Tramell Tillman is in his boss era. On Monday night, the actor stepped out on the red carpet for the Los Angeles premiere of “Spider Man: Brand New Day,” debuting his long anticipated role as William “Bill” Metzger in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“Last night feels unreal,” says Tillman, the morning after the premiere. “I’m basking in the moment right now. I have to look through the photos to remind myself that it happened.”
His role in the film has drawn speculation an fan theories in months leading up to the release. In the comic books, Metzger is an X-Men villain, and Tillman’s role paves the way for future appearances — perhaps for the “X-Men” Phase 7 film, currently in development.
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“ It was a lot of love in the room, a lot of excitement,” Tillman said of the premiere crowd’s reaction to discovering his character on screen. “Watching the film with those who didn’t know anything about it, hearing the cheers, the gasps — it is so thrilling. I think that’s what’s so special about the moviegoing experience,” he adds. “I believe people were really excited and pleased with how this movie turned out. This story has a lot of heart, and there’s a lot of beauty to it. I think audiences, once it becomes available globally, will really see themselves within this story and appreciate it.”
For Tillman, the highlight of the premiere was sharing the moment with his team, including his manager, agent, publicist, stylist and makeup team. “The last time we were together was for the Emmys,” adds Tillman, who won the Emmy award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series last September for his role in Apple TV series “Severance.” “ And now to share a childhood dream coming true — and to share that moment with my team — is quite a gift. I wouldn’t be where I am if I didn’t have a team of people to support me and push me.”
Working with longtime stylist Chaise Dennis, Tillman opted for a double-breasted pinstripe Tom Ford suit and polka dot tie, paired with a Jaeger LeCoultre watch from the brand’s new collection and Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses.
“[Dennis] asked me, ‘So what’s the vibe? What do you wanna go with?’ And I couldn’t tell him much. I just told him that I really wanted to look sharp and clean. He pulled so many different looks that fit the bill, and there was one particular look specifically that locked in, and it was the Tom Ford suit,” Tillman says. “After [seeing] the movie, he understood why we went with that suit,” he adds. “ To really feel like a boss was exciting.”
Tillman has been collaborating with Dennis for the past four years, and credits the ease of their working relationship for creating memorable fashion moments on and off the red carpet.
“ We’ve been fortunate to be on best-dressed lists across the board and go to fashion shows, and to set a platform for me to be really considered in fashion spaces,” Tillman says. “I’ve always had an appreciation for looking good and really quality material, and I’m grateful for those doors to have been opened — and Chase is a big part of that.”
With “Spider-Man” out in theaters on Friday, Tillman is already heading back to work, where he’s channeling a different sort of boss energy.
“Just yesterday, I believe it was Dan Erickson, creator of ‘Severance,’ shared a post with a photo of Mark S. and Helly running through the hallways. And in the caption, it read something to the effect of, ‘It’s great to be back at work.’ So if that tells you anything, right after my work here in L.A., I will be going back to work,” Tillman says. “ There’s no rest for me — and I don’t mind it too much. If you’re fortunate to do what you love, you never work any day of your life.”
