1. Hello, Mr. Adkins. To begin with, I would like to say that you are a real MAN!!! I tell people that to me you are like a modern-day Hwang Jang-Lee, with all the great kicks you can throw, but you are such a versatile actor. When “The Wolverine” came out at the end of May, on the day of the premiere, I went to a movie theater with my three friends. However, unlike them, I perceived everything differently, because I am a fan of not only comics, but also martial arts, and before I started watching, I kept telling them that you are playing the role of Weapon XI/Deadpool. But they hadn't watched Undisputed 2, so they didn't really understand what I was talking about, and I kept hinting at them about the Guyver Kick and stuff like that until the very last fight. Just recently I lent my copy of Ninja to a friend at the dojo. He's still new to martial arts, but he's just blown away!!!
I'm kind of wondering if we'll learn anything about Boyk's past in Undisputed 3. I recently said that for me Boyka is like a Shaolin monk fighting according to MMA rules, since his fighting style is very similar and he is just as energetic. He also spends most of his time outside the ring either praying or training. Will Undisputed 3 tell us anything about how Boyka started doing martial arts, or how he ended up in prison?
Scott Adkins: Very little will be said about Boyk’s past in Undisputed 3, there will be only a few hints. I liked the analogy that he is like a monk with MMA, this is shown in the fact that he trains to become the most perfect fighter in the world, believing that this is the reason God sent him to our earth.
2. I believe you have already answered how to learn to do the Guyver Kick, but I am very interested in how to learn how to do somersaults, somersaults, kicks with a 720 degree turn, etc. I already know how to throw standard kicks quite well, while jumping , and with a turnaround, but I don’t really know where to start.
Scott Adkins: Unless I look at you in person, there's no way I can tell you how to throw those punches. All I will say is train, train, train, just like Boyka, and you will succeed!
3. By the way, are you a fan of “Tekken”? It's one of the best martial arts video games ever made, but it's a long wait for the movie adaptation to hit theaters, at least in the US. The film was only shown in cinemas in Japan, and will be released on DVD in the UK on April 5th (note: outdated information as Tekken will be released on DVD on August 5th 2010, and may arrive in cinemas earlier). I think this is ridiculous because it's coming out straight to DVD everywhere, but it means you'll get the chance to watch it before most of us.
Scott Adkins: I won't be able to watch it before you guys. I once worked with Cyril Raffaelli, and he himself had not yet watched it. I hope the movie is good, we need a good video game adaptation. I have my fingers crossed for luck for John, Latif and Cyril.
4. My next question is what do you think is the worst and best thing about making martial arts films? I formulated the sentence in this order (worst and best) to save the best for last. ;)
Scott Adkins: The worst part is the incredibly painful and grueling process of it all. It's one thing to warm up in a good gym with a springy floor and practice, honing your best shots. It's quite another thing to spend all your energy waking up at 5 am, rushing to shoot before the sun comes up, fighting on concrete, with shoes without protective pads, being covered in wounds from falling on concrete for weeks, not having enough time to stretch or warm up, and then perform the perfect kick combination!
The best thing is when you look at the monitor and see how the choreography, from the right angle, with fake blood and slow motion, takes on the necessary shape. It's like a brutal ballet, I LOVE IT!
5. The last thing I would like to ask is: why do you think Hollywood always makes martial arts movies in which the stars either have no experience in martial arts at all, or only have a superficial knowledge of them, and train for months to show them off? screen in semi-decent form, although it usually looks pretty bad. Meanwhile, movies with real fighters or visiting Asians in Hollywood are released straight to DVD, despite the fact that they [the fighters] are almost always 20 times better? I guess it has something to do with Hollywood working in the opposite direction, bringing in household names like Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore because they believe their names can draw people into theaters despite minimal training, but , for the most part, they do not want to take risks and bet on real fighters, known only to fans of the genre. I'm not very knowledgeable about this, so this is just my guess.
Scott Adkins: Ultimately, it's their names that attract viewers. My name will not attract, but the name Cameron Diaz will. This also applies to Matt Damon, Keanu Reeves, Ben Affleck, etc. Studios are always looking for such names, because they serve as a guarantee for business, only sometimes the film pays for itself, as happened with “Avatar”. Real fighters can be used in films like Tekken because Tekken attracts audiences with the Tekken brand, just as the ninja theme attracted audiences to Ninja and Ninja Assassin.
6. Finally, I would like to emphasize again that you are a true hero to me. Seeing how you manage to throw side kicks with your left leg, I wanted to improve my left kicks, which until now have been my worst and the only ones that I can’t cope with properly. So again, thank you, Mr. Adkins, for taking the time to answer fan questions. We will always encourage you!!!
Scott Adkins: Guys, it's a pleasure to communicate with you and I'm honored that I am the impetus for your hard training and desire to become fighters, this is the greatest sport and way of life. I hope I will delight you with action movies for a long time! Keep working guys.
I hope you have the patience to wait for me to answer all these questions, it may take some time.
7. Scott, first off, thank you for putting the West Midlands [flag] on the MMA and film map! It's always nice to see a local guy succeed. =]
Scott Adkins: I can't leave everything to Ozzy Osbourne. (note: Ozzy was also born in this area)
8. Several friends and I recently spent one of our movie nights and dedicated it to you by watching “Undisputed 2” and “Ninja.” So, if you want to come and stay in your hometown in the future, you will be incredibly welcome.
Scott Adkins: I'll come as Boyk and ask your friends who put the drugs in the water.
9. I guess with all the training and stunts you do, you must have a lot of injuries? What are your recovery methods?
Scott Adkins: Yes, of course, injuries happen. I spent most of my life in physical therapy. Luckily for me, I never broke a bone and my worst injury was a torn hamstring on the set of Locket, but over the years a lot of minor injuries have accumulated. At the moment my neck hurts terribly and I don't know why. I think the most important part of recovery is prevention, so you have to properly warm up and warm up before you start training or filming.
10. I’m curious, what size biceps and chest did you have on the set of “Undisputed 3”?
Scott Adkins: I don't know.
11. Hello Scott. What advice would you give to stay that assertive and energetic throughout life? After all, life is the hardest of battles? Is not it?
Scott Adkins: Dude, just enjoy life. Until you are buried, life is wonderful! It's always better to think about the good and not dwell on the bad. We lose one opportunity - another appears.
12. How do you feel now? (I heard about injuries on the set of Ninja and Undisputed 3)
Scott Adkins: I'm fine. “Ninja” was very difficult to film, I had a lot of injuries. The good thing about Undisputed is that we fight in a padded ring, even though I sprained my ankle on the first day of rehearsal two weeks before filming. At the moment I only have a neck injury, but nothing serious.
13. How have you trained your kicks and stretched over the years to achieve such speed and power?
Scott Adkins: Martial arts is constant repetition. The more repetitions you do, the better you will get. It's as simple as playing a musical instrument.
14. On average, how much do you stretch per week?
Scott Adkins: I actually need to stretch more, my flexibility isn't what it used to be. I will stretch before and after my workouts. I like to stretch, watch TV and relax. Relaxation is the key to stretching.
15. How much did you weigh in “Ninja” and “Undisputed 3”?
Scott Adkins: I don't know how much I weighed on Ninja, I wanted to lose as much weight as I could, but I was still pretty big because I just finished filming Wolverine. In “Undisputed 3” he probably weighed about 86 kg.
16. I would like to ask how it was for you to work with Silvio Simac, and do you plan to work with him again in the near future?
Scott Adkins: Silvio is a good friend of mine. We met him in 2001 on the set of “Black Mask 2” and have remained friends since then. I think we worked together about five times. I’m trying to involve him in the “Dark Deal” project, let’s see what comes of it. He's a great guy and a very talented fighter.
17. And one more question, if it’s not too difficult... I don’t know if you’ve been to Croatia before, maybe you’re planning to visit it and make a film there?! Thanks for your time! Greetings from Croatia!! :D
Scott Adkins: I almost did a movie in Croatia on Christmas Eve, but it didn’t work out. Maybe next time.
18. You have starred in many films in recent years. They starred in low-budget ones and appeared in supporting roles in big-budget ones. Are you happy with how your career is developing? What is the main difference between working on “small” films and roles in multi-million dollar projects?
Scott Adkins: The main difference is that on larger projects they give you more time to work. They also give more time to prepare for production, but it often happens that few people want to take on the responsibility. Basically, I'm unhappy with my career, and this pushes me to improve myself. But sometimes, looking back at what I've done before, I realize that I've come quite a long way.
19. Can you tell us something about “Re-Kill”? Filming has ended and the film is in post-production. How was the filming? I've never heard of director Valery Milev - how was it working with him? What kind of film should we expect?
Scott Adkins: I think I mentioned “Re-Kill” in an earlier post, but Valerie is great to work with. He doesn't speak English, so there were difficulties, but from a visual point of view he is very gifted. I really enjoyed filming the film, it has an interesting idea, we’ll see how it ends. You will definitely hate my character.
20. 1966, Wembley Stadium, Germany vs England match. Did they score or not? :D
Scott Adkins: I don't know! All I know is that we won!
21. What music/bands do you like?
Scott Adkins: Rock 'n' roll, like Oasis. I like “Goo Goo Dolls”, “The Twang”, “Third Eye Blind”.
22. Harrison Ford, for example, was a skilled carpenter before starting his career. Did you learn a profession before becoming an actor? If your business career fails, how do you think you will be able to earn a living? What else are you interested in besides acting and sports?
Scott Adkins: I always knew I would do this. I have no other skills because I decided: either I will do this or I will fail miserably. I didn't have any backup plan, so keep watching my films, otherwise I'll be registered with the job center.
23. Last year you supported the competition for the best poster from fans, which was started by giangrosso. Should we expect something similar in the future? By the way, thanks for the goodies you sent me (see below).
Scott Adkins: They did a great job with the poster, it turned out great. I would support something like this. I think it's great that you guys are showing interest. I wish one of you would make a poster for Undisputed 3, because the Warners poster sucks!
24. “Black Mask 2” was filmed almost 10 years ago, you worked with Tsui Hark, Andy On... Do you keep in touch with any of them (or other members of the film crew)?
Scott Adkins: No, although our mutual friend Mike Leader said hi to me from Andy last week. However, Yen Woo Ping invited me again, this time to film “Danny Chain Dog.”
25. What is your normal weight? I mean, in Undisputed 2 you weighed 91kg, but normally how much do you weigh?
Scott Adkins: Somewhere around 86 kg.
26. Have you thought about creating a martial arts or mixed martial arts tournament? (for fun, not to start a fighting career)
Scott Adkins: No. I'll leave that to Van Damme.
27. I'm so glad that you participate in discussions on the forum and answer questions from fans. :) I thoroughly enjoyed reading the questions and answers and hope to see many more in the future. Thank you Scott, you are truly an inspiration.
I know that you worked on the film “Wolverine” and were in Sydney. What did you like most about Sydney?
Scott Adkins: I loved Sydney, I had a great time there. I stayed in Bondi Junction, opposite a large shopping centre. I had the opportunity to walk along the Bondi coastline as Jackman recommended. I also went to the zoo to see kangaroos. A beautiful country and some of the best memories I had on set.
28. How do you get along with some of the biggest action directors?
Scott Adkins: I'm afraid I don't know them.
29. Hey Scott! First of all, congratulations on your continued growth in the business and thank you very much for the best fight scenes of recent years. I have to say that “Undisputed 2” turned out to be the movie that inspired me the most since I was a kid...thank you very much for that! Can't wait for Undisputed 3 and any of your next projects... and thank you even more for doing this and not abandoning your fans!!!!!
My question: You've seen some major physical improvements since Undisputed 2, from the overly lean physique in Ninja (dude, you looked exactly like Bruce Lee in there... I just wish there were more showpieces like this) to new heights form in “Undisputed 3” (to me, it looks like your fitness has improved noticeably compared to “Undisputed 2”)... But as you said, this physique is the reason for your injuries, which I certainly believe, since You are the only one with such an appearance who can do such things...
Now, on the other hand, there is one thing that makes you stand out from the rest... because there are several Tony Jaa followers here, but none of them have achieved the same physical shape as you... and Boyk's appearance and other bells and whistles are more impressive ...so what are your plans for the future...because your fans (probably most of them) and producers and co-actors will be counting on your crazy combinations and extreme moves, but maybe you should seriously lose weight and look more like on Tony... so what do you think about it... or the physical form in “Ninja” is just the “golden” mean... with a knocked down mass and a crazy lack of excess fat... like Bruce used to be, but not as heavy as Boyka...
As a fan of yours, I have to say that this is difficult because I am a passionate martial artist, but I also love definition. I just love seeing you as Boyk or Casey... but on the other hand, I don't want you to get injured every time, exhausting your body and wasting your career time...
Scott Adkins: I completely understand what you mean, and I also believe that my muscular physique and ability to throw acrobatic kicks makes me different from the rest of the people on screen. So I intend to maintain this appearance. But I feel for sure that most of my injuries are related to strength training. For my new film “Dark Deal” I trained with Cyril Raffaelli and did not train with weights at all, because I only do parkour and martial arts. I'm probably the thinnest I've been in a long time, in fact, even thinner than I was in Ninja. I'll gain the weight back for the next one, so no worries. It’s useful to do this mixed up. It's also helpful to take a break sometimes.
30. Glad you're here again, Scott. I hope everything goes well with Undisputed 3 and we get to see it soon. Hopefully on the big screen. Scott, I've always wondered, what do you consider to be the hardest trick you've ever performed?
Scott Adkins: I don't do as many stunts as I would like, the producers don't allow me to. I would say the roll over the counter in “Ninja” was a little tough. Just like the spiral jump into a broken car window in Mutant X. I don't really do stunts like getting hit by cars, breaking windows, falling from great heights, but I definitely do physically challenging moves and sequences. I am very pleased with the way I did a front somersault in “Undisputed 3” with a push from one of the corners of the ring, but I was moving backwards in flight. It's hard to explain, but it's very cool.
31. Hey Scott. Some time ago I saw you in “Undisputed 2”. The fighting there was incredible. If they're as good in Undisputed 3, I can't wait to watch it. :D
I'm a huge fan of Cyril Raffaelli and the incredible stunts he does, so seeing you and him in “Dark Deal” is like Christmas in July.
Great job, keep it up. :D
Scott Adkins: I have to say that I think the combat in Undisputed 3 is much better than Undisputed 2. Firstly, there are more fights, and secondly, we have Lateef Crowder, Marko Zaror, Ilrom Choi and myself. Plus, our fight director, Larnell Stovall, did an incredible job.
Unfortunately, Cyril will not appear in “Dark Deal”; he is a stunt coordinator.
32. Have you ever thought about making your dreams come true one day?
Scott Adkins: I'd like to film my own fights first and see what happens.
33. And the last question. Can you provide us with your exercise and nutrition program? (I understand, I'm asking too much) I'm currently on a diet plan. I need to lose 40kg and you are my greatest source of motivation, thanks in advance...
Thank you.
Scott Adkins: Please continue to monitor this thread. Thanks George, my knees are fine by the way.
34. Lately people on the streets have started to recognize you more often? Not only in the UK, but also abroad?
Scott Adkins: Sure. Previously, people never recognized me from action films, only from “Holby City” or “The Flight Attendants”, but since the release of “Ninja” they began to recognize me more. It's a little strange and takes a little getting used to.
35. I, and everyone on this forum, would like you to become a full-fledged star of category “A” films. You look like a guy who doesn't have his head in the clouds. Do you care about the problems that popularity might bring you?
Scott Adkins: I'm sure I'm not the kind of person who would be foolish. I'm worried about the lack of quiet privacy, but as you said, I don't have my head in the clouds. I decided that I would not live in Los Angeles or even London. I live in my hometown, surrounded by people who keep me “grounded,” real people who have ordinary jobs and ordinary lives. I don't want to be a celebrity on reality TV or go to all the parties. I just want to do action movies and spend the rest of my life with my friends and family.
36. Did anyone invite you to “Ip Man 2” for the role that was given to Darren Shahlavi? You've often said that you'd love to work with Donny, and it sounds like this would be a perfect fit for you.
Scott Adkins: Do you know more than you know? They certainly offered me, but for some unknown reason they chose Darren. I would love to do it, but I'm happy for Darren, he's a good guy.
37. Scott, what was your reaction and how did you feel when your favorite band Oasis broke up a few months ago. Have you found any new favorite bands yet?
Scott Adkins: I'm already behind the music, I'm getting old, I guess. I’m waiting for the next album “The Goo Goo Dolls”.
I wasn't surprised when Oasis broke up, in my opinion it was just a matter of time. I'm sure Noel will continue to make good music on his own.
38. Scott, it looks like you have a great idea in your head to bring your desires to life on the big screen. I understand that making a film is not easy, but what is stopping you from making your own “dream fight” a reality? I don't think any of the people you mentioned in your answer would refuse to collaborate on such a project. Couldn't you or other investors provide funds for this?
I think if you had written a quality script and assembled your ideal team, a proper presentation to the studios and investors would have piqued someone's interest. Can you imagine one promotional video with performances from all the people you mentioned? Some people's eyes will pop out of their heads.
There are many talented people, like you, Marco, Tony Jaa, etc., with them, with the support of the right people, you can make a film that will be talked about for years. I just don’t want all of you who are older to look back and say: “It’s a shame it didn’t work out.” I have a lot of ideas for plots, including an ending with “levels” like you mentioned. Just surround yourself with talented, hard-working people who share your point of view, and nothing will stop you from making that film.
I hope your vision of the perfect ending comes true in the near future.
Thanks Scott!
Scott Adkins: Guys with money don't see it the way you do. To be honest, martial arts films are a genre thing, they don't have that big of a market. Your average Joe doesn't know who me or Marko Zaror is, they don't even know who Tony Jaa is. When you're dealing with martial arts films, you have no choice but to use a small budget, and that leads to compromises. We have to change locations and shorten episodes. The Undisputed 3 tournament was supposed to have 16 fighters, we had to reduce the number to 8. Nowadays we have an added problem - the DVD market is dead, people don't pay for movies anymore. Recently I had some films whose filming was cancelled. It's not as easy as you might think, I understand that, it may seem so, but in reality it is not. If I had money, if I won the lottery tomorrow, then I would do this.
39. Hello Scott. In Bulgaria you have already starred in about seven films. What do you think about Bulgaria? Do you always return (to my country) with a positive attitude or do you just say “never again”? :) Are you planning to shoot any more films in Bulgaria?
I wish you all the best, that is, I wish you to star in a big-budget action movie that will be shown in theaters!
Thank you.
Scott Adkins: I always come to Bulgaria in a very good mood. The city of Sofia is familiar to me, I have my favorite hotel and gym there, I’m always pleased to be there. I have a lot of stuntmen I know there and they do an amazing job.
40. Hello, how are you? What was your diet and strength training like for various film roles? I'm constantly trying to find a new workout routine.
Scott Adkins: Sorry buddy, I'm not talking about the workouts because they're too extensive.
41. Hello Scott! Do you smoke? I ask because I saw you smoking in “The Last Bachelor Party” and it interested me.
Please excuse my English. :(
Scott Adkins: I don't smoke, it's a disgusting habit, cigarettes make you smell bad!!
As an actor, you have to do some things that you don't do in real life.
42. Do you like anime? If yes, what is your favorite anime?
Scott Adkins: My friend, I don't know much about it. I always thought Akira was good, as well as The Crying Assassin and Fist of the North Star.
43. What do you think of Luc Besson? He's produced a lot of great action films and I think it would be great if you worked with him. Have you ever met/spoken to him?
Scott Adkins: I like Luc Besson. I like the characters he creates, very distinctive and interesting. I wish he made more films. I'd love it if he approached me as Jason Statham, but I don't think fighting in an empty pool with Jet Li was enough to make him stand out. I'm not even sure if he knows about me.
44. Hello Scott! What are you planning for the near future? Maybe some film or project? Thank you! Looking forward to your next upcoming projects. :)
Scott Adkins: My next film will most likely be with Isaac Florentine again. Follow this direction.
45. Marco seems to have great plyometric and explosive training... I loved his YouTube training videos and the Mirage Man prep scenes... He has great speed and jumping... especially for such a tall guy...
What tips did he give you... plyometrics... or exercises??
Wow, a movie set in the world of Vale Tudo would be cool... really cool idea... even though I would love to see more fights between you and Latif (can't wait to see you and him in “ Undisputed 3”), or other guys who know capoeira... How could this script end up in the movie “Blood and Bone”?? Was it written by the same screenwriter??
Speaking of capoeira... on the set of Bourne you said that Joey Ansah was your friend... or that you knew him... he was very cool in Bourne and showed some great moves, although he wasn't in other films... you'd like to take him to play your opponent in one of your films?
Scott Adkins: I know Joey very well, I once trained with him in London. I like working with him, and we discussed it. I'm sure it will someday, it's definitely on my list.
Sources: many
Translation: EvilDollaR
Home » Articles »
Tags: Undisputed 2, Undisputed 3: Redemption, X-Men: Origins. Wolverine, Scott Adkins, Tony JAA
Tags: Undisputed 2, Undisputed 3: Redemption, X-Men: Origins. Wolverine, Scott Adkins, Tony JAA
I am waiting. I hope there will be something exciting.
I would like to mention Pasha as a person who has been an active participant in this project since…
Sad ending, albeit with a joke...
Added a video from the filming of "Twilight of the Warriors".