INTERVIEW MAGAZINE: MICHAEL WELCH ON THE SET OF ‘NEW MOON’
Interview Magazine caught up with Michael Welch while on break between the second and third Twilight saga films, New Moon and Eclipse, to talk about his role as Mike Newton, cast bonding, how he now has to unfortunately deal with the paparazzi, and much more – he even says we will ‘go nuts’ for the film! Read below for more:
LM: When you went into Twilight, did you have any idea what a huge success it would become?MW: No, none of us had any clue that it would turn into—well, what it has. I originally went in auditioning for Edward, because that’s sort of how it works: Your representatives always send you out for the lead first, and then you work backwards from there. So then I auditioned for Eric, and then finally with Mike. I went in probably four or five times, but the last time we all read together it just clicked. It just felt right.
LM: Had you read the books before you went in there?
MW: No, I hadn’t. Frankly, I had never heard of the series—but I certainly did afterwards! I’m reading one book one at a time.
LM: But don’t you want to know what happens?
MW: I don’t like to get too ahead of the story. So far I’ve only read the first two. Although we’re going to be shooting the third one pretty soon, so I need to get on that.
LM: But the third one is where the story starts to get really crazy.
MW: Right! Apparently there’s a vampire war, and the director that they’re getting for this one, David Slade, he did Hard Candy and 30 Days of Night, which are pretty dark movies. They’re going dark, which I think is smart. Maybe trying to appeal to the boys a little more—‘cause they seem to have the young girl demographic locked down. [LAUGHS]
LM: Tell me about the new movie. I haven’t read the second book, but I assume there will be equally swoon-worthy material in this one?
MW: The girls are going to melt for this second film. Edward recites Shakespeare; and obviously Jacob has totally transformed himself. He’s been working out like crazy. People are going to go nuts.
LM: Was it very different filming the second film, in comparison to that first one, when none of you had any idea how big Twilight would become?
MW: A lot had changed. By the time the second film rolled around, we all pretty much knew what we were getting ourselves into. There was a lot more money to put in to the film, and a lot more prep time, and, you know, there were a lot more fans. In Vancouver, where we shot the film, we tried really hard to keep it a secret where our locations were, but, you just couldn’t—all it took was one person to see, you know, Taylor or Kristen on the street and then that person would text message one of her friends and then, you know, ten minutes later there would be hundreds of people on set. It was crazy.
To read the complete interview, click here.
(Thanks Katie and littlelamb)
Another great interview with Michael! He is making me even more excited (if that’s possible) to see New Moon because every time he talks about it he is so enthusiastic and optimistic! I’ll admit though – the “Edward recites Shakespeare” didn’t hurt the cause. November…where are you?!
What did you think of this interview? Are you getting more excited to see the film by reading these interviews?
