For Goliaths, small part is a big deal
Local funnymen join Vin Diesel as cops in action flick shot in SA
● For a pair of South African comedians who “dabble” in acting, getting roles in Hollywood superstar Vin Diesel’s latest film was no small feat.
Funnymen Jason and Donovan Goliath said their cameo appearance in a coming US blockbuster, Bloodshot, produced by and starring Diesel, had given them “a taste of Hollywood life”.
“It was the real deal, nearly 200 people frantically moving in this beautifully organised chaos,” Jason told the Sunday Times this week. “From having our own trailers with our names on the doors, to seeing Vin Diesel up close with all his bodyguards around him.”
The superhero action flick, set for release on March 13, is based on the bestselling comic book The Valiant and was mostly shot in Cape Town.
Diesel stars as Ray Garrison, a soldier killed in action but brought back to life as the superhero Bloodshot.
Jason and Donovan, unrelated but connected in showbiz, clinched small roles as two police officers. Jason said they got the gig through his casting agent, who asked them to audition for the part.
He said that although he did not regard himself as an actor, he and Donovan had always dabbled in acting.
“Acting is something I really do enjoy … the ability to portray a character that is so far from one’s self is a luxury.”
On working with The Fast and The Furious star, Jason said it was a wonder to see a “consummate professional up close”.
“It was incredibly difficult not to be an absolute fan boy and just gush, so we had to remain composed.
“We had one conversation with Vin and he said in his typical Vin Diesel voice: ‘Thank
This movie appeals to a South African audience because we love a ‘skop, skiet and donner’
Jason Goliath
South African comedian
you guys for bringing the swagger, really enjoyed having you’.”
Donovan echoed Jason’s sentiments, saying he hadn’t realised what a big deal the movie was until they got to the set.
“My brain couldn’t fathom the scale of the production; it was next level. At any given point there were about 200 people on set. It seemed incredibly chaotic but there was so much order, so it was mind-blowing watching everything come together. And it was very cool to be a part of it.”
Donovan said that working with Diesel had been intimidating but they kept their cool because they were scared of being “kicked off set”.
They described the movie as “an actionpacked Vin Diesel special”.
“I think this movie appeals to a South African audience because we love a ‘skop, skiet and donner’,” said Jason. “This is a typical Vin Diesel movie where there are more bullets fired than necessary and more people get punched in the face than need to get punched.”