible.

Does Eric know that you’ve been showcasing his work to all and sundry in Hollywood?

[Laughs] I hope that he’s aware of it after this conversation.

Another Aussie whose work you have spruiked is Margot Robbie. Apparently, you let her tattoo you …

The whole group of people who were in the first Suicide Squad [in 2016] tattooed each other. I was very lucky to have someone as friendly and talented as Margot put one on me. I’ve got to say, though, it’s not my favourite tattoo. It was the result of [losing] a bet and says “QLD” for Queensland [where Margot grew up], and I’m a proud New South Welshman. It was all to do with the State of Origin [football tournament] not going my way, and now I have to live with that.

Margot Robbie co-starred with Jai Courtney in 2016’s Suicide Squad. Picture: AFP

Will Smith was also in Suicide Squad with you. Did you watch last year’s Oscars when he walked onstage and slapped Chris Rock, and what do you make of the incident?

[Pauses] Really? Are we going to go there? I think it was unfortunate. Will is a wonderful person and a wonderful teacher. I’m sure a lot of people learnt a lot from that. I don’t really have much else to contribute. Everyone involved has had enough to say about it.

A lot of people will be wondering why a movie star would want to do a reality TV show. What made you decide to host the new TV series The Summit?

I approach this like any creative endeavour. I had to look at who was making it, what was involved and what would be asked of me. I actually love this space; as an audience member, I get into this kind of program. And what’s exciting about The Summit is that it pushes the boundaries of what we’ve seen in competition and adventure TV.

Could you explain a little of what’s involved?
Fourteen Australians from all walks of life signed up for an adventure without knowing what’s ahead of them. They’re tasked with trying to summit an epic mountain. The cherry on top is they are all carrying an equal share of $1 million in cash on their backs. Whoever makes it up there, whatever cash they are able to carry, will take the final prize. There are a lot of twists and turns along the way.

Do you enjoy pushing your own limits?

I’d rather jump off a mountain than climb up one. Certainly, I have done training for things – and often with film or TV work there’s a new skill you have to take on in order to inhabit a character – and I love that kind of thing. [But] is hiking up the side of a mountain my idea of a good time? No.

The Summit premieres at 7pm next Sunday on the Nine Network.

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Originally published as Why Aussie star Jai Courtney let Margot Robbie ‘tattoo him’