He was a capoeira master, a monk fighting for the fate of kingdoms, a biologically enhanced super-soldier, and a rival to the world's greatest assassin. Add TV series to this list: "The Raven: Stairway to Heaven" и "Hawaii 5.0", as well as popular shows: "Iron Chef of America" и "Dancing with the Stars", and involuntarily ask the question: “Is there anything at all that Mark Dacascos haven’t done it yet?” Of course, fighting hordes of zombies is not a problem for Mark; in fact, that’s exactly what he does in his new film "Driver".
Having started training under the strict guidance of my parents, Alya Dacascosa и Malia Bernal (both are widely known in the world of martial arts), Mark has achieved excellence in almost all disciplines, from Wun Hop Kuen Do to Wushu and Capoeira. Viewers have long known Mark as one of the greatest martial arts masters in action films today, how can one not be skilled if he decided to clash with John Wick himself!
Today Mark stopped by to visit KFKMore, to recall the brightest moments of his film career, share his views on the value of martial arts in a person’s life, discuss the creation of his latest, for now, film, hint to us how Zero’s fate may turn out in relation to John Wick, and tell us about much more... So so without further ado let's salute the superstar and martial arts legend, Mark Dacascos!
Hi Mark, welcome to Kung Fu Kingdom. It's great to be able to connect with you and we hope you're doing well amid the current pandemic?
Mark Dacascos: Hi Brad, thanks for having me. I'm doing well, but now, of course, these are crazy times. Luckily, we're in the suburbs, so three or four minutes later and I'm on the hiking trails, but it's still kind of crazy!
When the pandemic started, I was in New York for a 10-day workshop with my Shakespeare professor, and we had to shut down after three, four days. In addition, like many, I had several projects planned abroad during this time, and all of them were either canceled or temporarily postponed. In general, let's see what happens next...
Yes, it’s sad, but hopefully in 2021 everything will return to normal. On that note, I want to ask, what do you think about the title Kung Fu Kingdom (or KFK for short)?
Mark: Yes, let's hope so. You guys are well known and have some great writers on your team!
Thank you, we love to give our best! Now let's warm up a little and talk about the action films that brought you widespread fame. In John Wick: Parabellum, your character Zero became one of the best action movie villains in recent years. Can you share your most vivid impressions of working on the film, which, by the way, you joined quite quickly?
Mark: Yes, Chad Stahelski I planned to take another actor for this role, but something didn’t work out and he was never able to take part in the filming, this was back in 2018. On Sunday evening, Chad texted me from New York and asked me to call him the next day. So, I called him and he said, “The actor who was originally cast as Zero dropped out of the project, and I would like to invite you to play the main villain.”
He also told me to read the script first, to which I replied, “No need to, I already agree!”, but he still insisted, so I read the script and said, “Chad, I’m flattered. Thanks for asking me opinion. I subscribe!" Then I asked him when he wanted to see me in New York, and he was like, “Can you fly out tonight?” (both laugh) So, I got on the plane on Monday, got there on Tuesday morning, we did a little rehearsal, sorted out my wardrobe at the same time, on Wednesday I shaved my head, and on Thursday I'm doing my first scene with Laurence Fishburne и Asia Kate Dillon. Just like that, no preparation for you - get ready and go!
Well, looking at the finished product, you'd never guess it. And a related question, given the rumors about spin-offs, like the TV series "Hotel Continental", and the filming of parts 4 and 5 at the same time, is there a possibility that Zero could return?
Mark: I heard, unofficially, that there is a possibility that Zero survived after all. I hope so mate, I hope so because I love the world of John Wick and had a lot of fun playing Zero!
This, of course, was noticeable, besides, the fate of several characters from the second part is also not completely clear, so I hope he gets a chance to “rise from the dead”! Were there any injuries while filming the film?
Mark: Nothing serious, as far as I know. Of course there were a lot of bruises. We filmed the finale inside a glass structure for a month, and after Keanu grabbed me several times, I got these HUGE bruises on my forearms. And I was so proud of them, these are marks from the very "John Wick"!
Well, as for injuries... I've heard of several people hurting their ribs while doing motorcycle stunts. Keanu is strong and very athletic, and remembering our final fight, I can proudly say that we performed about 95 percent of all movements and techniques ourselves, but if we talk about the hardest blows, fortunately, our team had excellent stuntmen who took care of it for us.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy
That final at the Continental was truly great! Speaking of endings... you also played Kung Lao in Season 2 "Mortal Kombat: Legacy". What did you think of the show's never-released third season?
Mark: The last scene I did was with Brian Tee, where we stand face to face and prepare to fight - we hoped to see a continuation in the next season, but this never happened. Whether we will return to this or not, I don’t know, but at this moment in history, our two characters remain there in this uncertain confrontation...
When will Drive 2 be released?
Well, it's a shame that this episode was left hanging in the air, but hopefully Season 3 will still be released in the near future. By the way, as soon as "Driver" came out, we were excited to see the word "Drive" in the title of the film with Mark Dacascos! Would you like to return to this project at some point?
Mark: O, sure. I talked to Steve Wang и Kadeem Hardison, and we would like to make a sequel "Drive". More than twenty years have passed, and it would be very interesting to find out what happened to the characters and how their relationships developed.
All these jumps, somersaults and spins that the new generation of martial artists can do are simply amazing, so I think for us - the guys of the old school, going toe-to-toe with the new "models" with their "bio-motors" now would be very exciting. cool and exciting!
Mark Dacascos is at the height of his emotions while working with his family in the film "The Driver"
Oh, that's right, if Drive 2 does see the light of day, it will be absolutely amazing! So, how did you get involved in your new zombie action film, The Driver, and how is it different from other films you've done?
Mark: Well, I've only done one zombie movie so far, but what made it so special to me is that my daughter in the movie is my real-life daughter, and my real-life wife also plays my on-screen wife. I mean, the three of us play a family in a zombie world, and it was a lot of fun doing it in front of the camera, being on set together in Thailand, experiencing the world, and just having this incredible adventure together, doing the movie. Will this ever happen again? Most likely not, because filming a film is difficult in itself, even without a family.
It's true. And to continue the theme... in "The Driver" you have a traumatic but touching scene with your real-life wife and daughter when you are forced to leave the camp. Was it easier to evoke those genuine emotions given that your real-life wife and daughter were in the picture?
Mark: Absolutely, 100 percent! To prepare for these scenes, all I had to do was make sure I was grounded and grieving, but then I just looked into the eyes of my daughter and wife. And because of our relationship and real family ties, those emotions came out of me quite naturally, and I think they felt the same. I mean... how often do you experience such an emotional and enlightening moment in a movie with the people you love?
Moments like these are truly meaningful. Particularly impressive is your fight with an experienced stuntman and martial artist. Brahim Achabbake in "Driver". What can you tell us about this fight - how long did it take to rehearse and film?
Mark: It was fun, Brahim cool and super talented. We had a couple of hours a day to rehearse the fight together, and on the day of shooting we worked based on the actual logistics and how much time we had left.
"Driver" is a low-budget film with a tight schedule, but the advantage of it is that the frantic energy that came from us is partly real, because we had to see it through to the end. But it was fun, no one got hurt, and there was a lot going on between people fighting other people and two groups of people fighting zombies, so it was sort of a chaos of two groups of people fighting each other at the time how they are also attacked by zombies.
There's one moment where I'm fighting a couple of zombies and then he (Brahim) just comes and throws me into the wall, although it looked painful, it was actually a lot of fun.
Secrets of longevity in martial arts from Mark
That’s how it all looked from the outside, and I’m sure that’s how it was! We've been checking out some of your videos on social media. networks, and you look so fit and flexible there, just like in your best years in films like “Only the Strong.” What is your secret to longevity in martial arts?
Water and sleep
Mark: Well, I drink a lot of water. I can’t describe everything in detail. I love jasmine tea and coffee, but I would say room temperature water makes up about eighty percent of the liquid I drink. I try to sleep more than six hours, ideally eight or nine if possible.
Now, looking back at most of my life, I will say that I usually went to bed very late, and now I remember many such moments when I literally nodded off, although I found the strength in myself to survive these moments, but if I had slept more , it would probably be more lively.
Move and exercise daily
So - water, sleep and constant training. Every day I do something, but, of course, there were days in my life when I did not physically load myself in any way, and I cannot say that those were good days for me. Even just walking was a gift as I love being one with nature, to be able to meditate and reflect, it is one of the most natural things we can do for our bodies.
Never stop learning!
I also love to read, and especially now that I can't travel as usual, I just read about these places and authors from other parts of the world, and always try to learn. I think this is one of the main principles of life - to never stop learning.
I agree, and I think all of the above probably answers the question of what is so strange about you that people don’t know!
Mark: Oh, how cleverly you got me talking...! (both laugh)
Influences of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li
Can you tell us a little about who your martial arts influences are besides your mom and dad, and what your all-time favorite kung fu movies are?
Mark: I'm a big fan Bruce Lee. I don't know if there's been a day in my life that I haven't thought about Bruce Lee or what he said since I first saw him. Also, of course, Jackie Chan и Jet Li, and since I was so young when I first saw them, these three have already become a part of me.
Mark Dacascos' Favorite Martial Arts Movies
One of the last films I truly loved was "Ip Man 4" с Donnie Yen и Scott Adkins. The martial arts scenes are fantastic and I really enjoyed the characters and how Ip Man's relationship with his family was portrayed. I watched this film with my brother and mother, and all three of us cried.
I really love "Enter the Dragon" и "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow", and further "Shaolin Temple" with Jet Li. This movie, by the way, inspired me, a 17-year-old growing up in Germany, to go to Taiwan for six months and learn Mandarin in the hopes of one day joining the Shaolin Temple. Good films truly inspire, provoke and educate, and Bruce Lee, Jet Li и Jackie Chan really pushed me in this direction.
I think many of us can relate to this very much, and we are confident that what you have to say will have a significant impact on the aspiring martial artists who read this! So, if you could be a superhero, who would you be and what superpower would you most like to have?
Mark: You know, I've always liked the idea of being able to fly. As for a specific superhero, oh my God... if I could be resurrected and come back as Zero, I would be infinitely happy. (both laugh)
Mark Dacascos' Message to Kung Fu Kingdom Fans and Followers
This may well happen in the 4th or 5th part! Now, Mark, since we're wrapping things up, tell us what special message you'd like to share with Kung Fu Kingdom followers and your fans around the world right now?
Mark: Well, first of all, I'd like to thank you, Brad and Kung Fu Kingdom, for having me today. Thank you for supporting martial arts, for connecting us actors and martial artists with fans, and for giving us a platform to discuss other aspects of martial arts - the respect and humility we gain by practicing them, and the humanity that we share everything.
Martial arts gave me a solid foundation, taught me to work hard and be disciplined. It is a constant process of learning and development, and as the Chinese proverb says: “Empty the cup.”
Those were very wise and insightful words, Mark. Thank you so much for taking the time to chat. We wish you all the best with Driver and all your upcoming action projects in a (hopefully more stable) 2021!
Mark: Thanks Brad, it was a pleasure to talk to Kung Fu Kingdom today!
Official source: kungfukingdom.com
Date of publication: 26.10.2020
Translation: Black Dragon
Home » The Interview »
Tags: John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, The Driver, Mark Dacascos
Tags: John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, The Driver, Mark Dacascos
https://budomate.com/brahim-chab-interview/
Not a bad interview with Brahim Acciabacca. If there is time and desire, it would be great to see the translation.
Danil Chupakhin,
Ok, I'll add it to my list. I'll just finish with Roger Yuan first. I have already translated most of it, there is very little left.
Everything is fine, of course, but Mark, of course, has tarnished himself with his friendship with Kadyrov. I can't believe for the life of me that he didn't know who it was. But well. Nobody is perfect.
Dmitriy,
Yes, you must understand that neither Dacascos nor VanDamme has any idea who Kadyrov is. Why do they need this? This is another country, they are invited by heads of state or republics, they are actors, media personalities, in this sense they are apolitical.
Dacascos is a positive and intelligent US citizen, will he sit and read investigations in the media?
Calm down and don’t impose any unnecessary obligations on them.
Nevsky is another matter. There Mark had the opportunity to preview the films and say - well, I passed something.
But he is an actor and in this regard a dependent person, especially not a billionaire. He has the opportunity to star in a film, so why not? Yes, reputational risks. But life is not black and white, it is much more complicated.
Dmitriy,
Is he really that friendly with Kadyrov?