Luke Evans Interview: ‘The Hobbit: Desolation Of Smaug’ And What’s Next
Luke Evans has not taken the traditional path to stardom, and as a result, he blossomed later than is usual. Many of today’s popular actors get a head start in their younger years, but the Welsh actor didn’t hit it big until he was in his thirties and he hasn’t looked back since.
His big break came when he was spotted by a talent agent in a musical in London, where he made a living for 10 years prior to becoming an actor on the big screen.
The discovery led to him be cast as the Greek god Apollo in Clash Of The Titans reboot in 2010
That was the beginning of the Welshman’s meteoric rise to fame and notoriety for which he has received almost universal praise.
Steadily, Luke Evans is becoming one of the most sought after actors in the world and his likeness is beginning to appear on the covers of popular magazines in the US and around the globe.
Following Clash Of The Titans, he has starred in the rom-com Tamara Drewe, period pieces The Three Musketeers and The Raven, another Greek mythology film Immortals as Zeus, and the soon to be released Peter Jackson fantasy film, The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug.
Earlier this year, he broke the mold and starred as the Bond-like villain Owen Shaw in the mega-blockbuster Fast And Furious 6.
After his co-star Paul Walker’s tragic accident, Luke Evans expressed shock at his untimely death on Twitter and later, in a very touching gesture, dedicated his performance as Bard the Bowman in Desolation of Smaug to the late actor.
I am in total shock at the news of Paul’s death. My heart,strength and love goes out to his family. A truly honest h… http://t.co/8M0G7vfLYH
— Luke Evans (@TheRealLukevans) December 1, 2013
In car on way to red carpet. Oh well, here goes!!! #thehobbitmovie Paul Walker, my performance in the Hobbit is dedi… http://t.co/7X3qgmj5wW
— Luke Evans (@TheRealLukevans) December 3, 2013
Luke Evans has explored many genres based on literary characters. Let’s begin our interview by asking him how he prepares for the different roles he undertakes.
“I research the role and if it’s a literary character, I read the book and if it’s an historical figure, I research documents and biographies. If it’s a fictional character, I work off the script.” Luke Evans told The Inquisitr exclusively.
He has made it a point of not being type cast, which is apparent by looking at his filmography.
However, when asked whether he has a favorite part of all the roles he has played so far, he says very diplomatically, “I don’t have a favorite. I have had fun and satisfaction playing all the different roles and characters.”
Peter Jackson had one of the longest movie shoots of Luke Evans career. The first leg of the production lasted about a year, which the Welsh actor spent in New Zealand, together with the impressive ensemble cast that makes up the new trilogy.
Playing Bard the Bowman, who is part of the only group of humans in the film, was challenging for Luke Evans as he had to work with green screen.
“The most difficult part about playing Bard was having to imagine things that weren’t physically there, like ‘big reptilian things’ as a result of the CGI and green screen elements.”
Unfortunately, that meant he didn’t get the opportunity to act alongside other very talented British actors who make up the cast of The Hobbit, like Richard Armitage, who plays the leader of the dwarves, Thorin Oakenshield.
“He’s a great actor, but unfortunately as a result of the ‘scale’ issue, since he’s a dwarf and I’m a normal sized person, we never actually worked alongside one another during filming.”
How would he convince someone who hasn’t read the J.R.R. Tolkien novels, which serve as the source for The Hobbit, to go see the second installment in the trilogy?
“The Desolation of Smaug stands alone as an action/adventure epic movie. It’s visually stunning and the 3D is incredible. Plus, it’s directed by Peter Jackson and he’s extraordinary.” Luke Evans told us.
Warner Bros. is currently in a full-fledged promotion campaign for Desolation Of Smaug, which opens in theaters this coming Friday, December 13.
Since finishing production for Dracula Untold, his first leading role as the title character, Evans has gone from Ireland to the US and back to Europe for more interviews. Luke will also attend the Desolation Of Smaug European premieres in Berlin and Madrid.
What are his plans after that?
“I’ll be doing a lot of promotion for The Hobbit, then a much needed vacation and then pre-production and prep on The Crow” which begins in early 2014.”
Luke has been cast as the leading character in a new take on the James O’Barr comic book, which first appeared on the big screen in 1994. The original version of The Crow starred Brandon Lee, who was tragically killed during filming.
Many do not know that aside from being an extremely talented actor, Luke Evans is an excellent singer as a result of his time in musical theater. This could be his opportunity to make use of his talent.
But he wouldn’t commit one way or the other when we asked if he would get to sing in the movie.
“I can’t answer that question, unfortunately. The script is under wraps so I can’t say one way or the other, but it would be nice, wouldn’t it!”
Hopefully F. Javier Gutierrez, who is directing The Crow, will recognize what a great singer he is and make Luke’s dream a reality.
He confessed that his ultimate goal is to do a musical for film. Even though the remake is not a musical in the classic sense, it does focus on a rocker, Eric Draven, who will be played by Evans.
“I’d like to make a film musical. That’s really my dream.” Luke Evans said.
We asked him what he would be doing if he wasn’t an actor or singer, and his answer was surprising.
“Goodness knows…my dream was always to become a forensic pathologist.” Luke Evans commented.
He also revealed that, despite his many talents and pursuits in his personal life, there is one thing he would want to learn to do.
“I would love to be able to tap dance.” Luke Evans tells The Inquisitr.
An avid social media user, he frequently interacts with his ever growing number of followers and has become a favorite among the ladies (this writer included) because of his ruggedly sexy looks, Welsh accent, and humble, down to earth personality.
In his usual, easygoing manner, he told us how he feels about women finding him sexy.
“I think it’s great and I feel flattered to have so many female fans. Long may it last!”
If you don’t know this rising star, the best way to really discover the man behind the actor is to follow his Twitter account @TheRealLukevans (yes, one ‘e’ is missing).
What you see is what you get when it comes to Luke Evans. We have it on good authority, he is one of the good guys.
We would like to thank Luke Evans for taking the time to answer our questions during his very busy visit to Los Angeles. We would also like to thank his publicist Cara Tripicchio at WTK PR for facilitating this interview.
