The upcoming "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" is introducing a number of new characters and locations to the "Hobbit" trilogy. One of the major characters to appear in "Smaug" is Bard the Bowman, played by Luke Evans. Evans has steadily built his career as an action star appearing in a number of films including "Immortals," "Clash of the Titans," and "The Three Musketeer." He has also appeared in smaller dramas such as Stephen Frears' "Tamara Drewe" and "Sex & Drugs & Alcohol." While promoting the film Evans had a chance to speak with Latinos Post about the experience of working with Peter Jackson, being in the biggest film of his career and creating the Bard.
How did you get involved in the project?
I got involved by the normal style of audition and I didn't hear anything for a long time. After 18 months I got a phone call telling me that Peter Jackson wanted to screen test me in New Zealand. I couldn't go right away because I was doing a job in New Orleans. So I did my screen test in London, then sent to New Zealand and the next day I got an email confirming the job.
How did you prepare for the character of Bard the Bowman once you got the job?
It was more or less a lot of conversations for the next few months because I was shooting another movie at the time. By the time I got to New Zealand, that's when I really had time to prep before I started shooting. It was a lot of discussion with Peter [Jackson], Fran [Walsh] and Philippa [Boyens] about his character and what we were adding to the character. He's a bit different from the book in the sense that he has more time; we're giving him a bit more breathing space so that we get to know him a little bit better before he does these amazing things he does.
Was the book the major source of inspiration for the creation of the character or did you use it only as a guideline and then brought in most of the detail on your own?
The book was definitely a massive influence on my interpretation. But as you know Bard is not a massive character in the book. He comes in late in the book and then a few pages later he does this killing of the dragon which is a massive thing. We really don't get to know that much about him. Our job was to give him a bit more time so that the audience can get to know him a bit better and understand him a bit better and know why he is the way he is and why he does what he does and what makes him do these things.
Was there a lot of physical training before you went on set?
There was a lot of physical training. There is a huge stunt department in New Zealand waiting for you to turn up and get the bow and arrow and prepare for all of these fight sequences and stay fit. So yes, we did a lot of it.
What was the experience of working with Peter Jackson?
Peter Jackson is a wonderful man. He's a great director. He's found his niche in life. He's one of the best [directors]. He's gathered together a really great group of people who really love what they do and he's created a great atmosphere on set where everybody feels that they can converse and have dialogue with him and work as a team. It was a very rewarding experience.
How was the rapport of the cast and crew on set?
It was wonderful. The people in New Zealand have a very warm, team-oriented way about how they work. Everyone has the same goal. They want to make a great movie and they have a lot of fun doing it. It's a fun warm environment. They're all so happy. But why wouldn't you be if you worked in Wellington.
What are the similarities and differences between you and the Bard?
Similarities. We have the same accent. He's a bit of a realist and he doesn't fantasize too much about life. I think I'm realistic most of the time. Those are the main ones I'd say.
And differences?
He has three kids. I don't have three kids. He has to thrash a dragon, I don't have to thrash a dragon.
What was your favorite scene to shoot?
There were a lot of amazing sequences in the movie that were fun to make, but there is one fight sequence where I got to punch one character in the face and then run through a bunch of market stores and run across a river to escape. That was quite cool.
Which scene are you anticipating showing to audiences the most?
I looking forward to people's response to Bard and his story and to see their reaction to the bits we've added. The bits we've added are so interesting. I hope people [like] him because he's a really cool guy and he's got lots to give. He's got a really interesting journey that has only begun in this film. I think people will like this guy because he's the only human in the film and he's got a huge responsibility.
Did you ever feel any pressure from the fans' expectations or did you not even think about it?
You are bringing to life a character from a literary source that has been read by millions of people so you do feel a sense of responsibility. You're going to do something that people are going to compare to their imaginative character. I can only do what my interpretation dictates and hope that people relate to it and understand it. Everyone's interpretation of Bard will be different and I just hope that they like mine.
How is this film different from other films you've made?
This film is enormous. It took a long time to shoot. And since it was shot in New Zealand I was away from home for a year and a half. It was a great experience being in New Zealand because I'd never been there before.
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