Thomas Belesis: The Real Financial Star of “Wall Street” Sequel

Oliver Stone’s much anticipated sequel to Wall Street opened at Cannes film festival with great reviews from audience and critics. Set in New York City, the film takes place 23 years after the original, revolving around the 2008 financial crisis. Michael Douglas will reprise his role as Gordon Gekko. The film will also star Shia LaBeouf, Josh Brolin, Carey Mulligan, Eli Wallach, Susan Sarandon, Vanessa Ferlito and Frank Langella in supporting roles.  Many praised once more Stone’s authentic approach of Wall Street, something that was achieved with the help of  Greek-American Thomas Belesis, one of Wall Street’s real financial stars.

Thomas, who has also a role in “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps”, was Oliver Stone’s adviser in order to make the film look most authentic to wall street. The Greek-American is the real life CEO of John Thomas Financial, one of the most up & coming investment firms on Wall Street which he found together with his brother George four years ago. The company began by employing four people and today has more than two hundred brokers. We met Thomas at his office on Wall Street and we discussed how it is for a CEO to turn into an actor, even for a few takes.

How did Oliver Stone approach you?

While researching trading firms on wall street , the management of the trump building had recommended to Oliver Stone and his staff to go see the trading floor [where they film part of Wall Street] at John Thomas Financial. When Oliver and I first met we hit it off right away, he had asked me if I wanted to be in the movie and I accepted

Did you feel comfortable on set?

Very much, it was my element and knew that I could deliver the performance  that was needed

What was your best experience while being on set?

Consulting on the scene as to how authentic it could really look by my recommendations

Did you find any similarities between the Hollywood (movie) world and wall street?

Of course There are a lot of similarities between both the Hollywood movie and the real wall street

Please tell us a few words about your experience at the Cannes film festival?

The energy there was amazing, especially  amongst all the cast members and everyone there in support of this film. Everyone  was so excited to see this film. It was a very memorable moment

Would you like to act again in the future?

It depends what type of film and who is directing, I would love to do a war movie  with Oliver Stone ,absolutely. He was great and I would work with him again if he asked me to.