What’s your favorite revenge movie – besides Avenged, of course?
Takashi Miike’s Audition, but it’s hard to pick just one. I also want to say Fatal Attraction and make an argument for Eyes Wide Shut.
Did you look at similar-themed films or similar characters before starting work on Avenged?
Well, the character was all on the page in Michael’s script. So, I didn’t look at other films to work on the character. Michael did, however, have a list of films for me to watch to get a better sense of his vision for the film tonally. He also had me watch Bruce Lee films for the fighting sequences. I certainly gained a real appreciation for someone like Bruce Lee when I started taking wushu classes. The artistry and athleticism he brought to kung fu is pretty mind blowing.
Were you put through your paces by the director? Looks like it might have been quite the draining shoot.
That’s funny. It was definitely a challenging shoot for everyone involved. Not because of Michael, but because the movie almost seemed cursed by an angry desert or something. There were the standard challenges of night shoots and long hours. But day one of shooting, the picture car broke down, an actor’s wife went into labor, on and on.
I guess the real kicker was a squib malfunctioning on my chest. I had to be rushed to ER. Now, that was crazy. There I was, covered in movie blood with maggots glued to my face, sitting in ER in complete shock and unable to stop shaking. I must have looked like a maniac.
Have you seen the film with an audience yet? How is their reaction?
My first time ever seeing the film was at its sold out ScreamFest premiere. They laughed, they cried, they gasped, and clapped. I don’t think I could have asked for a better reception.
What have you been up to since completing the movie?
I’ve been writing a feature film, and that’s all I’m going to say.
- Avenged VOD release date: Friday, 6th March, 2015
- Avenged DVD release date: Tuesday, 21st April, 2015
- Avenged theatrical release: Friday, 6th March, 2015
