Brett Ratner, the man behind RUSH HOUR and X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, was in London this week to present the first footage from his latest blockbuster HERCULES. Still editing the footage as we speak, Ratner introduced the 15-minute clip in 2D, but 3D and IMAX versions will also be released.
From what we saw during our preview, HERCULES looks set to be an action-packed, battle-filled adventure with plenty of screen time dedicated to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson being suitably large and in charge. Three of Hercules’ twelve trials were shown in the footage (all of which are previewed in the trailer) with impressive demonic fights – if the 3D transformation is of a high quality, said action sequences could make for a tantalising prospect. We saw Hercules’ sheer power on display and a small glimpse of the warriors who fight alongside him, particularly Atalanta (Ingrid Bolso Berdal), who proves to John Hurt’s Cotys she means business with her bow and arrow skills.
There was no footage of Hercules and his family, which we would have liked to have seen. One can only hope that the smattering of humour on show is out in force during the finished movie to add some light-heartedness to all the bloodshed! From all we saw; HERCULES looks like it won’t disappoint in the action stakes. Let’s hope it matches up in other departments, too.
After the footage, Ratner was joined on stage by cast members Dwayne Johnson, John Hurt, Ian McShane, Irina Shayk, Ingrid Bolso Berdal, Aksel Hennie and Reece Ritchie for a Q&A, and here’s the highlights of what was discussed:
Q: You seem such a fan of this character; is that part of the reason you wanted to bring him to the screen?
Brett Ratner: For me, growing up I dreamed of making this type of movie; Hercules is the ultimate character – he’s the first superhero! I read the graphic novel and thought the story of demystifying the myth really is a great interpretation of this story. I set out to make something that was grounded, was realistic and had emotion, heart and great characters. When I met with Dwayne in my living room, and it was his dream to play this role too, but he was making my childhood dream come true!
Q: What was it like that first day on set, as this is something of a lifetime role for you?
Dwayne Johnson: It was an amazing feeling – when I was able to put on hair, make-up, wardrobe… 2-3 hours later and step out on set for the very first time was amazing. When everyone else stepped into their role and transformed themselves – between that, Brett’s passion and the heat in Budapest – it was great.
Q: Ian, can you talk to us about the tone of the movie?
Ian McShane: Well, we’re making a film for the entire family – I think that’s the most important thing – it’s not a 3-hour shoot-em-up. We’re basically making SEVEN SAMURAI, just a classic story but kids can enjoy it too. This isn’t the story of Hercules – you’ve seen that before – this is Hercules as a mercenary. He has this fear and conviction that he killed his own family and he has to face up to the truth of that for this movie.
Q: Ingrid, your character seems like an incredibly powerful one from what we saw, how was it playing her?
Ingrid Bolso Berdal: It’s a responsibility in some ways because she’s the only woman in this group of incredibly masculine men. Of course, she had to look a certain way and be strong physically but there is a heart there that she needs to convey. I found it great to have both qualities there; it’s fun to have the duality of the femininity and the love and then the demolition, the brutality, the lust for blood and killing. Doing my research into these Amazonian warriors was great because it made sense that you could be a person that brings the love, but also when the battle starts you show no mercy.
Q: Irina, this was your first film – how was that experience for you?
Irina Shayk: Well I feel like I was hired for this film to be naked most of the time… and I hope I did it well and you guys enjoy it!
BR: That wasn’t our first intention, I swear.
DJ: It was our second, though!
HERCULES smashes its way into cinemas in 2D, 3D and IMAX on July 25th.
