Drawn to stories
Actor Carl Weathers one of many stars at 10th Albuquerque Comic Con
Carl Weathers is drawn to the story.
It’s always been that way. “There are so many things now that are driven by a story,” Weathers says. “That is what attracts me to a project. It has to have some meaning to me. At this point in my life, that’s what I’m looking for and that’s what I’ve been doing.”
Weathers has been a staple in film for decades. He’s brought to life some iconic characters.
He rose to fame during the late 1970s and 1980s with his roles in films such as “Action Jackson,” “Predator” and the “Rocky” franchise, in which he played Apollo Creed.
In the 1990s, he had roles in three Adam Sandler films.
More recently, Weathers’ career has been revived with roles in “Toy Story 4” and “The Mandalorian,” in which he played Combat Carls and Greef Carga, respectively.
Weathers will be one of the dozens of guests this weekend at Albuquerque Comic Con, which is celebrating its 10th year.
Weathers will participate in panels at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, and Sunday, Jan. 19.
“Everything has been very positive,” he says of his life. “No matter what I may complain about, it’s truly First World problems.”
Weathers strives to be fulfilled with each project.
“By having choices and being able to do those things with enough craftsmanship and artistry is what does it,” he says. “There are ideas and concepts that never get out there. For me, it’s all challenging and fulfilling if you are asked to be part of a project and it succeeds. There are a lot of stories that need to be told.”
In between projects, Weathers does make time to attend comic conventions and says there’s a certain amount of fun to be had.
“It’s a lot of work,” he says. “Anytime you are engaging with that many people with that short a time. It’s about being focused and giving your attention to each person. It can drain you, but being able to interact with fans peps you up.”
Weathers says he can’t recall having filmed a production in New Mexico.
He’s hoping that something will come along to change that.
“I’ve been attracted to the idea since ‘Breaking Bad’ and how well that did,” he says. “The landscapes in the show are beautiful, and there’s something about it that has a serenity to it. Cities — and big cities in particular — are so scarred by so much and there’s an intensity to daily life. To be in landscapes that are more placid and natural —and isn’t so infested with just activity and commerce — it’s a relief and joy that New Mexico still holds onto that.”