ACTOR GOES BIG
SOUTH African actor Keenan Arrison stars in the new Tomb Raider movie that hit the big screen last Friday.
The actor, originally from Cape Town plays the part of Rockets, one of five mercenaries.
“It was an honour and a privilege to be part of this blockbuster franchise. I think the South African cast and crew involved can be really proud of how the film turned out on-screen. People are going to love it,” Arrison said.
Arrision began shooting in Cape Town last year. In the movie, he has a major scene alongside well-known Swedish actress Alicia Vikander. “The fight scenes were challenging and exhilarating, but working with an incredible stunt department makes the world of difference for any actor.”
He adds that he was trained in fight choreography by Grant Powell and Vernon Willemse.
“They are like big players in the stunt world and are renowned for their work on local films such as Noem my Skollie and Nommer 37.”
To prepare for the role, Arrision was drilled in combat training, jiu jitsu and box knife fighting. “The discipline and focus was immense and it’s tools I will carry with me throughout my career. Overall it was a growing, learning and fun experience.”
On Monday, Tomb Raider ruled the international box office with $84.5 million (R1 billion) at over 32 685 screens at 65 markets.
Arrison auditioned for the role in Cape Town and received a callback one month later. “Once we started pre-production, only then did we realise the scale and magnitude of this project.”
Arrison’s big break arrived when he starred as a troublesome trainee navy diver in the action drama Divers Down on SABC 1 back in 2007. “That feels like forever ago, but it was a great local series to give me a solid platform as a young actor. It also helped me become quite popular.”
He then moved on to star in e.tv’s hit soccer drama Shooting Stars, where he played Clinton
It was a privilege to be part of this blockbuster franchise. I think the South African crew involved can be really proud of how the film turned out on-screen
Arendse. Arrison had big dreams of making it in the entertainment industry.
He attended St Paul’s Primary School in Bo-Kaap where he was in the drama club. Although he went to chef school after he matriculated, he had a burning desire to act.
“I do believe that it’s a calling, I don’t think any actor just stumbles into acting. There has to be an innate sense of self and knowing to want to become an actor, and that is what it was for me.”
It was not long before he gained huge popularity. He made his benchmark on M-Net’s acclaimed drama The Wild, playing Ashwin.
But behind the excitement of his professional life, he prefers to keep his personal life private. “I’m rather boring, I prefer to stay at home with friends, as well as cooking. I also enjoy going to the cinema and reading good books.”
Arrison has big plans and aims to keep acting both locally and internationally.
“There are so many exciting projects and talent coming out of South Africa, and being a part of that is important to me. Right now the focus is to keep working, whatever that entails.”