Q&A With Nikolaj
In this exclusive Q&A, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau talks about Virtuality and his career in general...
Discuss this interview with other fans:
Exclusive Q&A: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
In the US, he was most recently seen last year starring as John Amsterdam in the short-lived but much loved FOX TV series “New Amsterdam.”
While production on Virtuality has finished and Nikolaj has returned to his home in Demark to prepare for other upcoming projects, he was gracious enough to set aside a few moments of his time and offer to answer some questions for fans of Virtuality and his prior work.
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Note: Please do not repost/reprint this Q&A without express permission. Thank You...
[PART ONE: POSTED JUNE 23, 2009]
John: News you were involved in Virtuality came fairly quickly after New Amsterdam was canceled. Can you tell me how you landed the role?
Nikolaj: I was reading a number of the scripts around that time but when I read Virtuality it just stood out. I met with the team and was very lucky to then be offered the part.
John: What attracted you to the character of Francis Pike?
Nikolaj: He has a lot of baggage and his journey in the 2 hour pilot is quite dramatic and very interesting. Also being the commander on a space ship...ohh yeah !! The scenes when we shot on the bridge - absolute heaven.
John: What kind of "prep-work" did you do, if any, to play the commander of a space vessel?
Nikolaj: I read a lot about space. I read up on the solar systems and all the various ideas regarding space-travel and how that possibly affects the human body. I've always been attracted to that world. I love the fact that we have no facts when it comes to the universe. We have a lot of theories but hard evidence is hard to come by, for obvious reasons.
Then the focus was on his background and his life before this command.
John: In the released footage, the impression is given that something may have happened to Pike in his virtual module, an experience or vision. Can you elaborate on this and how it effects his feelings toward the virtual modules and the mission itself?
Nikolaj: No. I think that would spoil too much. But something happens and it would classify as a gamechanger.
John: Forum member, Brooke Lynn, wants to know how you liked wearing a buzz cut?
Nikolaj: Buzz cut was great. We decided on that the day before shooting. I wanted it off but they were worried. Ultimately we agreed on that look. For me it just made sense.
John: Brooke Lynn was, also, wondering if you might ever consider moving to the States?
Nikolaj: Would like to live in the states but I love working and the idea of waiting for the "right" part does not agree with me. The journey is the fun part of life. I am sure I will get to live in the US in the not too distant future.
John: During a previous exchange you mentioned to me there was extensive improv work done with Peter Berg for the "Edge Of Never" webisodes. Can you possibly go into a little more detail on that experience?
Nikolaj: Working with Pete Berg was one of the best - most creative and weird experiences I have had as an actor. And totally unexpected. He initially comes off as incredibly laid back, goofy, joking kind of guy, but then when it's time he just becomes the most inspiring director. The webisodes were sketched out but with no lines written. We knew the basic circumstance and off we went. There is one out now, - the intro of Pike - where we have a party and Pike is drunk and I thought it would be interesting to do what most - some - single men when drunk opposite an attractive woman would do. Hit on her. Just to see what would happen, this being improv. Kerry who plays Billie was told to keep asking me what our protocol is if we encounter life on eridani. Suddenly Pete shouts off set “kill it, eat it or fuck it !!!” “KILL IT EAT IT OR FUCK IT” I paused and used the line, that way we felt we were creating it together with Pete and the writers. He often did that, did not like to cut a scene but rather shout out ideas and then keep rolling. As an actor it was great. I am a huge Peter Berg fan.
John: It felt like FOX let Virtuality drift in limbo for quite a while and then suddenly fast tracked the show for an early summer broadcast. Do you have any idea why they chose to air it now?
Nikolaj: A lot of speculation but to be honest I have no idea. I think its a great show and would have loved to explore that world. It is also multilayered and in some ways feels more like a HBO meets scifi show than a FOX show. I personally am convinced it would do great on FOX .
---END OF PART ONE
[PART TWO: POSTED JUNE 26, 2009]
Nikolaj: It would have been amazing... but the specifics. I think we get a hint in the movie. A lot of things are thrown into turmoil. The idea of space and time. whats up-down etc. Pike .... who knows.
John: Assuming Virtuality goes no further than the movie we see on June 26th, do you have any other potential TV or movie roles lined up in the near future here in the US?
Nikolaj: I hope to start shooting in the fall. Can't be more specific.
John: The Virtuality forum moderator, Taylijane, would like to know if you would consider doing a TV series or movie in her own country, Australia?
Nikolaj: I was shooting just south of Brisbane in Oct-Dec. last year. It was a Australian - Danish co-production. An action comedy. Had a wonderful time. The Australian crew were just the best! I'd brought my 2 kids out. My wife was working so I had them with me for 7 weeks. It was glorious. I would love to go back and work in Australia.
Enough with the giant spiders though ! :-)
John: Do you have a dream role... something you would love to participate in if given the chance?
Nikolaj: I have a lot of people I would love to work with. Would also like to go back and do theatre. Its been 5 years since my last play.
John: Have you ever turned down a role and then kicked yourself later for doing so?
Nikolaj: YES . ..if I told you - you would kick me. :-) !!
John: Looking outside your own work, are you a fan of any current movies and/or TV series?
Nikolaj: Of the current movies, UP is great. I was also entertained by Star Trek... Its rare to see a star-turning performance in a big studio movie but Chris Pine did just that. I am a little behind on the new series.
John: Your home is in Denmark and you've worked on a large number of projects there. Does the TV/film industry work differently in the US, in comparison?
Nikolaj: The difference is in scale. We can't afford huge productions. But what that does is focus on the story and the characters which is a good thing. I feel very lucky to be able to go back and forth between Europe and the states. And what is interesting is that although we speak different languages the work is the same. And the passion for what we do. I guess in many ways like when you sign in to the forum here, people from the US , UK, Australia, etc,. We feel alike because the passion for the great stories unite us.
John: Out of all the projects you've worked on, so far, do you have a particular favorite and why?
Nikolaj: I don't have a favorite. I have so many fond memories from most of my work. Now, some of the movies did not turn out to be as good as we hoped for but that doesnt take away from my positive experience of shooting the show.
I basically love every day I go to set. And my work has taken me to so many amazing places. I am very lucky.
John: ...and I am very lucky to have had the chance to do this interview with you. Thank you very much. Myself and everyone in the forum look forward to seeing Virtuality and your future projects.
Nikolaj: I look forward to hearing - reading your thoughts on the show. Take care and all the best and thanks, Nikolaj
---END OF PART TWO
That’s it! Thanks very much to Nikolaj for sparing some time to do this for us and I hope everyone reading this enjoyed it. You can talk about this Q&A in our forum. Be sure to watch Virtuality June 26th, 2009 at 8PM ET on FOX and then come back to discuss it!
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
FILMOGRAPHY*
(*English title used when available)
Between the Lines (2010)
At World's End (2009)
Virtuality (TV 2009)
Himmerland (2008)
New Amsterdam (TV 2008)
The Kautokeino Rebellion (2008)
The Early Years: Erik Nietzsche (2007)
Wonderful and Loved by All (2007)
The Baker (2007)
Triple Dare (2006)
Firewall (2006)
Filthy Gorgeous (TV 2006)
Shadow of the Sword (2005)
Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Wimbledon (2004)
The Good Cop (2004)
My Name Is Modesty (2004)
The Man Behind the Door (2003)
Rembrandt (2003)
24 Hours in the Life of a Woman (2002)
Black Hawk Down (2001)
Enigma (2001)
"Lock, Stock..." (TV 2000)
På fremmed mark (2000)
Misery Harbour (1999)
The Cable Club (1999)
Angel of the Night (1998)
Wildside (1998)
Bent (1997)
Jacobs liste (TV 1997)
Hemmeligheder (1997)
Lyse tider (TV 1995)
Who's Hitler? (TV 1995)
Nightwatch (1994)
Slaget på tasken (TV 1993)