We get to hear straight from the actors mouth on why he should play The God of Thunder.
Popdose.com had a sit down with Thor hopeful James Preston Rogers:
"Aside from the obvious (more leading man roles, prestige, etc.), what is it that draws you to the character of Thor? What makes you want to play him?
Thor is one of the most complete characters that I may ever play, being 6′6″. There’s more to him than, say, Conan or He-Man. His is a true character arc. Maybe as close as I’ll get to playing Hamlet, especially with Branagh attached to the project.
Because of your height and build, is it harder to get called in to read for “good guy” parts as opposed to “villain” roles?
Yeah, I don’t get many reads as the good guy. Strange, huh?
Say Marvel Studios calls you in for a read. They like you, they choose to hire you for Thor–but then Branagh says (for whatever reason) he wants you to take another six months of acting lessons to more fully ready yourself for the part during the film’s prep time. Would you be willing to follow his lead on this?
I’m a team player and would do whatever it took to make the best product possible. Believe me!
Bruce Lee, who was pretty much at the peak of human health during his career, once injured his back while weightlifting. How do you stay in shape without damaging yourself, and what advice do you give to lifters just starting out?
I stay in shape by lifting weights and staying active. For people just starting off, I say stay focused on your motivation. Accept it as a lifestyle. This time next year will come whether you go to the gym or not, but if you can get to the gym, your life will be a lot different this time next year.
You win the part of Thor, the movie’s a smash, and two days after opening, the following directors leave messages on your machine to come read for their next film: Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, Peter Jackson, James Cameron. Whose call do you take first, and why?
I’d go with Spielberg, ’cause that was the name I heard first as a kid.
You’ve been a bouncer, a member of the WWE and now an actor. What drew you into acting? What is YOUR passion about?
I enjoy being creative. The whole film and TV process I fell in love with right away. I just have a need to express myself, and this is a great outlet.
What kind of acting career do you ultimately envision for yourself? Are there certain roles you’d be less likely to want to try than others?
I think it would be a great career for me to be involved with period pieces (LotR, Braveheart, Outlander, etc.). I am big with long hair, muscles and look like a warrior. Plus I have a lot of training and experience with combat and weapons. Here’s where it gets interesting: I was a human before I was tall and big. I’ve loved, lost, laughed, cried, done it all. So I would love an opportunity to really showcase my skills and life experience, but a warrior would be a FUN career.
Many actors eventually find themselves drawn into the darker side of the profession: drugs, too much partying, and being convinced to raise 250,000 kids with Angelina Jolie. What’s your support system, and how do you intend to keep yourself grounded?
I have a great group of friends and family. I’ve also worked in the nightclub scene for many years and have seen first-hand what happens to people who don’t have their head on straight. I’m well and ready for this.
What’s an average “day off” for James Preston Rogers? How do you chill?
My days “off”? I don’t really have ‘em! I’d find my way to the gym, maybe lie in the sun. Invite my friends over for a BBQ. Play with my dog Deacon, a South African Boerboel.
Your promo video for yourself was great, but have you ever considered doing a mini-movie in full Thor regalia, such as the excellent fan films Grayson or Batman: Dead End in order to more fully cement your viability to play Thor?
It’s kinda funny how this whole thing started. The hardcore Thor fans found me and have put me out there. Then when asked the question by the media “Do you want to play Thor?” I said “yeah,” and away it went. The comedic Thor skit that’s on the internet was done at MTV Canada. They called me in to do the piece. Wasn’t my idea. I don’t want to be taken as a joke, this is how I make my living. I feel if I were to put out more little skits, I would be taken less seriously. When I’m looking for someone to look up to, those days are gone. Arnie and Sly are all grown up and no one has taken up the slack. I like to think I possess the skills to do that. What a great job that would be, huh?"
James Preston Rogers is a perfect fit. As long as he has the acting chops to play Thor he for sure has the look. Branagh wont let some ruddy poo yahoo get in there and "Thee and "Thou the movie to death. I would wait an additional 6 months to watch a blockbuster that has good, not just decent, but had good acting in it. Bring it ON.
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