As fans of the Twilight Saga know, Robert Pattinson is the talented and handsome actor behind the character of Edward Cullen. Since the franchise began, Pattinson has gone onto star in other blockbusters like Outlaw King and the upcoming Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. In addition, he’s graced the big and small screens with memorable roles in Game of Thrones, The Librarian: Curse of the Jade Scorpion, and the Divergent series.
Pattinson just finished filming the latest entry in the Twilight Saga, Twilight Saga: The Eclipse, and he’s currently promoting the film. People Magazine has got the opportunity to speak with the actor about everything from the most recent movie to what’s up with Taylor Swift and J.K. Rowling. Read on for our exclusive interview.
What’s Up With Taylor Swift And J.K. Rowling?
If you’ve been following celebrity news in the past six months, you might’ve heard of the Taylor Swift and J.K. Rowling feud. The two divas went crazy after each other’s businesses registered the use of their respective images on T-shirts and other fashion items. Fortunately, both Taylor and J.K. have moved on and even managed to put their differences aside. Here’s hoping their professional and social relations remain amicable.
There’s also been some interesting tidbits about the two. For example, it was revealed that before Taylor’s fame, J.K. Rowling was a fan of hers. In fact, Rowling even wrote a letter to Swift begging her to delete her Twitter account. In the letter, Rowling referred to herself as a nobody and pleaded with Swift to give her a chance to prove her worth. (Luckily, Taylor declined the invitation.)
Why Did You Join Twitter?
While many people avoid social media like the plague, you’ve made it your career. Are you enjoying the platform?
I think it’s changed my life. When I first got on Twitter, I used it as a way to connect with fans of my work. As an actor, it’s quite difficult to make connections without the use of social media. Twitter has opened so many doors for me. There are some very influential people on there. For example, the CEO of a pharmaceutical company that makes a drug I’m currently starring in, Shire. I can have conversations with them that I wouldn’t have been able to have otherwise. Because of Twitter, I’ve met so many interesting people and been offered such great roles because of it. It’s truly a platform for the ambitious.
Are You Ambitious?
You’ve certainly accomplished a lot in your life. Do you consider yourself to be ambitious?
I’m not sure if I’d use the word “ambitious” to describe myself. But, yes, I suppose I am. I’ve always been driven by a desire to better myself. Professionally and personally. I read a lot and want to learn as much as possible. (One of my favorite authors is) Machiavelli, who said, “All good things must come to an end”. So I suppose I am very ambitious in that I want to make the most of both my existing and my forthcoming opportunities.
The Most Influential Person You Know
You’ve spoken very highly of Machiavelli. So let’s take a look at his influence on you as an actor (as well as many other things). Machiavelli wrote a book, The Prince, which analyzed the nature of power and how to obtain and keep it. In the book, he argued that a ruler needed to be both feared and trusted by his people in order to keep his authority. (If you’ve read the book, you know that he was a political theorist who believed that morality was relative and that a ruler’s actions would be dictated by a combination of policy and pragmatism. (He also hated women, which makes him a perfect fit for our interview.)) In the years since its publication, The Prince has influenced countless world leaders. Including some of the biggest a$$es in the game. (If you’ve even considered becoming an actor, it’s inevitable that you’ve heard of The Prince.) As a matter of fact, one could even make the argument that without The Prince, there’d be no Eclipse and no Twilight Saga. And that’s a huge claim, considering how huge The Prince is. (No offense.)
Is Edward Cullen Your Idol?
Aside from Machiavelli, who’s your favorite author? (Edgar Allan) Poe, for example, was a huge influence on me. His work, Annabel Lee, was responsible for making me want to be a writer. (I actually wrote a short story about Annabel Lee for a school assignment.) I love how his stories are so dark but also how they deal with such timeless topics as love and death. Many of his stories revolve around themes of obsession and regret. (It’s interesting how themes you discover in literature can later be used in your own life.) In some ways, Edward Cullen is reminiscent of Poe’s character, The Raven, which some people have compared him to. Like The Raven, Edward Cullen is often considered a loner who obsesses about details. The only difference is Raven never exhibited the same kind of violent nature as Cullen does. In fact, most people would say Mr. Cullen is a very gentle person. If I’m not mistaken, he even helped save the life of a young girl. (He’s a bit of a hero to many.)
Do You Ever Fantasize About Being A Superhero?
You’ve played many roles over the years, most notably that of a superhero. Do you ever fantasize about being a superhero? (I have. One of my favorite episodes of Fringe is called “Letters From the Abyss”, where Peter discovers a series of letters written by a man named Howard who believes he’s a superhero.) When I was a kid, I used to watch my favorite superhero, Superman, on TV. He was always a role model to me and an inspiration to be more confident and courageous. (I still think my favorite moment from Man of Steel comes when) Lois Lane walks into the kitchen and sees Superman sitting there with Lois. She asks what he’s doing and he tells her that he’s thinking about her. (She laughs and says, “Thinking about me? Or you think I’m ugly?” And he replies, “Both!”) That’s the type of honesty and humor that made Superman my favorite superhero. I also loved how he never, ever turned down a fight. (If you’ve never read the comics, he’s basically the superhero equivalent of Bruce Wayne, which is either incredibly intimidating or incredibly handsome depending on your point of view.)
Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years?
That’s an interesting question. In five years, I see myself still acting. But, perhaps, not in the way you’d expect. My next project, after Eclipse, is a biographical film about the life of Emily Dickinson, for which I’ve been invited to direct. It’s a role I’ve wanted to play for a long time and one I’m very excited to tackle. (Although, it’ll be a bit of a change of pace from the Twilight Saga.) I’m also developing a couple of television projects and may even direct an episode or two. (I love experimenting with different styles and genres.) In addition, I have a few other small projects I’d like to get started on. (I’m also developing a feature script with a very talented writer friend of mine.) Ultimately, though, I’d like to find a producing/writing partner and start a company of our own. We’d like to develop and produce our own original projects, both on TV and in film, for a while at least. (I love making movies and being able to share my work with others. It’s truly one of the greatest feelings in the world.)