Along with director Kevin Tancharoen and actress Samantha Jo, I also had the awesome opportunity to speak to Casper Van Dien, who plays Johnny Cage in the upcoming second season of Mortal Kombat: Legacy. Read on to learn all about Casper’s thoughts on playing the character, lifelong ambitions, and even more! If you’re looking for even more Mortal Kombat: Legacy, be sure to check out this week’s Geekscape, in which Jonathan interviews Legacy‘s Liu Kang, Brian Tee!
CS: Somebody told me you’re a big gamer, is this true? If so, what are some of your favorite titles/series? Were video games important to you while growing up? Why do you think video games make such lasting impressions on the people who play them?
CVD: I Love video games. I would not consider myself a big gamer as I see what real gamers do. I am awed as to what the “gamers” are actually able to do. Growing up I played every game I could get my hands on. I had Atari and intelivison and loved going down top the corner store to throw my quarters in the latest games coming out. Right now the coolest game out there is MORTAL KOMBAT.
CS: What’s your favorite thing about playing Johnny Cage? He is also an actor so do you find it easy to slip into his character or have you brought something different to the table that hasn’t really been done with the role? What should fans be excited for that you feel is worth mentioning about the new season?
CVD: I love that I was asked to play Johnny Cage. Here he is, an actor that is struggling in his life and career and he sees this shot in the tournament as a way to have purpose in life. As cocky as he is at his core he has this desire for recognition.
CS: Johnny Cage has just won the MK tournament, what’s the first thing that you do as him?
CVD: Make sure my SunGlasses are ok. Then Strike a pose.
CS: What unique challenges have you faced and overcome as an actor?
CVD: I am always facing the challenge of having to prove myself as an actor. It is the struggle and challenge that an actor has to face if they want to be in the mix to play
CS: What is a regular day in the life of Casper Van Dien like?
CVD: There really does not seem to be many regular days. I have 5 children and films and shows that take me all over the world. That being said I like to do some form of physical exercise, read a little and watch films and shows.
CS: What are your other personal ambitions or goals that you’d like to see done?
CVD: I want to direct a film one day
CS: If you could play every role in a movie which would you choose and why?
CVD: Every role in a movie? Well… That sounds like a Jerry Lewis or Peter Sellers or Eddie Murphy Film. It would have to be a comedy. Maybe I would have to do the movie not as me but as Johnny Cage. Johnny Cage Starring as Everyone in “It’s a Wonderful Life”… or “the Notebook.” “Expendables 5”- Johnny Cage as every action star that has ever lived & their mothers. That could really show Case Johnny’s chops.
http://youtu.be/46l9Zc7DBxE