Theo James, along with the rest of the Divergent crew, has been doing their share of press these days, and the British actor received his share of YouTube notoriety (and we mean that in a good way) earlier this week by swallowing a raw egg on the Late Show with David Letterman. Since Sylvester Stallone and Letterman each downed two eggs earlier in the evening, the affable James was more than ready to follow suit.

It’s these type of appearances, but most importantly his much talked about role as Four in Divergent, which should see a huge uptick in James’ promising career. Displaying an easy charm that’s matched with a rugged sensibility, the actor is definite leading man material.

During a recent press conference held in Los Angeles, the actor, whose previous film credits include You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger and Underworld: Awakening, talked about making smart choices with his future roles now that Divergent is on his resume. 

“I don’t think I’ve experienced it too much to be honest at the moment,” said James, who also headlined the CBS series Golden Boy. “The press tour we just did was interesting because suddenly we saw some of the fandom, but I don’t think perceptions of me has changed massively.”

“I think it will be important for me as I go on, because there are potentially three films, to make choices that are, as much as I love the character, to make smart choices that are different from him and the world that he everyone else in the film inhabits.”

In the following audio clip, Theo James talks about what makes Four a unique, masculine protagonist (he mentions Paul Newman in his response).

Divergent, co-starring Shailene Woodley (The Spectacular Now), opens March 21.

If you haven’t seen the egg swallow sequence on Letterman, check out the video below: