Second part of the interview Scott Adkins for resource ManlyMovie
The first part of the conversation with Scott is here.
Tell us a little about your training regime during filming. We're guessing you're still working out almost every day to maintain your incredible physique?
Yes, I have to sleep less. You should try to get everything done in time and go to bed quickly, but, of course, after the gym you need a certain time to relax. You can't sleep a lot, but that's normal in filmmaking... the first hours... sometimes it seems like filming continues into the night. So it can ruin your sleep, even if it's just drama. But, as I said, for Undisputed IV I have no scheduled days off at all. Because it's hard. But I'm not going to complain. I really enjoy what I do. I complained, but, you understand (laughs).
Are there any negotiations on Ninja 3?
Not really, but I would definitely like to make this film. The first part was not successful, but the second pleased us more, and I think now it would be nice to make a trilogy.
Someone asked me on Facebook the other day, "Hey Scott, have you ever thought about remaking American Ninja?" and I thought it had already been done...
Ha! Yeah that was one of my questions, actually, because I think you, Isaac Florentine and Michael Jai White...
So who asked me this question? (laughs)
Well, that was in the questions I sent you.
Okay, so I read them! I think that's what we should do for Ninja 3 - cast Michael Jai White as Steve James.
Let's do that! This must happen!
Yes, but first you need a plot.
How do you balance your weight training and martial arts training to keep yourself in the shape you need for Fighting?
It's really difficult. I don't think martial arts and strength training go very well together because as you gain weight it becomes more difficult to move quickly. The more muscles, the slower the speed. Um, you know, some of the best fighters... a lot of them don't even do strength training. You know, you don't want to be too bulky - if you have a lot of muscle mass, then you run out of steam faster, and so on. But obviously for movies you have to look a certain way, and I grew up being a fan of Stallone, Schwarzenegger and Van Damme... obviously I would like to look like that, but it's hard to pull off sometimes, especially as Boyk, because I have to to do the tricks of someone who weighs 82, while weighing 89 kilograms.
You have played the roles of villains and heroes. Do you have a preference?
I prefer to play an anti-hero, actually.
True!
Yes. Boyka is far from a positive hero... Well, in the latest film, “Close Distance,” I play a guy who is basically a villain. In any other film, he would be a negative character, but it just so happens that due to the circumstances, in this film he is a good guy, although he certainly knows that he is overstepping the bounds of the law, and so on. I find such characters interesting. And you know, Boyka is the same.
I was just going to talk about the role in Gringo, you were also very much the anti-hero there, so you obviously like those kinds of roles.
Yes, he was a good cop who went bad. Of course, I would like to play a little more specific roles. There are some actors who can portray typical American heroes really well. And that's actually very difficult to do, I think. I take my hat off to Chris Evans for what he did with Captain America, who I think is actually a tough character to play because it could have been too bland but came out very well.
You have made several films with Jean-Claude Van Damme. Are you still planning?
No. We made four films together, so I think, uh... You know, I had a dream to work with him, and I already ticked it off (laughs). Often this happens because they try to combine action stars in one film. And it so happened that, coincidentally, we worked together four times. But yeah, I've been following him around for too long and now I have to give him a break (laughs).
I had an interview with John Hyams a few years ago, and he said that there was another "Universal Soldier" soldier in the project. Anything to say about this?
I don't have any information about the Universal Soldier sequel. I'm sure John has something on his mind, but he hasn't told me so I can't say anything. In fact, the original concept of "Universal Soldier 4" was aimed at events in the near future, perhaps this idea will be used somehow.
Yes, that would be interesting
But you know, all options are possible with the "Universal Soldier", right? I mean, all of these characters can be reanimated and brought back to life at any time.
Can you tell us anything about your upcoming film Criminal? According to IMDB, some big names are attached to the film - Tommy Lee Jones, Gary Oldman, Kevin Costner and Ryan Reynolds.
It was really great to work on because Gary Oldman has always been my favorite actor, so I got to work closely with him. Every scene with him was exciting. He's a wonderful person. I was a little nervous getting ready to meet him, but he turned out to be a very nice, funny guy who loves his job. He deserves an Oscar! Once given the right role, this person radiates energy. But yes, it was very interesting. I don't want to talk too much about the storyline and stuff because it might get me in trouble, but Ariel Vromen is a really good director and, uh, I'm looking forward to this movie.
There are rumors that you were going to take part in the American remake of "The Raid". Is this really true?
Well, there was a conversation about this, yes, not about a specific role, but we talked. Obviously it makes sense to have me in a movie like this. Hmm, I don't know what happened to this project, but everything is quiet, I'm afraid - no news. "The Raid" was loved by everyone, and I think it would have been much better if it had been an English-language film.
Unfortunately it's true.
Unfortunately, many people did not go to see it. They probably weren't interested in the subtitles. But you know, it's nice to look at guys who can actually do something.
How do you feel about superhero movies?
I was a huge Marvel comics fan growing up. My grandmother bought them for me, and I checked my closet every weekend for new books. My brother preferred chocolate, and I preferred comics. You know, I grew up reading comics, especially Spiderman, so I love them, I love them. But sometimes I feel like I'm watching comics like cartoons, not movies. Which is good, because you can't change the comic. But this genre seems to be now being equated with traditional action cinema - which I value so much - almost in the same category. And it's a shame, really, because I really love watching movies with action stars... Jason Statham was talking about this the other day, wasn't he? And it caused a bit of a stir on the internet. He said, "Even my grandma can do it." And I have to say, he hit the nail on the head... he hit the nail on the head.
Oh yes, he did it!
You know, when I look at Statham, who does everything for real, I enjoy it. I really appreciate it because growing up being a fan of Stallone, Jackie Chan, and Bruce Lee, you know it's nice to see someone who can actually physically do what he shows on screen. You enjoy it. And that's something that's missing from comic book movies. But I understand and I like it myself, I just hope this genre doesn't disappear completely, a lot of people really appreciate it.
Would you be interested in participating in Marvel or DC Universe projects?
Of course I'd be interested! This would give my career a serious boost, I would earn much more income than I do now, you know, I’m not stupid. But it is very difficult to get a role in these films. You can't just knock on the door and say, "Hey, I have a cool idea, how would you like me to play Iron Fist?" They either contact you or they don’t. I really liked it series "Daredevil" and I watched it with pleasure.
We here at ManlyMovie firmly believe that you would make a good Punisher, but alas, it was recently announced that Jon Bernthal had taken the role.
And I have to say that I think it was good casting. He really suits this role in all respects. And, uh, yeah, I think he was a boxer or something. I think he can handle it. I really like this actor.
So if you could be one of the superheroes, who would it be?
If I say this now, the headlines on movie sites will probably be, "Scott Adkins Wants to Star in Superhero Role." It would look stupid. Because I'll just say, "Marvel, let's do this shit, I'm waiting!" (Laughs)
Considering that you are a celebrity now, are you still trying to maintain a relatively normal life with your mates and your family?
Absolutely, yes. I didn't move to Hollywood, I didn't even move to London. I still live in the same area where I grew up. I think it's important to stand firmly on the ground and not get carried away by any nonsense. I prefer to surround myself with people who have been with me for a long time and whom I can trust. I don't need a bunch of pseudo-friends and all that. It's just that I prefer everything real.
If you could meet or work with one actor, living or dead, who would it be?
Bruce Lee.
Now there will be talk of creating a computer model of Bruce Lee that you can fight in the movies - that would be amazing!
Yes, I'd be interested to see that!
Thank you very much for talking to me. I was nervous talking to you, but you showed class.
No problem. I read your site, I think it's good - Manly Movie! All I can say!
Source: ManlyMovie
Especially for fight-films.info
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Tags: Boyka: Undisputed, Ninja 3, Isaac Florentine, Gary Oldman, Jason Statham, John Hyams, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Michael Jai White, Scott Adkins
Tags: Boyka: Undisputed, Ninja 3, Isaac Florentine, Gary Oldman, Jason Statham, John Hyams, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Michael Jai White, Scott Adkins
Nice interview with a great person!
Thanks for the translation! Only there in the original it is still
said something about Bernthal - about his American
(East cost vibe), something to do with accent and style
This actor is perfect for the role.
Thank you. it was interesting to read. So, all action games are compared to Raid. I think that's good. I consider the Second Raid to be the standard of the genre.