Emile Hirsch Talks ‘Dead Money’ and His High-Stakes Poker Journey
The highly anticipated poker-crime thriller Dead Money has officially dropped on Video on Demand (VOD) and in select theaters. Starring Emile Hirsch, known for hits like Into the Wild, Speed Racer, and The Autopsy of Jane Doe, the film immerses viewers in a high-stakes world where poker becomes a matter of life and death. Hirsch plays Andy, a man who finds himself playing the largest poker game of his life after a home game robbery spirals out of control. Alongside his girlfriend Chloe (played by India Eisley), Andy is thrust into a dangerous 24-hour ordeal.
Directed by Luc Walpoth and written by former poker player Josh Wilcox, the film, originally titled Degenerate, boasts a strong supporting cast with industry veterans like David Keith, Jack Earle Haley, Rory Culkin, and Peter Facinelli. The poker community has taken particular interest in the movie due to its poker accuracy, and it has garnered positive reviews from critics who praise its authenticity.
In an exclusive interview, Hirsch shared his excitement about the project and discussed his preparation, the research process, and some crazy high-stakes poker experiences.
Authenticity is Key
Hirsch was first drawn to the film after working with the producers on another project, Walden. He was intrigued by the script’s poker-centric storyline, written by Josh Wilcox, who used to grind at Hustler Casino. This gave the screenplay a unique authenticity that stood out to Hirsch.
“Josh used to be a real grinder. The screenplay had this cool authenticity to it that I found kind of rare,” Hirsch explained. “I knew if I wanted to do this role justice, I’d have to dive deep into poker and learn from the pros.”
Despite being a recreational player before landing the role, Hirsch knew he had to up his game. His previous poker experience was limited, having only played casually and often losing. “I’d play every couple of years, lose savagely, and then just quit,” he said with a laugh. However, with the movie on the horizon, he was eager to step back into the world of poker—and this time, he wanted to win.
A Taste of High Stakes
To truly prepare, Hirsch’s producers set him up with a high-stakes poker game run by none other than Alan Keating. This experience, according to Hirsch, was both exhilarating and humbling.
“We played for two nights. On the first night, I lost over six figures,” Hirsch said. “You have to remember, the most I’d ever lost gambling before that was $1,000. I went home that night and felt sick to my stomach.”
But the second night took an even more dramatic turn. Hirsch, who had already lost half his stack and was on the verge of going under, managed to hit a heater that turned the game around. “I came all the way back from being down and basically got even. I felt like Rocky at the end of the movie. It was just crazy.”
This intense experience not only added to his poker skills but also gave Hirsch valuable insights into the psyche of a high-stakes poker player. “It was a completely surreal experience for me,” he said.
Poker On and Off the Set
Even after filming wrapped, Hirsch continued to dabble in poker, occasionally playing $5-$5 games at Hustler Casino, Hollywood Park, or The Commerce. He even flew under the radar at the 2023 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, although it didn’t go quite as planned.
“I did terribly,” Hirsch admitted with a smile. “I fell in love with my aces, and the guy turned straight. It was classic donkey behavior.”
A Creative Outlet with a Poker Twist
In addition to immersing himself in poker, Hirsch discovered another creative outlet that brought him closer to the game—painting. He began creating portraits of some of the high-stakes players he met, and soon poker pros like Alan Keating and Nik Airball were commissioning paintings from him.
“I started doing paintings of these players, and it was just an awesome way to tap into the poker world while also using my creative skills. I joked that I’d use my paintings to bankroll my poker play.”
A Strong Cast and Director
While Hirsch shines as Andy, he credits much of the film’s success to his co-stars and director, Luc Walpoth. “India Eisley and Peter Facinelli were both fantastic. One of the real strengths of the film is the cast and the specificity of the performances that Luc got out of everyone,” Hirsch said.
Walpoth, in a statement, shared his vision for the film, praising the cast and highlighting how poker’s dark, adrenaline-fueled world drew him to the project. “We’ve all seen poker movies, but a select few stand out as classics. Dead Moneyfelt different—dark, violent, yet uniquely humorous.”
What’s Next?
With Dead Money now released, Hirsch plans to remain involved in the poker world to some extent. “I’ll still be around the scene. I’ve made some great friends through this project, and I watch a lot of poker content—Hustler Casino Live, The Lodge, and all the poker vlogs from guys like Mariano and Rampage.”
Hirsch also noted how poker has become more than just a game for him, calling it a way to strengthen life skills. “Poker makes you think about life in a different way. It sharpens your ability to read situations and people, and it teaches you patience. It’s a skill you can carry into everyday life.”
With Dead Money out now, poker enthusiasts and crime thriller fans alike will want to check out this gripping film. Whether you’re drawn by the poker authenticity or the edge-of-your-seat tension, it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves high-stakes drama.