It’s the weekend, time to head to the movies people! Marvel’s next superhero movie Deadpool hits theaters today. As previews show, the titular hero is unlike any other we have seen on screen. In an exclusive interview Deadpool star Hugh Scott talks about his role, on-set experience, and what sets this particular comic book hero apart.
This is your biggest role to date, and it’s a superhero film. How excited are you to be a part of ‘Deadpool’?
It’s definitely an exciting time for me and an exciting time to be a “Deadpool” fan, especially as the release date approaches. I’ve been a working actor since graduating college and I’ve had some amazing jobs and great experiences, but this trumps them all. The best part about being in “Deadpool” is being a part of such a great team. The director, Tim Miller, set the bar high in terms of quality of work expected from everyone, and I think everyone surpassed those expectations. On the set there was an atmosphere of collaboration, hard work, respect for the material, and lots of fun. That atmosphere made being part of “Deadpool” all the more amazing.
What can you tell us about your character ‘Cunningham’? What’s his role in the film?
Cunningham is a friend to Wade Wilson/Deadpool during a really difficult time in his life. He’s also a character that was featured in the early issues of the comics, which makes it very fun to play. I can’t give too much away, but I am thrilled to play such a complex supporting character and my interactions with Wade Wilson/Deadpool offer an interesting glimpse into the lead character’s inner psyche. I am also excited that I get to have some interaction with the Ajax character, played awesomely by Ed Skrein.
What do you think will set this particular movie apart from other Comics-based films?
Tim Miller and Ryan Reynolds were uncompromising, both in their respect for the material and in their respect for hardcore Deadpool fans. Tim and Ryan count themselves as major Deadpool fans. So Deadpool is like a fan film, but made by two of the most qualified guys to ever make a fan film. The writers, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick did a brilliant job of balancing comedy and brutal action. Deadpool has a very specific tone and style, and the writers exceeded in terms of adapting that for the screen. I also think Deadpool is unique as a character from other Comic book characters in the sense that he knows he is a superhero, he doesn’t take himself too seriously, and his motivations aren’t always altruistic. This is definitely the Deadpool movie that fans have been waiting for.
Deadpool, like many superhero movies, is a story about survival and coming back from the brink. Did any of that play into how you played your character, or how you viewed the story?
As anyone who followed the comics knows, Wade Wilson was diagnosed with terminal cancer, which set into motion a set of events that resulted in him becoming the character Deadpool. He’s a guy who was faced with death and beat the odds. I definitely think my experience in a major, life-threatening accident allowed me to access the tragic arc of the story from a personal standpoint. It’s an interesting coincidence that it is part of my life story and part of the story of Deadpool. Moving beyond myself, I think the reason Deadpool is so popular with fans is that almost everyone can relate to his struggles. Almost everyone knows someone who has had a cancer diagnosis. And none of us go through life without some kind of struggle or moments of hopelessness. As funny as Deadpool is, what makes him admirable is that he also doesn’t shy away from his struggles. He owns them and allows his audiences to see how they make him vulnerable. Whether Deadpool likes being a hero or not, this bravery is what makes him a hero.
How much did you know about the Deadpool character, and his comic origins, when you signed on for the film?
I was aware of Deadpool when I got cast, but I wouldn’t count myself as a serious fan. But through research and preparation for the film, I found the storylines and the hilarious off-beat humor absolutely irresistible. Now I’m definitely a fan, and one of the best parts of being a fan is when you initially discover something. There is a comic book shop in my neighborhood (Secret Headquarters in Silverlake) and I’m the first one in there when the Deadpool issues get released.
Without giving too much away, what is your favorite memory from the set?
There was some stage work, but Deadpool was shot mostly on locations all around the Vancouver area. One morning I had a very early call, but Ryan Reynolds was called much earlier because he had to be in Deadpool’s body makeup for the scene that day. As I was stepping into the trailer, Ryan was stepping down and I was faced head-on with the character of Deadpool. Anyone who has seen the trailer knows it is a pretty terrifying and grisly sight. Ryan said “Good Morning” but I was literally too stunned to respond. The Make-Up Designer, Bill Corso, did such a great job bringing the character to life that it was believable and terrifying off-screen as well.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects you are working on? Any other projects you would like to work on one day? Perhaps another comic book-based film or television show?
Right now I am focused on auditions and landing my next film role. I also work a lot in commercials and voice over. I’d be really excited and lucky to work in the comic genre again. I love how universal the stories are. Comic book-based story telling has themes and plot lines that people all over the world genuinely love. This to me, is what gives them their power and makes them so successful at the box office. The amazing experience of working on Deadpool will follow me onto my next project.
Catch Deadpool in theaters now.
(Photography by Bobby Quillard)
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