In an exclusive interview with AMFM Magazine’s Paul Salfen, veteran actor C. Thomas Howell opens up about his role in the high-stakes action thriller series One Mile: Chapter One and One Mile: Chapter Two now available on digital platforms from Republic Pictures and Paramount. Directed by Adam Davidson and starring Ryan Phillippe as Danny, a former special forces operative, the films deliver a gripping father-daughter survival story packed with intense action and unexpected twists.
Chapter One follows Phillippe’s character as he attempts to reconnect with his teenage daughter Alex (Amélie Hoeferle) during a college road trip. An unexpected detour leads them into the path of a secretive, off-the-grid community, resulting in Alex’s abduction and erupting into a high-octane fight for survival. Alone and outnumbered, Danny must use every skill from his past to track down the kidnappers, dismantle their operation, and bring his daughter home.
Chapter Two escalates the stakes: Danny is forced back onto a remote island when the violent, secretive community—seeking revenge—abducts his daughter once more. He launches a relentless hunt against enemies who anticipate his every move.
Howell plays Stanley Dixon, the formidable leader of this isolated group on the brink of collapse. Far from a cartoonish villain, Dixon is a pragmatic survivor willing to cross moral lines—including kidnapping and murder—to ensure his community’s sustainability.
“It’s not often you see a father-daughter action movie,” Howell shares in the conversation. “Ryan and Emily did a great job with that aspect.” He describes his character as “a capable man doing whatever it takes for the good of the whole,” adding, “Even though he’s willing to do bad things, I don’t think he’s a bad person per se. He’s just a leader of an off-grid culture that’s on the brink of collapse.”
The dual-chapter format—filmed simultaneously and released together on February 20, 2026—brought unique challenges. Shooting out of chronological order based on locations required foresight to maintain character arcs, tone, and intentions. Howell praises the collaborative effort to keep everything consistent.
“I didn’t anticipate them being released simultaneously, which I think is a benefit for all of us,” he says, noting the binge-watching era. “People who watch the first one are going to watch the second one immediately and not have to wait weeks and lose interest.”
Drawing on his stunt family background—his father was a stuntman—Howell relished the action sequences alongside Phillippe, a black belt with special forces training experience. “Choreographing stunt fights with somebody as capable as Ryan becomes fun… He was put through the ringer on this thing, and it was my job to make sure that happened. I enjoyed every moment of that.”
Reflecting on his 45-year career—from iconic roles in The Outsiders (prompting fans to still yell “Stay gold” or “Wolverines!”) to mentoring younger talent—Howell cherishes the evolution. “I used to be the youngest guy on the set. Now I’m one of the oldest, and I’m able to apply my knowledge and wisdom and share it with the youngsters.”
His advice for aspiring actors is straightforward: “Be prepared, show up on time, and make those around you better.” He emphasizes self-reliance: “Stop worrying about what others think… When you really learn to please yourself and understand when something is working, your work becomes a lot better.”
For intense scenes, his mantra is “100% committed and 110% unattached”—a lesson from directors like Coppola and Spielberg that keeps him open to organic moments on set.
The films promise pure entertainment: stunning locations, superb action, and thrilling left turns. “It’s a thrill ride,” Howell assures. “There are some left turns that I don’t think people will be ready for… When people get through the first one, they’re going to want to watch the second one right away.”
Howell shares a career “Hail Mary” from Southland, where a standout performance turned a planned exit into five seasons—proof that preparation pays off.
One Mile: Chapter One and One Mile: Chapter Two are available now to rent or own digitally. Dive into this intense survival saga and see C. Thomas Howell deliver a nuanced antagonist in one of the year’s most compelling action thrillers.
Interview conducted by Paul Salfen for AMFM Magazine.
