From the early 2000’s Josua Benavidez has been working behind the scenes on many Triple A games.

Now being the Design Director at Insomniac Games for the PlayStation 5 exclusive Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and thanks to PlayStation HQ, STG was able to have a one on one with Josua about his work in the game and what PlayStation players can expect from Insomniac Games’ latest webbed hero’s adventure, before the game’s release.

Shane: Hey Josua, thanks for chatting to us here at STG. Great to meet you. So the map of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a reimagined New York. Can you tell us about the favourite parts of this now expanded city?

Josua: Yeah, so I really wanted to see a lot of details added in to the game, The likes of, you know, Amy’s House, Peter’s Aunt, May’s houses, and so you get to see part of his neighbourhood where he went to school. You’ll actually get to visit Peter’s High School. And then for Brooklyn and  it was great to be able to add because Brooklyn has so much iconic landmarks to it. And so we added lots of really interesting areas, including  Coney Island and Brooklyn also ties into Miles (Miles Morales). That’s actually where Miles is going to school. And so that’s part of our game. It was like Miles and his journey as he’s finishing up high school.

Shane: Now there’s always complications when you build a game. Was it hard coming in to this second game when expectations were already set high?

Josua: Well, one of the things we wanted to do is to make sure that there is something new for players to explore and you know, we wanted to give them an experience that’s  new and exciting. One of the ways that we went about delivering on that was adding new traversal measures, new traversal moves. We added the web wings, which is great because it’s a new traversal feature that allows you to glide around. It works really well with swinging, but also allows you to explore and kind of see the city in a new way.

You can swing, but also you can kind of glide over the tops and with that it also allowed us to add more traversal features to the world. So we’ve got wind tunnels and we’ve got updrafts, these allow you to play with the city in a way that you didn’t have before. And then also we’ve got the two heroes.

And so we did have the Miles Morales game, but this is the first time we actually have two full Spider-Man heroes at the same time, right. And so being able to switch between them was another thing that we thought would really help add to creating a new experience. You get to see two different spider arcs, Hero arcs, right? Cause we’ve got Miles who has his own arc and his own story and journey that he goes through. And so does Peter, right. And Peter’s is very heavily tied to the symbio. And so you’ve got both of them kind of going on their own journeys and so that allows players to experience things from two different sides, but then also of course, you know, they converge together.

Shane: Without giving any spoilers, what is your favourite part of the game?

Josua: I don’t have a favourite part. I love, you know so much in the game.

There’s so many great moments. I love the story, I think it’s amazing. It’s great. It’s just such a great story for telling, you know, the journey that Peter Peter goes through. I love a lot of the new things that we’ve done with the open world and spider bots. I guess that’s kind of a little bit of a spoiler, but like, you know, spider bots were really fun thing that we got to add to the game.

Shane: What what I found when I was playing Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is that I would deviate a lot from the main story because the city was so dynamic and there is so much going on.

Josua: There’s a lot of little twists and then we have lots of great missions that have a creative take on the experience. And so we thought about the missions and what players would expect from a big Marvel blockbuster game experience, right? But then we also have missions that are more playing to kind of the characters of the city and are a little bit more character driven. And so I love that we have that balance right that we’ve got all these different scales that people can engage within.

Shane: So you’re the Design Director for Spider-Man 2, but you have also worked on other top shelf games.

Josua: Yeah, I mean this is the third Spider-Man game that I’ve worked on and been on since the beginning.
It’s been a really fun experience working on Spider-Man from the beginning and being able to take on different challenges from the first Spider-Man game. This time I focused more on the initial layout of the City of Manhattan and figuring out where our landmarks were going to be and what our scales and metrics we’re going to be and how we would actually kind of build the world and the city itself. I’ve been Directing on missions, different side contents and the expanding the city. So it’s been a really fun experience just getting to do lots of different things and being part of creating these games.

Shane: What’s next for you and the team at Insomniac Games?

Josua: Right now we’re just waiting for the launch, right? That’s just like I’m playing the game everyday. Still just looking for things and watching what people are posting and reading comments. You know what people are saying about it and we’re still basically focused on getting this game out here and waiting for everyone to get playing it.

Shane: What would you say to future players of Spider-Man 2?

Josua: We’ve got an amazing story and amazing main campaign to play through that I think does a great job of telling the different arcs of our heroes and our different characters. It’s actually not a game just about the spider heroes. There’s other characters. We have lots of other characters that you can experience, but also, like, take the time to explore the city and play through some of our other content which kind of goes into again a little more character focus or just offers a different experience.

And there’s so much that the game has to offer. I’m really excited and hopeful that people try out that try out everything. I know it’s exciting and sometimes just want to get to the end of the story, but also take the time to explore the other parts of the game and see all the different things that we have to offer.

Shane: Thanks Josua for chatting to us at STG. Really appreciate it and I know many PlayStation gamers are looking forward to the release of Spider-Man 2.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is now out on PlayStation 5.

The post Interview w. Josua Benavidez, Design Director – Spider-Man 2 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

An ancient evil has returned with unfinished business.

The Exorcist: Believer is a follow on horror film from the infamous ‘The Exorcist’ (1973), a movie that had people fainting, or leaving the cinema in terror at the time.

Produced by the current king of horror Jason Blum, this new edition to the film franchise sees double the evil preparing to tie up loose ends with the original mother (Ellen Burstyn) of the possessed girl Regan.

Thank to our friends at Universal, we had the opportunity to have a virtual chat with Jason Blum.

STG: How was the idea for The Exorcist: Believer born?

Jason: I connected with James G. Robinson and David Robinson at Morgan Creek after completing our Halloween trilogy, as they were interested in reviving the property. I never intended for The Exorcist: Believer to have the same effect on cinema that the original movie did, but we were intentional about ensuring this film made sense in the world of the original story and could be considered a continuation.

STG: William Friedkin’s original The Exorcist is one of most terrifying movies ever made and a landmark in the horror genre.

Jason: I remember the first time I saw The Exorcist. It was sadly on TV because I wasn’t old enough to go to the theater when it came out, but it did to me what it did to so many people – it scared me to death and continued to do so long after I had seen it. It’s been almost 50 years since its release, and there have been thousands of horror films that have come out since then. It was groundbreaking for its time, and we wanted to honor it with this continuation, even though you don’t need to watch the original movie in order to understand and appreciate The Exorcist: Believer. So, for us it was about trying to go back to an unsettling and original story. It was about conveying the horror that a parent can feel when their world – their only child – is threatened and trying to come to terms with how your beliefs might have to evolve when you are guiding someone through this unusual world.

STG: So, what story are you telling here?

Jason: This film is about a single father raising a teenage daughter who has a lot of questions about the mother she never met. Her curiosity then leads her to work with a schoolmate to connect spiritually with her late mother, but what they unleash leads her father and a group of unlikely allies to try and save the girls’ lives. It focuses on a chain of events that force her father, a non-believer, to confront an evil force and, in his terror and desperation, seek out help from different places. It’s a true test of fortitude.

STG: How would you describe the overall look and feel of The Exorcist: Believer?

Jason: The film is riveting, dramatic, dark, and horrifying. David Gordon Green and his team worked very hard to make it with practical scares because we’re not a company whose movies are wall-to-wall with VFX. Yes, you’ll see some in The Exorcist: Believer, but the film has artists that shine through it. The filmmakers did a ton of practical work, from shooting upside down to making the walls bleed. It was actually phenomenal to watch the dailies and get a glimpse into their magic.

STG: What made David Gordon Green the right filmmaker to tackle this project?

Jason: If you’re going to make a great horror film, you need a strong script and a director who wants to bring a different experience to the audience. I approached David to do the Halloween franchise, and he made three terrific movies. So, he was my first choice on The Exorcist because of the great partnership we had on those films, knowing that it was important for us to find the right partner and director for this project. We needed someone who wasn’t intimidated by the concept of continuing the legacy of such an amazing and famous story. I asked him if he would be interested, and we were fortunate in that he wanted to work with us on another big horror franchise because David Gordon Green is a true visionary. One of the reasons I was excited to be on set was to see him tell this story through his eyes and I hope audiences appreciate the horror and thrills he worked hard to build up. It looks nothing like I imagined; it’s about 100 times better! Another unique thing about David – which is also true with the more experienced filmmakers – is that he’s so confident and not defensive. All directors say they are open to taking the best idea, but almost none of them actually do. However, David is great at listening to different points of view and taking whatever idea he thinks will make the movie better, not caring if it’s his or somebody else’s.

STG: What would you say is the difference between the horror of a Halloween film and the horror of The Exorcist?

Jason: Michael Myers is terrifying: he is a force devoid of humanity with unbelievable ability and a brutality that has no logic to it. However, the demon in The Exorcist is not of this world; so, the rules aren’t always clear and it can inflict unimaginable evil.

STG: Having Ellen Burstyn reprise the iconic role of Chris MacNeil 50 years later must have meant so much.

Jason: Having Ellen in The Exorcist: Believer is an amazing way to connect it to the original. I think it really ties the DNA of this movie to Friedkin’s The Exorcist, which for me and for the fans is very satisfying. Ellen Burstyn is a force in her own right, and we were lucky to have her agree to be in our film.

STG: The new lead character of Victor Fielding is like MacNeil in that he isn’t a believer at first. This role is portrayed on the screen by talented actor Leslie Odom, Jr., who has admitted being a fan of the genre and the original movie.

Jason: Yes, Victor is similar to Chris MacNeil in that he isn’t a believer at first, but he becomes determined to save his daughter. I met Leslie through a general meeting and I was so excited when he told me he loved horror. The next big part we had was in The Exorcist: Believer, so I sent him the script, he said yes right away, and I was thrilled. Leslie Odom Jr. is a phenomenal actor that really wanted to understand his character’s motivations and behavior. He had many rich conversations with David about Victor’s actions and intent. And, as a parent, he put a lot of himself and his beliefs into the role. I think the performances in the film, from Leslie to the young actresses who star in it, make this movie a real standout.

STG: Angela – his daughter in the story – and her friend Katherine are possessed by a demon when trying to connect to her late mother, which leads to these families coming together to try to save their children from the sinister evil they are facing.

Jason: The girls start out innocent, uncorrupted by the world’s prejudices. Angela’s dad isn’t religious, he’s more of a non-believer, but it’s his journey we see vividly change throughout the story. On the other hand, Katherine’s family is pretty religious, and they always pull from their faith to make their lives better. Both families are just trying to protect their loved ones in the best way they know how, and they have to work together to do so. This movie sets audiences up for the understanding that there are no rules with this demon and that it can transcend religions, cultures, and borders. No one is safe…

STG: Another key character is their neighbor Ann, played by Ann Dowd.

Jason: Ann’s character is the glue that brings everyone together, and she has this force about her that is captivating.

STG: What did shooting the film on location in Atlanta and The Dominican Republic bring to it all?

Jason: Atlanta, with its beautiful neighborhoods and communities, brought a great practicality that will make audiences feel like it could be their own hometown. And The Dominican Republic brought an energy and cultural richness to the film that David Gordon Green captured beautifully on screen.

STG: Blumhouse has found an extraordinary way to re-introduce beloved horror franchises to a new audience.

Jason: Blumhouse is the home of horror and franchises that transcend generations. I’ve heard this over the years from people saying that their parents, who were fans of the original Halloween or The Purge, have introduced them to more contemporary horror films like our 2018 Halloween or later installments of The Purge. I think there are a generation of fans who aren’t familiar with the original The Exorcist. So, The Exorcist: Believer is a contemporary take on a snapshot of our times, where a single father faced with raising a teenage daughter must embrace a community he didn’t think he would ever need to rely on. This story brings together the characters and elements of the original that are so beloved by horror fans.

The Exorcist: Believer releases to cinemas on October 6th, 2023. See it if you’re brave enough.

The post THE EXORCIST: BELIEVER – INTERVIEW w. JASON BLUM (PRODUCER) appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A destruction the world had never experienced before.

Emily Blunt stars as Kitty Oppenheimer and Matt Damon as Leslie Groves in the epic film Oppenheimer which chronicles the assignment of J. Robert Oppenheimer to work on the top-secret Manhattan Project. Oppenheimer and a team of scientists spend years developing and designing the atomic bomb.

Their work comes to fruition on July 16, 1945…

Thanks to Universal Pictures STG was able to have a chat to both Emily Blunt and Matt Damon.

STG: How was it to find out that you had been cast in Christopher Nolan’s new project, Oppenheimer?

Emily Blunt: We knew because Matt had come over to hang out with my husband right after Chris Nolan had been over to see him and given Matt the script to read. So, I knew that Matt was meeting him. And, I mean, any chance any of us could get to work with him has us all sort of champing at the bit…

Matt Damon: What was kind of funny was that – as we live in the same apartment building – when he came to see me, he knew that he was going to Emily with the part too, but he didn’t want it to seem like he was just kind of one-stop shopping. Then he bumped into John in either the elevator or the lobby and they talked for half an hour, just kind of director to director, you know. Chris later admitted that he knew he was coming to Emily with the part; but he waited five days or so, knowing she was going to be in LA, and then she came over to his house and read the script.

Emily Blunt: I guess he didn’t want to hear casting rumors like, “Who else is in your building?”

STG: What do you believe makes Nolan such a unique filmmaker?

Matt Damon: He’s just got the level of attention to detail that, for instance, Stanley Kubrick had, where no detail is too small. And then there is his depth of knowledge, his research, and his understanding of the dynamics at play between all these different characters, knowing the way to get these ideas in succinctly and fit them into a movie. I mean, the book that this is adapted from is like a tome, dense with fine print.

I remember needing glasses to even read the book! It was very thoroughly researched, but Chris somehow was able to kind of get all of it into this film, and what that means is that each frame is entirely packed and full of information. You could watch this movie 10 times and get something different each time because it’s so rich and dense.

STG: How is he as a director?

Emily Blunt: You just feel his command of excellence, which is vast; so, everyone has to match him where he is. And I don’t find Chris exacting, as some people have said. I find him really curious and interested in what you might bring or do, making you understand he’s cast you for a reason. He lets you know that and then wants to see what wings you have – which I love about him.

Matt Damon: I think he’s exacting about some details…

Emily Blunt: Yes, like the small thing. And I want to work with directors who sweats the small stuff because they see everything.

Matt Damon: But in terms of performance, you’re totally free with Chris. He really wants to see what you’re going to do.

Emily Blunt: And he’s such an authority on set. I mean, he appears to be very calm, but I’m sure there is a storm of information going on inside of him, even though it’s all cladded in this sort of serene exterior. Chris is really fascinating, and most people don’t know how funny he is too. I just love him.

STG: So, what’s the energy like on a Chris Nolan set then?

Matt Damon: The vibe on set is that everybody feels very lucky to be there, even if they don’t say it out loud. You just get this spirit from each department where everyone is doing everything the best they can. And you work till you are bone tired because you want to leave it all on the field and because that’s what he does too, as he is very demanding of himself. So, without having to say anything, you see that and kind of take your cue and work in a similar vein.

Emily Blunt: And even though he is a big guy and quite imposing as a figure, I don’t know how he is able to stay invisible. I didn’t notice him standing by the camera, staring at me. He is somehow able to disappear, which is cool.

Matt Damon: He’s like those directors before we had Video Village. I mean, that’s what Coppola said to me three decades ago. He said that Antonioni taught him to sit right next to the camera to see with your naked eye and understand human behavior because you feel it. Then you turn to the operator – who is the only one looking through the lens – to check in and make sure they saw what you saw, and they’ll give you a little nod to let you know you’ve got it. That’s how movies were made until whenever the monitors came around.

Emily Blunt: You get with Nolan the sense that his decision of when he is happy with the take is not led by the visuals but by the feeling he has. And he’s so English, which means there will be no sort of superlative praise. It will be like, “Good. Yeah. Happy. Okay. Moving on.” And you’re like, “Okay, that’s it.” It’s like that with my family too. I don’t want to tell him this, but he looks like my uncle – which is funny

STG: And how was the experience of watching Oppenheimer in a movie theatre?

Emily Blunt: I saw it with John, Robert, and his wife (Susan), and it was very emotional. I felt like I was inside of it, as if the arms of the movie came out, wrapped around me, and pulled me right into it. It was a bone-shattering experience. I loved it.

Matt Damon: Yeah, me too. Oppenheimer is great, and overwhelming. Watching it was like the experience I had reading the script, although that feeling was magnified by the film. It was written in the first person, which I’d never seen before. So, it just pulled you in, and you had this subjective experience that was overwhelming.

Emily Blunt: Watching it feels like being on a runaway train. It’s so exciting!

Oppenheimer is a 2023 biographical thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan and is in cinemas now.

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A destruction the world had never experienced before.

Cillian Murphy stars as J. Robert Oppenheimer and is assigned to work on the top-secret Manhattan Project. Oppenheimer and a team of scientists spend years developing and designing the atomic bomb.

Their work comes to fruition on July 16, 1945…

Thanks to Universal Pictures STG was able to have a chat to Cillian Murphy.

STG: What has it meant for you to portray the lead character of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s new movie, surrounded by such an extraordinary cast?

Cillian Murphy: It’s a dream, really. I never imagined to be working with all these actors in one movie. I think it’s one of the greatest modern ensembles that Christopher Nolan has put together. But that just shows you how everybody wants to work with Chris. These actors will turn up because they love his movies and his writing. He’s an incredible director! So, yes, it was a gift for me every day. Also, when you wake up knowing you are doing a scene with Matt Damon, Kenneth Branagh, Emily Blunt, or Gary Oldman, it’s just kind of electrifying. So, you have to turn up the volume on your own performance a little bit.

STG: And what did you think of the film when you saw it completed?

Cillian Murphy: Well, with Chris there is no video village or monitors or anything like that. Obviously, it’s film cameras; so, you don’t see any playback. The first frame of the movie that I saw was the first trailer. And then, when I finally got to see the finished film, it was completely overwhelming. But, because there had been a gap between wrapping the movie and watching it, I suppose I had some distance. I hate looking at myself, and I don’t really know any actor that enjoys the experience, but I found I was completely blown away by Oppenheimer.

It’s a truly essential, cinematic, and immersive experience – particularly in IMAX. And I felt that. I would like to watch it maybe once more with an audience.

STG: Why do you think it is so important for audiences to experience OPPENHEIMER in cinemas?

Cillian Murphy: For me, it’s the best way to experience a film – in a darkened space with strangers. There’s just no interruption: you’re not going to answer the door or make a cup of tea.

You’re invested, you paid your money, you’ve got your snacks, and you’re there. There’s something hugely romantic about it to me, and there always will be. Also, I think what’s extra special about this movie is that it’s talking about the world. It’s really digging up what it means to be human and our responsibility as humans on this planet, and what we do with the power that we can harness – which in this case is this extraordinary destructive and appalling weapon. I think it was Truffaut who said that we go to films not only to escape from life, but also to learn about life. And I believe Oppenheimer is one of those great movies that is incredibly entertaining, but also makes you think.

STG: How would you describe Christopher Nolan as a director?

Cillian Murphy: Well, I think he’s kind of the ideal director because he writes, directs, and produces the movies. He’s incredible visually, and he is extraordinary with actors.

Very few directors have all those talents in one person.

STG: Have you seen him change over the course of working with him these years on different projects?

Cillian Murphy: I guess he’s become more and more confident in the sort of stories that he wants to tell. And I think he’s more and more confident in making films within the studio system that actually challenge the audience. I have always loved that he has presupposed the level of intelligence with audiences, knowing they are smart enough to go with him, and he never patronizes them.

He’s never prescriptive or didactic in his movies. They are always kind of a challenge to you; so, you need to do the work, but the reward you get is terrific. I’ve learned so much from him. Working with Chris has changed my creative and professional life, and I hope I continue.

STG: Why do you think Oppenheimer’s story resonates and connects with us all?

Cillian Murphy: Yes, there’s a universality to it that people connect to. People understand the themes that are in this movie. There are big questions being asked of the audience, and no answers being given – which I think is always excellent filmmaking. But it’s also a thriller and a love story, and to me there are elements of horror in there as well.

So, all that just resonates with an audience. And I think the period setting, however familiar or not you may be with what happened in 1945, will wrap you up in it too. This movie grabs you by the throat from the beginning, and you just don’t take a breath from start to finish. We are now living in a nuclear age because of what happened then. I mean, Oppenheimer changed the world, and we are living with the fallout of that event ever since.

Oppenheimer is a 2023 biographical thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan and is in cinemas now.

The post INTERVIEW w. CILLIAN MURPHY (OPPENHEIMER) appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The 10th instalment of the enduring Fast and the Furious franchise has released to cinemas worldwide.

An adrenaline filled vehicle exploding action film with heart and a star studded cast.

Thanks to Universal Pictures we have been given the opportunity to have an interview with Brie Larson who plays the kick-ass character Tess.

STG: Were you excited to be in Fast X?
Brie: This has been my dream! I’ve been basically begging to be in these movies for years. Actually, I have a video of me running around my house squealing when I finally got the news that I was going to be part of this franchise because I hold it in great esteem.

STG: What was that process like?
Brie: The process was basically me pestering them for years, saying that I wanted to be a part of it. And, as time went on and they were building out this film and what the future could be, they finally said, “There’s space for you. You can come to the table with us.”

STG: What do you believe makes these films so unique?
Brie: There is a unique story from the very beginning, and then you also have the growing spectacle: the incredible stunts, fast cars, and all of these things that are really fun to watch. But, at the end of the day, these films are about family – they’re about standing up for one another and having each other’s backs. And they make you want to go to the theater with your family. I personally value that, and I also love discussing these movies and talking about them with my friends and family. Now they finally think I’m cool…

STG: So, how was the experience of joining Vin Diesel and the whole Fast & Furious family?
Brie: Once it was decided that I was going to be in the film, I got a text that said, “Can you go to Vin Diesel’s house for dinner tonight?” When I showed up, his three kids were at the door. I sat down at the dinner table, and they all sat across from me, and we had this great conversation about what I would be bringing to the Fast & Furious franchise. Then I ended up going back to their house many times, before I ever stepped foot on the set. So, by the time I did, I felt like I belonged there. I felt safe. And I actually based my character on Vin’s eldest daughter.

STG: Do you feel Vin has a unique presence?
Brie: Yes, he does. I mean, Vin has lived this for so long and cares so much about the franchise. He really values it and cares about the people around him really valuing it as well. It’s a huge part of his life, and it’s a lot of fun. He is just great.

STG: Let’s talk about your character. Who is Tess?
Brie: Tess is Mr. Nobody’s daughter. She is technically a government agent, but she’s kind of a bridge, in a way. So, Tess doesn’t go along with the way the agency is headed, now that her father isn’t there anymore.

STG: What does she believe in then?
Brie: She believes in the legacy of her father – which is standing with Dom and the Toretto family and fighting for that. Tess ultimately goes on her own mission to do what she feels is right in her heart.

STG: When Tess meets up with Dom Toretto, she makes quite the entrance, right?
Brie: Yeah, that’s a pretty epic fight scene that takes place when Tess enters the bar with these giant platform boots, holding her own. It was a cool set and a fun scene to shoot, with lots of props. I hadn’t worked with weapons in that way before, as I was used to being a superhero who blasts with her fists. And then it ultimately led to me sitting with Dom and having this very surreal conversation.

STG: So, can Tess help Dom and his family?
Brie: Well, it’s complicated. The answer is yes and no. I mean, this is where some of the story gets interesting because she’s going rogue, doing things on her own. And they discuss what the plan will be, which involves asking her to do something that is basically impossible, but Tess agrees to do it because she wants to show up for this family the way her father did.

STG: Why do you think he trusts her for the job?
Brie: Dom has watched her have this fight in the bar, and he knows that she has a strong skill set and a strong mind. I think he is very good at sizing people up. So, if it’s an impossible task and she can get it done, then she’s family for life.

STG: And how does she feel about the task at hand?
Brie: I think she’s reticent because it’s a big thing to ask of her, and it’s going to require a lot of thought and effort, while also putting herself at risk. But that’s how Tess shows who she is and that she’s willing to go to those lengths.

STG: How was it for you to work with this extraordinary group of actors?
Brie: It was amazing! I was totally welcomed and immediately invited to hang out with them at dinners and barbeques. They were so fun, easy, and down to hang. They’ve all known each other for many years and been through a lot together, and they’ve been playing these characters for so long that they have all this deep knowledge. So, I was the new kid at school, excited to sit at the same bar as them, drinking tequila and picking their brains.

STG: And what did director Louis Leterrier bring to the table?
Brie: Louis is awesome! He was there for me from the very beginning and helped me make character choices that I felt strongly about. Louis Leterrier was able to come in and create this whole vision, but we didn’t have very much time. We both basically landed in London at the same time and dove right into it.

STG: What surprised you the most when you arrived on set?
Brie: I think the whole process is surprising when it’s something that you love and that you get to be a part of. I’ve been doing this since I was a kid, but when you get to be a part of something that you’ve watched your whole life and that you love, it’s special. It’s like you are inside the TV! It’s just a strange thing, and it happened to me.

Fast X is now in cinemas and released by Universal Pictures.

The post Fast X – Interview w. Brie Larson appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The 10th instalment of the enduring Fast and the Furious franchise has released to cinemas worldwide.

An adrenaline filled vehicle exploding action film with heart and a star studded cast.

Thanks to Universal Pictures we have been given the opportunity to have an interview with Charlize Theron who plays the dark and secretive Cipher.

STG: Were you looking forward to returning to the Fast & Furious universe?
Charlize: I am always touched when I am invited to return. Then I go through the process of figuring out what they are going to do with my character and the kind of trouble we will get into this time. There’s just something really nice about being part of a franchise like this that has accomplished so much, with all the characters that have wandered through its world and these stories. And to do it as we reach the end feels very special. Also, I have so much fun playing Cipher!

STG: Is it easy for you to slip back into the character of Cipher?
Charlize: Yeah, there’s an authenticity about Cipher that I definitely connect with when I read the scripts and the dialogue, even though there’s always room for discovery with her too. That’s why I get excited when they ask me to come back, as I feel there’s so much about the character that is still an enigma. So, it lends itself nicely for me as an actor to go and explore and dig a little deeper; but she is who she is, and I like keeping her in that vein.

STG: She is an antagonist that doesn’t switch sides.
Charlize: Yes, because I may want to go to Dom’s barbeque and drink Coronas with them, but I don’t want Cipher to do it. At the same time, I feel it is very important for me to figure out how to keep her surprising the audience and keep the characters around her surprised by her too in a way that doesn’t seem like it’s been done before. I believe people don’t really change, but just maybe go about things in a different way – which is what makes these characters so fun to play with. I am very lucky to have had the support of the producers and everybody else when I signed on so that when I said I couldn’t be at the barbeque, they were like, “That’s okay, we can live with that.”

STG: So, does Cipher still have the upper hand?
Charlize: I would say so, yes. And here we are trying to explore that, but in a different way. One of her great strengths is that she is always a few moves ahead of everybody. And whether that’s just a God-given gift or something she has kind of honed into over the years – or maybe a little bit of both – is what I lean on a lot, because a character like her can become very contrived quickly by knowing too much. Finding discovery for her is important, as she is smart and can get ahead. But you have to see her work at it as an audience to enjoy it; otherwise, she just looks like a know-it-all, and that’s boring. In this movie we get to see a little bit more of how tenacious she is. Still, even Cipher can be surprised. So, how does she recover from that when we have never really seen her in those circumstances?

STG: Both Cipher and the new villain Dante Reyes have their issues with the Toretto family.
Charlize: Yes, although I feel like Dante is holding much more of an emotional trauma against them. I think that’s what’s driving him, whereas Cipher is rapacious and self-serving. She’s just not a good team player, but better at single sports.

STG: Jason Momoa shines as Dante.
Charlize: Our first scene in the film together is the first thing that we shot, so we didn’t really meet each other until we actually showed up on set. And he was absolutely lovely! Everybody’s nervous the first day, and I always tend to think I’m going to get fired or make a mistake, but Jason was so confident. I mean, he came into the room with this lace-detailed open shirt that was flowing, and he had these crazy lines to get through that he just leaned into. I was so impressed because I’m more like a vintage car that can start off a little cold, until you press down on the gas pedal and shake off the nerves. Jason is not that kind of actor. He comes in guns blazing!

STG: Jason said he was so grateful for what you gave him on set.
Charlize: That’s really sweet. Well, he’s lovely, and I am a massive fan of his. I love that he is so humble and down-to-earth. Jason doesn’t walk into a room with any pretense – he’s just very sincere. It’s rare to come across someone like that.

STG: Cipher is involved in quite a bit of action. How did you prepare those scenes?
Charlize: I like to prep action scenes, and here I was lucky to train for about 7 weeks before the shoot with a great stunt team that helped me work through it all. You are always trying to kind of figure out the physicality that’s going to be unique to the character, and it was good to not have to start from scratch.

STG: Tell us about the spin flip?
Charlize: It was one of those moves I kind of knew I could do; so, I trained it. Later, when I arrived on set, I showed some video of me doing it, and finally they gave me the green light. Then I thought, “I better not mess it up!” It was a huge drive for me to do it properly.

STG: Do you enjoy working with the stunt team?
Charlize: I absolutely love working with stunt people. And I think it’s your job as an actor to guide them as much as it’s their job to guide you. It’s a dance, so you have to be able to communicate what you can do. Sometimes it’s almost safer to just do it once and be done with it than to try 15 times.

STG: Cipher has a spectacular fight sequence with Letty.
Charlize: When I read it, that was a scene I could not wait to see as a moviegoer. It’s so epic! And Letty is such a badass. What Michelle Rodriguez does – like the way she sells action – is very believable. She is just so physical with her body, her eyes, and her heart. It was very exciting for me to shoot that sequence with her.

STG: What is Michelle Rodriguez like as a fighting partner?
Charlize: She’s amazing! There were moments where she’d come at me, and I got scared. It doesn’t mean that you’re not being safe; but she sells it so well, which is great. So, we talked a little bit about that and about wanting to figure out how to get what we needed in the scene. That stuff is always fun, and Michelle was pretty clear about it. She would say, “I’m scrappy. Letty is scrappy.” And I was like, “I love it!” She’s incredible, and up for anything.

STG: But how do you recover from shooting a sequence like that?
Charlize: There’s no trick, although I wish there was. I mean, it is what it is. I think a lot of the work starts with the prep; so, you must be good to your body for an amount of time before you do this stuff, and then you have to kind of continue being good. It’s just a lot of body work, and it gets harder the older you are too. Sometimes I think of how I would’ve loved to have entered this world in my 20s. Now I look at fight sequences like, “Oh, this is going to be a rough couple of weeks…” But you expect that to be part of the journey, and then you walk around bruised – which is also a little bit of a badge of honor. I dig it, and I feel so lucky to get to do it.

STG: What can you say of director Louis Leterrier, who joins the franchise in Fast X?
Charlize: He’s so lovely, and I loved working with him. Louis is a problem solver, and he likes to think on his feet. He has great energy about trying things while having a clear idea of where he wants to go – which I really like. So, he doesn’t waste anybody’s time because he knows what he wants, gets it, and then still leaves enough room for you to play. I enjoy working with directors that like getting down to business.

STG: And now, are you excited to see how the fans embrace this film?
Charlize: Yes, I’m excited for people to see what this team has come up with and how you will foam in the mouth for the next movie.

Fast X is now in cinemas and released by Universal Pictures.

The post Fast X – Interview w. Charlize Theron appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The 10th instalment of the enduring Fast and the Furious franchise has released to cinemas worldwide.

An adrenaline filled vehicle exploding action film with heart and a star studded cast.

Thanks to Universal Pictures we have been given the opportunity to have an interview with Jason Momoa who plays the unhinged villain Dante.

STG: What was it like to join this franchise?

Jason: I was so excited to join the Fast & Furious franchise and play this character, especially as I hadn’t played a villain in probably 10 years or so. I wanted to bring something fun to the table and be able to face off against Dom and his family. I just approached it like an audience member and had a lot of fun with the character. And I love cars and motorcycles! So, it was like being a kid in a candy shop. It’s exciting to be a piece in this puzzle that wraps up something that is so important to pop culture.

STG: How was your collaboration with Vin Diesel on Fast X?

Jason: Vin was always very supportive. He is to the character of Dom what Stallone was to Rocky. He’s just wonderful and so fun to be around, but the moment they yell, “Action!” he switches into Dom and you’re like, “Wow!” Then the voice and the cadence hits and he’s in character. Vin has had the responsibility of this franchise for over 20 years. It’s impressive, and something that’s so cool to be a part of.

STG: You have never played a character like Dante Reyes before.

Jason: That’s right, I haven’t played anything like this. I just haven’t had the opportunity before. Most people wouldn’t trust me to do this, and they also don’t give you the freedom, but I think I’ve gotten to a certain place that’s allowed me to have a little more freedom. So, I had a bunch of notes and pitched how I’d like to play Dante, and they loved it. Then I was in 100%.

STG: Can you talk about the conflict between Dante and Dom?

Jason: It’s complex, which makes it scarier in a way, as Dante has something else to offer that we haven’t seen before. You know, I think Dom doesn’t understand how tricky and sly Dante can be. There are certain moments when we were supposed to have a fight and I’m like, “Nah, dude, we’re not fighting.” I think that it’s important for Dante’s character and for the audience to be tricked that way, even though he deserves to get his ass kicked.

STG: Was it fun to work on his look?

Jason: Oh, yeah! Costume designer Sanja Milkovic Hays is amazing, and most of the stuff I’m wearing is hers. I’m very particular with props and wardrobe because that’s an important part about building a character; but the second the costume designer sees how much you like working with them and bringing in ideas, then you have the final product. I helped pick colors and a couple of props, like the knives. I like this necklace Dante wears that makes him look like a peacock, and his pants – that are women’s pants they didn’t make in my size. Also, I wanted this character to have nice colors that are inviting to make it feel comfortable to be close to him; and then, all of a sudden, he has you. He’s that kind of evil…

STG: What makes him go after Dom?

Jason: It has to do with losing his father, who was larger-than-life and someone Dante was always trying to impress. So, his hatred towards Dom comes from taking his father away from him and what he had to go through, and now Dante is going to take everything from him. Vin and I had several conversations about this because, without being too preachy about it, Dom will do anything for his family. And that’s the great thing about this franchise, that it’s about family.

STG: You also helped design your motorcycle, right?

Jason: Well, that sound has been in my DNA since I was about nine or ten. But each one of them have their own special sound. This one’s been unlocked, and it’s the Harley-Davidson Pan America – which is like an adventure bike. And I was excited because I directed a commercial for launching it. It’s a larger bike that we really chopped up to match the look we wanted. So, it was a team effort. I think the great thing about these films is that you work with the best of the best, and being able to meet these car guys who just know everything and bring it to the next level was amazing. You just put out an idea and then they make it happen with all these different camera set-ups and stunts. I’ve never done anything like this before.

STG: So, how was the driving part the shoot?

Jason: I was baffled because I couldn’t believe they would let me do all that stuff. Now I’m glad it’s over, but it was nerve-wracking because there was a lot to take in. You don’t have that much of a runway, and you’ve got to pull something off very quickly. There are extras going everywhere, but you’re in the moment and you have to be super sharp, ripping past the Vatican or shutting down the Spanish steps. Then, when you’re done, you’re like, “Woo, I don’t want to do that again!” I’ll remember it forever. It was a wonderful experience.

STG: Did you enjoy working with a director like Louis Leterrier?

Jason: Louis is unbelievable, and it’s been phenomenal how we’ve connected. He’s definitely in the top five list of directors I’ve ever worked with. It was a very free set – fun and scary at the same time. I’m so happy to have worked with him.

STG: What can you say about the cast that forms this unique Fast & Furious family?

Jason: Oh, my God! I met Michelle in Italy, which was awesome, and she was super welcoming. And Charlize was everything I wanted her to be. She’s a queen and an unbelievably talented professional. Everyone was just amazing, with Vin being always there for us. He makes sure you’re taken care of, which is great. I think it’s nice to have your leading man also be the producer telling you that he’s thankful you’re on the movie. I have to say that it was one of the finest experiences I’ve ever had in filming. I had been warned coming in that it was going to be challenging and tough; but it was awesome, and I had the best time. So, I was sad when it came to an end.

STG: Portuguese actress Daniela Melchior is another great addition to the franchise, and you have some memorable moments with her.

Jason: She’s amazing, and we had a great time, even though my character does a lot of horrible things to her. I was like, “I’m really sorry, is it all right if I do this?” Luckily, she was totally down to get in there and act. She was always gung-ho and super supportive with it all. I’m definitely pretty wild in the movie…

STG: Are you excited about the next film of the series?

Jason: Oh, yeah, absolutely! It’s exciting to be in Fast X, and I hope it’s a big cliffhanger.

Fast X is now in cinemas and released by Universal Pictures.

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The 10th instalment of the enduring Fast and the Furious franchise has released to cinemas worldwide.

An adrenaline filled vehicle exploding action film with heart and a star studded cast.

Thanks to Universal Pictures we have been given the opportunity to have an interview with Vin Diesel who plays lead character Dom (and has done since the very first film).

STG: How does it feel to deliver the finale of this beloved and extraordinary franchise?

Vin Diesel: You only attempt that when you know that you’ve earned the trust of your audience. This is a quarter of a century, and the time has come to finally deliver the finale. It’s a promise I personally made to my cast a decade ago, and it’s an incredibly enjoyable process. If there was ever a moment to be this daring, I believe we’ve earned it after all these years; but to truly tell a finale we needed more than just the length of one film.

STG: How has the Dom-Letty relationship evolved?

Vin Diesel: I remember when the first film came out. It was back when I used to read the reviews, and there was one article that said that, as great as the movie was, the biggest crime was that there wasn’t enough of Dom and Letty. Well, little did I know that a quarter of a century later we would still be playing these characters that represent the longest love story in cinema – which is something I’m very proud of. I was just with Michelle for the holidays, and someone was saying to us that we should be in The Guinness Book of World Records for having had the longest love story in Hollywood, which I thought was very funny. One of the things that’s made this franchise so special and relatable for people is that the relationships on and off screen are built out of love. As I got older, I have learned about brotherhood and family, and a large part of that is because of the wonderful person that Michelle Rodriguez is.

STG: And what can you say of the new characters that are joining the franchise?

Vin Diesel: We’re excited to introduce new characters to the franchise. One of them is named Dante Reyes, played by Jason Momoa. And although you all know him, you will never forget the way that he portrays Dante. One of the things that we take pride in is allowing artists to explore their characters in unique ways, and the way that Jason Momoa portrays this character really plays nicely into the mythology. So, we’re very excited for you to be introduced to him. We needed somebody who, at face value, you regard as a worthy and formidable adversary. It is unnerving to portray a character that masks such palpable pain and thinks in a way that’s so scary. That’s a feat by Jason, and it’s what makes Dante so entertaining.

STG: What was it like to have a legend of the caliber of Rita Moreno on board?

Vin Diesel: The Fast and the Furious has been blessed to have probably the largest Latin audience of any franchise. The whole world has supported us, but there’s always been something very special about our Latin audience. I grew up as an actor in New York City, and I was a huge fan of the first female Latin Oscar winner; which is, of course, Rita Moreno. I met her a few years ago while we were both getting an Icon Award, and it occurred to me that we had never worked together and how it would be a childhood dream to work with her someday. And I don’t know if she came up to me first, or if I came up to her first, but the idea very quickly grew, and boy were we lucky! But what character could such an iconic, regal, and incredible talent play? Well, it just so happens that we are casting her as the very important matriarch of the family: the grandmother, the Abuelita. It is a dream come true for me.

STG: Family, whether it’s by blood or by choice, is always at the heart of these movies.

Vin Diesel: By blood or by bond, family is family. In the earlier years of this franchise, we were exploring the concept of brotherhood, cherishing and celebrating family. Then, as the mythology continued and evolved naturally, we were going to end up discussing fatherhood, and in Fast X you will see the representation of parenthood where survival is everything. It’s something that every father and mother in the world can identify with. We all want the next generation to be better than the last – we want our children to be better than us, and that’s represented in the movie. That’s what’s so great about this franchise that I’ve been so blessed to be a part of: how multigenerational it is. Life does at times imitate art and art imitates life, and one of the things I’m so proud of in this film is the fact that the car that’s in the most iconic garage ever – the Toretto garage – is the one I gave my son for his eleventh birthday. Of course, he can’t drive yet, but all he wanted for his birthday was to have a project car to work on with his father. In this movie, that’s exactly what Dom and his son, Little Brian, are doing. And when Dom is explaining the role of fatherhood to Han, he says something that touches everyone and that I think is one of those things that fathers and sons will be talking about on their way home from the theater.

STG: Looking back at the different cars you have used, is there one that has a special place in your heart?

Vin Diesel: People ask me all the time about the iconic cars we have. When I think of the Dodge Charger, I go back to that moment from the first film in the Toretto garage where Dom and Brian are talking heart-to-heart, and Dom is mentioning the relevance of this particular car in his life, as if it were a living, breathing entity – which is why we cast cars like other movies cast actors. So, when I think of that car, I think of the moment that I got a brother in real life: Paul Walker. Each car has a place in this mythology; but, for me, personally, the Dodge Charger always makes me think of my brother Paul. There’s just a special place in my heart for it.

STG: What has a director like Louis Leterrier brought to this tenth film of the series?

Vin Diesel: I can’t say enough good things about Louis. He’s the sixth director to be a part of this mythology, and what he brought was so special. He has a tireless work ethic, and I believe that kindness is his superpower. Louis is just such a sweet and generous soul, and I think that above all, what I gravitated towards was how much he truly loved the franchise. You can feel when a director really wants to contribute and honor the legacy. So, we’re all very fortunate to call Louis Leterrier the director of Fast X. As the godfather of this franchise, I’ve been lucky to have so many great directors be a part of this world. Since the first The Fast and the Furious where it all began, five new directors have climbed aboard, and they all brought something different and unique that Universal and the franchise have benefitted from. And in return, each one of those five directors made their largest box office hits, which I think is a testament to the support we like to give the directors and the fact that we cherish and inspire their creativity. On Fast X we were lucky to find a soul out there in the universe that so perfectly fit into the mythology, like Louis. And one of the things as a producer that I love is how tirelessly he works and how much he wants to honor the franchise. That’s what you hope for when a new director comes on board. So, I’m very grateful to Louis Leterrier for directing the first part of Fast X.

STG: Regarding the action, audiences are looking forward to the Cypher vs Letty fight that takes place in Fast X.

Vin Diesel: Yes, it’s the fight audiences have in essence been waiting for since 2017, with The Fate of the Furious, and wow does it deliver! As a producer, I was especially grateful to see both Charlize and Michelle training so hard with our stunt department to create this electrifying fight sequence that really made the production team and the franchise so proud.

STG: So, how do you look back at the whole franchise now?

Vin Diesel: You know, it never gets lost on me how lucky I am to be a part of this franchise and to be one of the storytellers of a mythology that’s lasted for almost a quarter of a century.

STG: What would you say is so unique about it?

Vin Diesel: What’s unique about the Fast and the Furious franchise is that there were never any inherited fans. There were no comic books, no video games, no TV shows, no remakes of movies, and no Tolkienian authors that gave us a blueprint. Every single fan that’s ever come to adopt this saga as their own has come just by the merits of the films we’ve created.

STG: And now that we are approaching the end of the saga, what should audiences all over the world look forward to when they watch it?

Vin Diesel: We all knew that day would eventually come. With every great story told throughout the history of time, the ending is sometimes the best part of it. And we knew that this saga would ultimately need to have its ending, but it was no easy task because so much has been created in this universe; so, to tie up all the storylines the last film would have to be broken up into multiple parts to pay homage to the myriad of incredible talents that have been a part of our franchise. It’s always bittersweet to think about the end of a journey that’s meant so much to you and has been such an important part of your life. And it’s important for us as filmmakers to honor all of you who have adopted this as your saga, as the world’s saga. So, this film is the beginning of the end of the road. As you know, we make these movies with our hearts and our souls, and we are so grateful that you have always been there with us and always supported us and always believed in us. So, we just hope to make you proud. It’s been twenty-three years since we first started this saga, and we never could have imagined we’d be here today with our tenth film about to come out. Now, we hope fans can just sit back and enjoy Fast X. It will honor the people that have grown up, raised their children, and supported and lived with us for a quarter of a century.

Fast X is now in cinemas and released by Universal Pictures.

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From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros.

Starring Chris Pratt (voice of Mario), Charlie Day (voice of Luigi), Jack Black (voice of Bowser), Seth Rogan and many more stars, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is one for fans of the games and all of the family to see.

Thanks to Universal Studios, STG was able to have a virtual chat with Jack Black about the film, games and his character, Bowser.

Photo credit: Kathy Hutchins / Hutchins Photo

Shane: Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. is the most popular game in history. What is your connection to it?

Jack: I started playing Nintendo back in the eighties. I think I was 13 years old when I stumbled upon Donkey Kong in the arcade at the corner market. I remember the magic of that game, and thinking, “This game leaves Pac-Man in the dust!” There was something very hypnotic and charismatic about the character of Mario and his battle against Donkey Kong, throwing the barrels down the street, because you had to bounce and jump at the perfect time. Grab that hammer, hit those barrels to get the points and rescue Princess Peach up at the top. And that was it! Donkey Kong, Princess Peach, and Mario were like The Holy Trinity. And I just remember playing it for hours and hours. I put so many quarters into that machine!

Shane: Were you excited to tackle the role of the villain Bowser in The Super Mario Bros. Movie?

Jack: Bowser is one of the most iconic villains in the entire history of video games! Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to bring him to the silver screen? He’s terrifying, powerful, and filled with insecurities; a great character to explore.

Shane: How did you approach the character?

Jack: I approached this character as the most powerful, evil, and also sort of sensitive and insecure monster that he is. You know, it’s really fun to play such a horrible character with no redeemable qualities, who is just vicious. And I think all of us have a little Bowser inside somewhere, hopefully buried deep. That was a cool thing to explore, as I don’t get to play a lot of super evil characters.

Shane: Why would you say it is important to show the softer side of him too?

Jack: Bowser is scary, strong, and a monster; but what’s funny about him is that he’s sensitive and insecure too, and that’s great to play with because they don’t normally go together. You don’t think of this big fire-breathing monster also being kind of romantic, falling in love and wanting a fairy tale wedding with Princess Peach. That juxtaposition is funny.

Shane: He has always been in love with Princess Peach.

Jack: Yes, but it’s unrequited because she never loved him back, which only drives him more insane with love. Maybe he was denied the love of his parents and he thinks if he can find love in Princess Peach, perhaps it will heal the wounds of his fire-breathing childhood. Who knows? Bowser has always loved Princess Peach from afar, but he doesn’t know how to approach her. Anyway, how could she ever love him? He’s such a beast.

Shane: How do you relate to him?

Jack: Well, it would be really embarrassing to admit that I am in any way like Bowser; but I also think everyone has a little Bowser inside them: a little anger, a little rage. Whenever you are driving down the road and you want to yell at someone in traffic, that’s your Bowser coming out. Whenever you are jealous or want something that someone else has, that’s Bowser. Whenever you find the darkest parts of your soul, you find Bowser, because he hides in the shadows. I dug deep to find my inner Bowser.

Shane: They say it’s fun to play the villain because you can go more out of the box with the character. Do you agree?

Jack: Yeah, it’s a lot of fun. And let’s face it, many times a movie is only as good as its evil villain. What would Star Wars be without Darth Vader? You’ve got to have them; you’ve got to have the dark. To have the good, you need to have the evil. So, it feels great to flex that evil muscle. It’s a necessary and powerful ingredient in the soup; it’s the spice.

Shane: Why do you think Bowser is so obsessed with Princess Peach?

Jack: Why is anyone obsessed with anything? I mean, obviously he’s taken by her beauty, her tenderness; but also, she’s a badass! She can really hold her own in a fight, and Bowser respects that.

Shane: So, in what way are Bowser and Princess Peach different as rulers of their respective kingdoms?

Jack: Princess Peach rules with love, respect, and compassion; whereas Bowser rules with an iron fist and rage. He controls his population with fear and intimidation. Bowser also enjoys heavy metal music, and he rules with the power of rock. He shall destroy all in his path! When Princess Peach and Bowser face on the battlefield, it will be an explosion of colored lights the likes of which have never been seen.

Shane: Illumination is an animation studio like no other.

Jack: Well, you know, Despicable Me is one of my favorite animated films of all time. Illumination has done it again and again over the years, just cranking it out of the park with incredible creativity and humor. They just get it! I don’t know how they do it or what the secret ingredient over there is, but the brain trust in charge of those projects continues to amaze. I’m super psyched to be part of an Illumination masterpiece.

Shane: And what to you believe makes Nintendo characters like Mario, Donkey Kong, Princess Peach of Bowser so enduring?

Jack: Nintendo has a magic, and their characters all strike a chord. Their games are just fun to play! I think there’s something about the Nintendo world that goes way back, even before video games.

Shane: Nintendo and Illumination just seem like a perfect match then.

Jack: It’s a great collaboration, and I’m glad of it because here we are. I saw the movie and it kicks serious butt, and I’m stoked to unleash it on the world. It’s like when peanut butter and chocolate first came together. Hmm, delicious…

Shane: What was it like to work with directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic on the project?

Jack: Awesome! We got into a good rhythm, always trying to crack each other up and find fresh approaches to every scene.

Shane: So, how would you describe The Super Mario Bros. Movie then?

Jack: As exciting, hilarious, romantic, thrilling, psychedelic, nostalgic… This movie is going to be rad no matter where you see it, but I highly recommend you check it out on the big screen because the worlds you see, like the Mushroom Kingdom, are so beautiful. In any case, it’s going to blow your mind!

You can see The Super Mario Bros. Movie in cinemas from April 5th, 2023.

The post Interview w. Jack Black – Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros.

Starring Chris Pratt (voice of Mario), Charlie Day (voice of Luigi), Jack Black (voice of Bowser), Seth Rogan and many more stars, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is one for fans of the games and all of the family to see.

Thanks to Universal Studios, STG was able to have a virtual chat with Chris Pratt about the film, games and his character, Mario.

Shane: Hey Chris, great to be able to chat to you again. What appealed to you about the opportunity to play Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Movie?

Chris: Yes, it’s been too long! So, I signed up to be Mario before I fully knew the entire idea, which was nice because I was able to be part of the collaborative process of fleshing out the story. We knew we were going to go to the Mushroom Kingdom, but I think the details of exactly what would happen were all sort of wet cement that was still hardening as I signed up. So, I was thrilled to be Mario. It’s awesome to be part of this project.

Shane: What was your reaction when you first read the script?

Chris: I thought, “Wow, that’s great!” I was given the script incrementally, and I thought it was a fantastic take on the Super Mario universe.

Shane: Were you a fan of the game?

Chris: Super Mario Bros. is the best-selling video game around the world, and I was one of the hundreds of millions of people who have played it. I was nine years old when we got the Nintendo Entertainment System at home, and I also used to play the arcade game at a dry cleaner by my house. I was absolutely obsessed!

Shane: So, was this project a dream come true for you then?

Chris: Yes, this is one of those moments. What’s interesting is that there was a wishing well in my town, and I think that one of my wishes came true when I became Mario. Maybe I slipped and hit my head at the wishing well, and this whole life has been a dream that I am about to wake up from. That would be crazy…

Shane: There is something magical about the game.

Chris: I believed in magic as a young person, and I still do. And there was certainly magic in the game of Mario. A quarter was a lot of money for me when I was a kid because we were pretty broke most of the time; but if I found a quarter or if I could scratch together two dimes and a nickel, I was right off to play Mario, and it was magic for me. Everyone’s got that nostalgic moment in their childhood that they hold on to. And, you know, I think Super Mario Bros. is that nostalgic moment for a lot of people across many generations because there have been so many iterations of the game.

Shane: Who is Mario in your eyes?

Chris: Mario is a wide-eyed dreamer who’s devoted to his brother and his family, and I really like. That was me. I was a bit of a wide-eyed dreamer myself, very close with my own brother; although I think back in the day, I was maybe more like Luigi. But I’m Mario now.

Shane: What do you like about him?

Chris: Who doesn’t love a guy that never gives up? I love a guy that faces insurmountable odds and says, “Bring it on!” And his loyalty to his brother, his desire to please his father, and the idea that he wants to do something bigger than what he’s been doing are all very relatable aspects of his personality that drew me to the character. There are many elements of Mario that I think people will identify with, whether it’s his sense of justice or his willingness and perseverance to keep trying, feeling like the little guy that got an unfair shake.

Shane: Can you talk about his journey in this story?

Chris: He wants to save Brooklyn through low prices and friendly service, but little does he know he will be given an opportunity to do just that.

Shane: Do you have a favorite moment in the movie?

Chris: I really love what we do at the beginning of the film. You’ll see this commercial that Mario and Luigi have spent their life savings cutting together, which is for their plumbing business. It’s how we meet the characters.

Shane: What would you say you have in common with Mario? And how are you different?

Chris: I think that our spirits are similar. I’m tall and he’s short, so in that way we’re different. And he has a better mustache than me. Even when I grow my mustache, it’s not as robust as Mario’s. He’s handy, and I’m handy as well, but I probably wouldn’t be able to start a plumbing business. We both desperately want to impress our fathers and our families, and we’re dreamers. We also both stepped out of comfort zone to chase a dream (albeit acting, 20 years ago, for me). At the time, it was scary to become an actor, and there were enough people in my life who ridiculed it to make me periodically question whether or not it was the right idea. So, I think Mario and I have that in common too.

Shane: So, you are good at fixing things too?

Chris: Yes, I can fix things around the house. My father was a remodeling contractor and put my brother and I to work for him. So, there’s little things like sheetrock, patching holes in the wall and replacing light fixtures that I can do. I’m good with tools.

Shane: Who is the Luigi to you in real life?

Chris: Well, I guess my brother is kind of in a way. We’ve always traded back and forth who’s Mario and who’s Luigi through the course of our lives. In any case, I’d say he’s certainly the one that I would want to defend and whom I’m so close to that feels like the Mario-Luigi relationship.

Shane: In the video games, the character of Mario was introduced through Donkey Kong.

Chris: Yes, Mario was introduced in the Donkey Kong video game; but in this cinematic world of Mario, the character of Donkey Kong is introduced through The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and we get to see a lot of Kong’s kingdom. They are an automobile-loving race of apes living in the Jungle Kingdom, and if Mario can beat Donkey Kong, then they’re going to get Kong’s army to face Bowser. Kong is strong, and he is funny. He’s got a wicked laugh and, despite constantly prodding and poking at Mario, ultimately has Mario’s back.

Shane: What does Mario bring to the table?

Chris: Mario has gumption, drive, confidence, and some pretty sick skills – especially when he gets to power up.

Shane: How is Princess Peach in the movie?

Chris: Peach is pretty much a total badass, and she has an entire army. She’s incredibly agile and a great driver. Princess Peach is just kind of flawless – which is sort of annoying, to be honest.

Shane: And what can you say of Toad?

Chris: Toad is knowledge. He has sage wisdom and advice and familiarity with the world of the Mushroom Kingdom. He’s a defender of the toads, and he’s hilarious. Toad brings the laughs.

Shane: We will see them all now like never before in one of the most anticipated films of the year: The Super Mario Bros. Movie. What do you believe makes Illumination such a unique animation studio?

Chris: Illumination is a great name for the company because it carries a light and polishes each of its projects until they truly shine. They have an amazing team of animators and collaborators that all have an incredible vision. With animation, you polish and polish and polish until something is perfect. It’s very different to live action, where you are kind of married to whatever you capture in the camera; but with animation, you can continue to work until it’s perfect. And what Illumination have is that steadfast dedication to just sticking to a vision and adhering to very high expectations for themselves.

Shane: Nintendo, a true powerhouse in the gaming world, has managed to create these truly beloved and enduring characters.

Chris: Yes, they started it all, and these characters are the cornerstone. If you had a Nintendo at your house, it was because you wanted to play Mario. And that, of course, spawned off into so many other games and has brought trillions of hours of joy to countless children. But it all started with Super Mario Bros., and they’ve endured because that game is the goat. It’s the original. And, you know, there’s nothing like your first time.

Shane: Illumination and Nintendo have formed a great team.

Chris: They are two giants that have come together and formed a super band. They are like the dream team: the very best of the very best in two different mediums coming together to create something. It’s incredible, and it seems unprecedented. In fact, I can’t think of the goats of each of their mediums coming together in a way like this ever before. There is going to be a certain synergy and magic, and you’ll see it when you watch the movie. I have a feeling this is not the last time you’re going to see a Super Mario Bros. movie, and that it’s also not the last time you are going to see a Nintendo and Illumination collaboration. I believe this is just the beginning.

Shane: So, what did you think of the finished film when you finally saw it?

Chris: I loved it! Actually, I cried because I was so proud of it. The Super Mario Bros. Movie is funny, beautiful, has a lot of heart and touches on all the nostalgia. I’m very excited about it. It’s fantastic!

Shane: And what have you learned about Mario through this whole experience?

Chris: I’ve learned stuff that you can’t learn playing the game, as it’s two different mediums. So, there is a lot of discovery and creation in the story of Mario here. We kind of know who Mario is, because with the game he is whoever’s playing the character and has the controller in their hand. When you play the game, he’s a guy named Mario who’s in the Mushroom Kingdom and you don’t really know why. Here you learn that he is a little guy from Brooklyn who’s got a brother and has started his own business. He invested his life savings in a stupid commercial that his whole family makes fun of him for, and he’s desperate. Mario wants to do something big and be somebody special, which happens when he gets sucked into this magic world. So, I learned a lot and helped discover and even be part of the collaborative force creating what his real story is. Mario is beloved by fans all over the world, and I definitely wanted to do the character justice. I did a lot of research about the history of the franchise, the games and the character, and I hope that comes across on screen. I also wanted to make sure that the character appeals to fans of all ages and backgrounds, and even to those who aren’t as familiar with the games. I hope that everyone who sees the film has as much fun watching it as we had making it.

You can see The Super Mario Bros. Movie in cinemas from April 5th, 2023.

The post Interview w. Chris Pratt – Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) appeared first on Shane the Gamer.