Things are about to get so "Strange" at Marvel, it's scary.
Though "Doctor Strange" may not be as widely known as "Captain America," Marvel's new movie could turn out to be one of its most important. "Strange" opens up the Marvel Universe to the world of magic, and, according to star Scott Adkins, it may even have some horror in it too.
"This is going to show that other dimension side. I'm sure [director] Scott Derrickson's going to bring some of his horror element into it as well. It's gonna be a different version of a Marvel comic," Adkins told The Huffington Post.
Other than the inevitable alien invasion or world domination plot, you'd probably stop short of calling any Marvel movie scary. In fact, the most worrisome moment of all the films probably goes to the time Thor thought Captain America would pick up his hammer.
(Scary stuff.)
It makes sense that "Strange" would have at least some horror influence, though. Director Derrickson's previous films include, "The Exorcism of Emily Rose," "Deliver Us from Evil" and "Sinister." Adkins says the possible shift in tone is what makes these movies memorable.
"What’s great about Marvel is they don't just make superhero movies. They make a different genre out of a different superhero film. Whether it’s a thriller, a straight-up action movie or political thriller, they’re likely to choose a different genre for different heroes, and we’re gonna see some psychedelic stuff in this one. Very exciting."
In addition to seemingly aiding Mads Mikkelsen as he fights against Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays the titular doctor, in "Strange," Adkins, an English actor and martial artist, also now stars in "Jarhead 3: The Siege." He talked to HuffPost about his new movies, assessed Benedict Cumberbatch's fighting skills and even gave an apology for his part in the "abomination" that is "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."
What actor would you say is the best fighter you've worked with?
Well, you say "fighter," and there’s a difference between a fighter and a screen-fighter. I can fight, but I'm not about to go into the UFC and fight. That is a whole different ballgame [...] but as screen-fighting goes, a lot of that has to do with being able to sell to the camera and having good rhythm and being able to work with a partner. So someone like Hugh Jackman, who’s not a martial artist but has a background in musical theater. He was a joy to work with screen-fighting because he would remember the choreography straight away, and he would understand the rhythm and the timing of what we were trying to do. It's more like you’re working with a dance partner in many ways, except it’s a lot more painful.
How would you assess Benedict Cumberbatch and Mads Mikkelsen's screen fighting skills?
Oh, now you’re really putting me on the spot with the screen-fighting bit. Both of them are wonderful people, and I'm not just saying that. They’re a joy to be around. Real gentlemen. Benedict is so smart so intelligent -- so knowledgable about everything and just a real sweet, very nice guy. He’s not used to the fighting side of things. It’s kind of new to him. Well, I guess he did some in "Star Trek," but it’s my thing. It’s not his thing. I was very happy to give him his -- well, he tried his damnedest. And I'm sure the finished product is going to show that. And Mads Mikkelsen. He’s a great guy. He’s really down to earth … both of them are just fantastic actors.
What was the audition like?
I actually had previous conversations with Marvel about a previous Marvel film, which didn't go my way. But I think that put me on their radar. Actually, I believe I had the role, but that script was changed and that role was put out of the script, so I was bitterly disappointed. That was, like, a year and a half ago. And then "Doctor Strange" came up, and they did call me into the office to do an audition with the casting director ... then I went in to meet with Scott Derrickson, who was set up in London at that point, and I had a great audition, even though I'd been on a night shoot the night before and had about two hours of sleep. That's what helped me, actually, because I was so tired. I didn't even care. I probably did a better job than I normally do because sometimes you care too much.
This is the third "Jarhead" movie. How is it connected to the others?
It’s a separate kind of film. Not related to other two. A stand-alone movie. It deals with Marines. That’s the common link between the other films, really.
What can fans expect?
It’s loosely based on the Benghazi attacks. Actually, I watched that film last night, the Michael Bay one, and I absolutely loved it. We’re doing that on a sort of lower budget, but it’s in the vein of that.
You mentioned Hugh Jackman. You were actually Deadpool/Weapon XI with Ryan Reynolds in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," right?
I was part of the problem. I was part of the abomination of that character.
[Laugh] Oh, no!
I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you and all your readers that it wasn't my idea. I was doing what I was told by 20th Century Fox.
Apology accepted, Weapon XI.
“Jarhead 3: The Siege” is now on Blu-ray combo pack and DVD.
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