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MAQ Summer/Fall 2008 Interview

Your character in Blade II, Jared Nomak was really scary, how did you prepare for the role?

Nomak was dangerous because he didn’t fear death, he didn’t fear pain, he didn’t fear anything. Preparation for that mind set is all about isolation. I stayed in a different hotel than the rest of the cast. Embracing being the outcast and walking the streets late at night all alone in Prague helped in overcoming intimidation and fear. I realized then that Del Toro was a man that deserved all of my attention and I tried to give him all of it.

In addition to being a certified bad ass in Blade II Nomak was in awesome shape. What did you do to get your body movie ready?

In movies like Blade and Hellboy there are normally things you have to learn to fulfil that role. In Blade II was all hand to hand southern style Kung fu, boxing and street fighting combined. In Hellboy II there is more finesse, swords and spears. Both mean at least five hours a day training, five to six days a week. With a few dietary changes, reducing carbs and keeping your protein high, loads of water (and vodka at night) it al works out.

You were in the band Bros with your brother, which groupies are more extreme, those of bands or those of actors?

I think movie fans are more astute, they know what they like and why they like it. When you have their support you really have it. As far as naughtiness and craziness, I think we all know music groupies take the cake.

Which is more fun, playing the good guy or playing the bad guy?

I love playing the bad guy as long as its not about stealing money, blowing people up or taking over the world for the sake of being the bad guy. Playing one of Guilermo Del Toro’s bad guys is always about inner turmoil, personal issues and truth. It allows you to play the character like a normal man. Playing a good guy (anti-hero) whose not squeaky and whose not in a shiny outfit, would be my favourite thing to do.

Tell our readers about your character in Hellboy II.

I play Prince Nuada (Silver Lance) son of King Balor’ the Elf King. He’s a character who believes his people have certain rights he and Hellboy don’t see eye to eye. Its a wonderfully complex and deep character, probably my favourite character I have played so far.

What actress/celebrity would you love to do a scene with?

Eva Mendes, professionally speaking of course.

As a transplant (?) from the UK to LA, how do the women in each city compare and who do you prefer?

Come on, they’re all bloody perfect.

Who is your favourite director to work with?

Without a doubt Guilermo Del Toro.

What new projects can our readers expect you to undertake in the near future?

I just finished filming Tekken, it comes out in 2009. I play Steve Fox 15 years after he was the Tekken champ. I’ve just signed onto a movie called Incision, a psychological thriller where I play two characters, very twisted, but very cool, its going to be a great challenge. I’m also in talks for a three picture deal to play a new, yet undiscovered, super hero and I’m about to start producing my first screen play.