James Marsden on being nude before a knight in Westworld
James Marsden hammed it up as a prince in Enchanted and a wedding reporter in 27 Dresses.
But the US actor’s work has taken a dark turn in HBO sci-fi series Westworld, where he plays robot cowboy Teddy Flood condemned to die at others’ whims.
Teddy is a host at virtual reality amusement park Westworld, where guests pay to indulge in their fantasies, with no limits, in a Western-themed space.
The series also stars Evan Rachel Wood as Teddy’s fellow host and lover Dolores, and Ed Harris as the Man in Black who murders Teddy multiple times.
Marsden, 43, in town to promote Westworld, told The New Paper on Wednesday: “Yeah, Teddy does die a lot… But I will say, he’s not always going to be target practice.”
The season one finale of Westworld will air at the same time as the US telecast on Monday at 10am, with a repeat at 9pm on HBO (StarHub TV Ch 601).
One scene sees Marsden in the buff opposite Sir Anthony Hopkins, who plays park founder Robert Ford. Marsden joked about demonstrating it for the journalists, before breaking into a laugh.
He said: “It was crazy, working opposite one of the greatest thespians of our time in my birthday suit. Part of me was nervous about that, and part of me absolutely loved it.
“Anthony was a consummate pro, and would tell jokes and make me laugh between takes, where they rushed over with a robe so I could cover myself.
“He would launch into Marlon Brando impressions, and tell me about his art and the symphonies he writes.”
Marsden, who played mutant Cyclops in the X-Men film series, also spoke of how his fellow actors in the franchise have become like family to him.
“Hugh Jackman was in my dream last night… I was helping him build a house or something, which was really strange.”
Marsden does not rule out returning to superhero movies as a different character.
“As a kid I always thought I’d be a good Spider-Man, because I was skinny and liked to climb things. But that role’s been taken, and I’m probably a little long in the tooth for it now,” he said.
“I could play Spider-Man when he’s 50, and he will teach the young Spider-Man.”
As for the recently announced Enchanted sequel Disenchanted,Marsden said it was too early to know if he would be part of it, but he was definitely interested.
He said: “It was one film where the movie gods are smiling on you and everything works. The talent, story and music is there, and the director knows what he’s doing.
“I was bummed they didn’t immediately announce a sequel, and it’s been about nine years? Better late than never, I guess.”
Source: The New Paper