With his starring role in the wildly popular Twilight film series behind him, actor Robert Pattinson is finally stepping out from behind his camera to explore new opportunities in the world of film and fashion. We sat down with the British actor at New York Comic Con to discuss his latest projects and his views on the future of film.
New York Comic Con
This fall, New York Comic Con (NYCC) will host its ninth annual event, which is one of the premier comic book and pop culture festivals in the world. This year’s edition, which takes place between October 12 and 15, will be headlined by the likes of Robert Pattinson and Benedict Cumberbatch, with other high-profile guests including Jessica Chastain, Mark Ruffalo, and Stanley Tucci. With so much going on, how do you choose which projects to take part in?
It really is a case of whatever I can get my hands on. I love being in London, living my life, and working. But occasionally, I need a change of scene. What I really love about New York Comic Con is that it’s a real mix of American and European culture, particularly with the guests that they have. It’s a great opportunity to speak with some of the biggest names in the business and have a chat about the latest films and TV shows. Being a part of that is something I really look forward to.
Comic Book Adaptations
While you’re famous for your Oscar-nominated work, you’ve also found yourself on the other side of the camera playing a comic book villain. What do you make of these recent cinematic adaptations of your work?
It’s always flattering when you see your work turned into a movie. I’ve never really thought about it too much. I suppose it’s good to know that your creation lives on in other media. The more I think about it, the more I’d like to see my work adapted into a film. It would be great to see what other directors and screenwriters could do with my characters and stories. Maybe they could bring something new to the table that I wouldn’t have thought of.
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
After three films and a TV series, it seems like Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling vampire saga is finally coming to an end. While the third and final New Moon was a box office disappointment in 2012, it still holds a special place in the hearts of fans. What can you tell us about the events that will transpire in the final installment?
The entire saga is going to come to a head. It began with Twilight and New Moon in 2009, and then there was the TV series between those two films. All of that is going to tie together in a very climactic and emotional scene. It’s been a long time coming, but the trilogy is finally drawing to a close.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Another high-profile venture into Middle Earth for your acting career is The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The fifth in the Hobbit franchise, directed by none other than Peter Jackson, is the first film in the series to hit theaters. What can you tell us about this cinematic voyage into the realm of Tolkien?
It’s great to be back in Middle Earth, but I think the biggest thrill for me was working with Peter Jackson again. He’s such a visionary and great director, someone who really pushes the creative limits of what a film can be. It’s been great to be a part of his filmmaking team and see the results of all our hard work. When you add the fact that this is the first time that the entirety of The Hobbit has been on the screen, it really is something special.
Avengers: Age of Ultron
In 2015, Marvel Studios will release its eagerly awaited sequel to 2014’s box office smasher, Avengers. The follow-up will reunite several of the original cast from Marvel’s blockbuster series, including Robert Downey Jr, who returns as Iron Man; Chris Evans, who plays Captain America; and Mark Ruffalo, who lends his unique take on the Hulk. What can you tell us about this cinematic incarnation of the Superhero franchise?
The more I learn about it, the more I’m intrigued by it. I think it’s going to be a real treat for people who love superhero movies to be able to see this culmination of all the different characters and their relationships with one another. With the world of comics being what it is, which character do you think will win out in the end?
That’s a great question, and it really is down to you the viewer to decide. Personally, I think it’s going to be an epic struggle between all the different heroes and their arch enemies as they try to save the universe. As if all that weren’t enough, Marvel has also confirmed that a third Avengers movie is in the works. The future of cinema is very exciting indeed.
Do you have any exciting projects in the works that we should keep an eye out for?
There’s always so much going on behind the scenes at any given time that I could probably announce a project that is currently in production and won’t be revealed until next year. But for now, I’ll leave you with a teaser trailer for my next project, The Lost City, which I’m extremely proud of. It’s a beautiful film and I can’t wait for audiences to see it.