Owning the Narrative: Drew Dusterhoff Steps Into Power with Lincoln Must Die

Drew Dusterhoff isn’t just acting in Lincoln Must Die — he’s shaping it from the inside out. Taking on both a lead role and Executive Producer position, he approaches the project with precision, intent, and a refusal to simply participate in the industry. His portrayal of Reyes leans into quiet intensity, where restraint becomes power and silence speaks louder than words. With a vision rooted in control, discipline, and legacy-building, Drew is delivering a crime drama that doesn’t chase attention — it commands it, leaving a lasting impression long after the screen fades to black.

Drew, Lincoln Must Die sounds intense—what drew you to this project, and what made you want to take on both an acting role and an Executive Producer position?
The industry currently suffers from a lack of conviction. When this script reached my desk, I saw a rare opportunity to exert control over the narrative—not just as a performer, but as a strategist. I don’t wait for the tide to turn; I invest in the ground I stand on. Being an Executive Producer is simply the logical extension of my mission at Divine Entertainment. I am not here to participate in the industry; I am here to build a legacy that survives it.

Your character Reyes has a deeply personal and emotional backstory. How did you prepare to portray that tension between loyalty, jealousy, and ambition?
Reyes understands a truth many ignore: silence is a weapon. To find him, I didn’t look for ‘jealousy’ in the conventional sense. I looked for the focused, earthy intensity of a man who knows he is being underestimated. My preparation was about finding the stillness in his ambition. He doesn’t need to shout to be the most dangerous man in the room. He simply needs to be the most patient.

The film blends crime, Hollywood, and personal stakes. What do you think makes this story stand out from other crime dramas?
It possesses a specific, simmering weight. It doesn’t beg for your attention; it demands your observation. If you’re looking for a comparison, think of the atmospheric gravity of Sicario. It’s a film that leaves a residue. It’s tight, it’s unrelenting, and it respects the audience’s intelligence enough to let the shadows speak.

Playing an antagonist often requires nuance. How did you approach making Reyes feel complex rather than just a villain?
I don’t believe in ‘villains.’ I believe in men with objectives. Reyes has a family, a legacy to protect, and a specific code of survival. To make him real, I didn’t manufacture a performance—I located the truth in his necessity. Complex characters aren’t built through dialogue; they are built through the layers of what they refuse to say. I wanted Reyes to be a person who lives in your mind long after the screen goes dark because of the authority he carries.

With the film set to premiere later this year, what are you most excited for audiences to experience when they watch Lincoln Must Die?
I want the audience to experience a shift in the room. We poured a specific kind of discipline into this project, and that energy is palpable. Beyond the craft, I recognize this opportunity as a gift from the Divine. I’m ready for the work to speak for itself. Credits belong to the crew and the collective effort, but the experience belongs to the viewer. Observe, and you’ll see the love in the grit.