Henry Thomas Reflects on High Ground, Jon Voight, Mike Flanagan, and E.T. The Ride – Interview

Henry Thomas discusses High Ground and his most fun film roles.

Henry Thomas has built a diverse and enduring career, from his breakout role in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to various projects spanning multiple genres. Now, he stars in High Ground, an intense modern Western thriller set to release digitally on March 18, 2025. The film, directed by James Bamford, also stars Charlie Weber, Jon Voight, Katherine McNamara, and Dustin Ingram.

In a conversation about his latest project, Thomas shared his enthusiasm for the film’s unique tone and his rare opportunity to play a hardened character with a dark past.

“I read the script and thought, ‘Wait, is this a Western?’” Thomas said. “It felt like a classic Western story set in relatively modern times. I don’t get to play a lot of tough guys, so this was fun. Usually, I’m on the other end of the gun.”

Working with a Legend: Jon Voight

The film’s ensemble cast features veteran actor Jon Voight, whom Thomas praised for his energy and dedication. “He’s great,” Thomas said. “Physically, he’s very spry, and mentally, he’s very quick. It’s great to see—it’s very life-affirming. I can only hope that I’m still doing this in 20 or 30 years.”

Henry Thomas’ Love for Westerns

Although Thomas has worked across numerous genres, he expressed a deep fondness for Westerns, citing The Searchers, The Outlaw Josey Wales, and High Plains Drifter as some of his favorites. He also noted his desire to do more Westerns in the future.

“I was born in the wrong time for the superhero thing,” Thomas joked. “I’ve done a few Westerns, and they’ve been the most fun I’ve ever had on a film set—riding horses, shooting guns. It’s a lot of fun.”

Collaborating with Mike Flanagan

Henry Thomas has worked multiple times with filmmaker Mike Flanagan, known for The Haunting of Hill House and The Fall of the House of Usher. He spoke highly of Flanagan’s storytelling abilities and precise directorial style.

“Mike always has a very, very good script,” Thomas said. “The stories are always interesting, and he creates great opportunities for actors. He has a strict vision of how he wants things done, and I think some actors thrive under that.”

Thomas also expressed excitement about Flanagan’s upcoming Clayface movie, though he admitted he hasn’t heard much about it since completing House of Usher.

Revisiting E.T. Through Universal’s Iconic Ride

While E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial remains one of the most beloved films of all time, Thomas hasn’t revisited Universal Studios’ E.T. Adventure ride since its opening in 1990. “I was one of the first, if not the first, to ride it—along with Steven Spielberg and Dee Wallace,” Thomas recalled.

Despite Universal’s previous attempts to retire the ride, fan outcry has kept it alive in Orlando. Thomas acknowledged the ride’s nostalgic significance. “It becomes part of people’s childhoods,” he said. “It’s like the film itself—people remember it as the movie they saw with their parents or grandparents. That connection makes it special.”

Henry Thomas Looks Ahead

With High Ground marking another strong performance in his career, Henry Thomas remains open to a variety of roles but hopes to return to the Western genre. “I’d love to do more,” he said. “Whatever happens, thanks for watching.”

High Ground is now available on digital via Republic Pictures, a Paramount Pictures label.

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