Courtney says action film roles should include some vulnerability
Jai Courtney denies that he has a high-profile clause in his standard movie contract, but you would never know it.
The Australian is filming his role of Captain Boomerang in the much-anticipated superhero flick Suicide Squad.
Last year, he played Dauntless leader Eric in the popular young adult sci-fi flick Divergent.
His latest trip into the iconic world of cinema is his role defining Kyle Reese in the Terminator update, Terminator Genisys.
“It’s coincidence that I’m popping up in a few of these,” says Courtney in Los Angeles, taking a break from the Toronto Suicide Squad shoot to promote Terminator Genisys. “It’s certainly not by design.” In the Terminator movie, John Connor (played by Zero Dark Thirty’s Jason Clarke) sends Courtney’s Reese to the past by to protect Sarah Connor (Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke).
But all is not what it seems, especially when who should show up but the Terminator Guardian (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, who’s back but needs no introduction).
Time travel occurs often in the complex plot, but the eye-candy action is a constant.
The 29-year-old Courtney talked to Postmedia News about his new movie and his future:
Q Were you a fan of the earlier Terminator movies?
A I was into T-2 (Terminator 2: Judgment Day) as a youngster. It was really kind of scary and I sort of idolized the young John Connor because he could get away with so much.
Q Was it strange to be in a Terminator flick?
A It was kind of surreal to me when it came back around and I realized I was a part of this franchise.
Q Did you have any misgivings initially?
A I was curious when I first heard they were making a new one. When I finally got the script, I saw a smart concept. It was heavy on action, but it has a sentimental side as well.
Q What about Kyle Reese?
A I saw a character on a page who wasn’t just an action-hero guy. He has capabilities, but he doesn’t understand the world he’s in.
Q Reese is a protector of sorts. Do you have that in you?
A Growing up in Australia, we learn to look after our mates.
Q Did it help that you had been involved in action movies previously?
A I am no stranger to action, but there’s an emotional thing in my character I had to concentrate on.
Q How did it impact your performance?
A The instinct was to make (Reese) more cocky and give him a little swagger — but that doesn’t fit in with the story.
Q Is that a constant in your preparation?
A Yeah, I never approach an action film just focused on the running and jumping. That stuff is part and parcel of what you have to do, but that’s not what excites me.
Q What does?
A It’s important to show vulnerability because that’s something everybody can identify with — there has to be some human nature explored.
Q When do you finish filming Suicide Squad in Toronto?
A I’m there until the end of August.
Q Are lots of fans showing up when you shoot exteriors around the city?
A In the comic-book world, it’s to be expected. Fans are super enthusiastic. There is a genuine excitement so that’s nice to get that kind of feedback.
Q Do you have other plans you can discuss?
A I’m heading home (to Perth, Australia) at the end of the year to do some theatre (Of Mice and Men), which will be a nice change.
Q Why Perth?
A I trained at the Perth Theatre Company.
Q So you can go home again?
A I can.
Q You don’t seem fazed by your fame. How do you keep it in perspective?
A My friends would keep me in line — but hopefully they will never have to.