Exclusive interview with Matt Mullins

10.07.2010EvilDollaR

The entire internet was abuzz when this [Mortal Kombat Rebirth] trailer leaked online. Could you clarify and explain to us why it was made?

Matt Mullins: It's been great to see so much excitement around the short film. The truth is that the short film shows a vision of what the next film could be "Mortal Kombat". I think it's a very clever concept that pays homage to the video game and its fans. The attention to detail and the addition of small elements will make this film stand out from others.

What character are you playing?

Matt Mullins: I'm playing Johnny Cage.

Which director is behind this?

Matt Mullins: Directed the short film Kevin Tancharoen (who also directed the remake of Fame).

What other actors took part?

Matt Mullins: Michael Jai White – Jax, Jeri Ryan – Sonya Blade, Ayan Anthony Dale - Scorpion, Lateef Crowder – Baraka and Richard Dorton – Reptile.

How did your participation in the project begin?

Matt Mullins: I've known Kevin for about five years, but I've never had the opportunity to work with him. A few months ago, I received a call from Kevin about being part of a short film he was about to direct. He sent me the script and it just blew my mind. Once I calmed down and met with him and he explained his vision to me, I was very excited knowing that I would be a part of it and just couldn't wait to start filming.

Did the game developers have any involvement?

Matt Mullins: I'm not sure how involved the company was "Midway". Last year its rights were acquired by "Warner Brothers", and I know they watched the short film, but I don't know what they think about it. Personally, I think this film suits them perfectly.

What do you think of previous remakes of video game adaptations?

Matt Mullins: I don't like a lot of the recent video game adaptations, but I think they are very difficult to make and there are a lot of obstacles to deal with when it comes to combat. Some of the challenges relate to the audience, which is largely young, so studios are reluctant to make R-rated films. This, in turn, leads to a loss of the overall atmosphere of the game. Another key is to capture the elements of the game and build the film around them. I feel like these types of elements are often trivialized in films. I think we need to take elements of the game and make them have a meaningful meaning. The final challenge is a quality story where the stakes should be on the characters. When you play a game, the stakes are really high because you are the one getting hit or shot at. In a film, you partially lose touch with the character because you don't control him.

Do you think this version will be better than the previously released remakes?

Matt Mullins: I think this new version has a very fresh approach to the whole series. It brings the film back to the authentic and brutal nature that made the game "Mortal Kombat" so popular. Kevin is very passionate about the project (as is everyone else) and this short is just a taste of what to look forward to in the future.

Are you a gamer yourself?

Matt Mullins: I'm a gamer. I've loved role-playing games since I was a child (my favorite game of all time was "Chrono Trigger"), and as a teenager I was crazy about "Mortal Kombat" и “Street fighter”. Lately I've been really enjoying playing "Dead Space" and series "The Uncharted".

What else connects you with the gaming industry?

Matt Mullins: I've been working in motion capture technology for the last 10 years. My first game was "Tao Fang" (made John Tobias, creator "Mortal Kombat"), and this is what I still do. I recently completed work on two games that cannot be mentioned yet. I also starred in Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight, which aired last year on the CW, and recently worked with Michael Jai White in film "Blood and bone".

Matt, thanks for your time!

Posted by Becky Young
Source: craveonline.com
Translation: EvilDollaR