Two weeks ago, I had the amazing experience to attend the Solo: A Star Wars Story Press Junket in Los Angeles, which included the Red Carpet World Premiere of the movie, as well as interviews with Ron Howard, Woody Harrelson, Alden Ehrenreich and more. One of the most exciting interviews we had was meeting with the legendary Ron Howard. Here is my time with him.
Actor Paul Bettany (C) attends the world premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story in Hollywood on May 10, 2018. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney)
Paul Bettany has played a variety of characters in films. From A Knights Tale to Avengers to now Solo: A Star Wars Story, his ability to create memorable characters is amazing. And Bettany’s performance as villain Dryden Vos is fun and completely different from the Vison we all know and love, making it that much more fun to watch.
But from the moment Bettany opened his mouth in our interview a few weeks ago, it was just so hard to take Vision out of my mind. His voice is just that distinct. But don’t worry, he soon had us all laughing at the stories he told us about how he became a part of the Star Wars franchise and his time on the set. Bettany quickly puts everyone at ease with his sarcastic wit and soon you forget all about Vision and learn more about Paul the actor.
Star Wars – More than Just a Movie
You said before the Star Wars changed your world as a child. Was there a moment for you on set when you kind of went, oh, my gosh, I’m in a Star Wars movie?
Oh, there were many moments where I went, oh, my gosh, I’m in a Star Wars movie. And I think because Ron and I were newcomers on the block, and everyone else had been in there for eight months or whatever. We were still totally un-jaded by it. I kept elbowing him and saying, ‘were making a Star Wars movie. We’re making a Star Wars movie.’
And my first day in fact, was I was on my starship and I was coming down the spiral staircase in a super chic asymmetric cloak. And an R2 unit went by me with champagne flutes on and I went, oh *&$@, I’m in Star Wars. And that was amazing.
Paul Bettany is Dryden Vos in SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY
How did you become involved in the project?
This is a hugely embarrassing story which I shouldn’t tell you, but I’ve got to tell you anyway. In 1977 I saw Star Wars. I was six years old and it took me out of the gray, miserable 1970’s London. London was really depressed in the ‘70s, so, it was just to be taken away to that universe and it was amazing.
So, now I’m in the Avengers & I think there’s no way I’m ever going to be asked to be in Star Wars. Unless Ron Howard becomes the director. And that happened. And so, I literally texted him this, “Hey, Ron, have you ever spent long winter evenings, like I have wondering why you’re not in the Star Wars franchise?”
That’s a true story. And he said, you know, give me a moment. And two weeks later I was flying to London to shoot it.
HOLLYWOOD, CA – MAY 10: Cast and crew of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” attend the world premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story in Hollywood on May 10, 2018. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Alan Horn; George Lucas; Clint Howard; Jonathan Kasdan; John Powell; John Williams; Joonas Suotamo; Ron Howard; Woody Harrelson; Emilia Clarke; Thandie Newton; Phoebe Waller-Bridge; Alden Ehrenreich; Donald Glover; Paul Bettany; Jon Favreau; Kathleen Kennedy; Simon Emanuel; Jason McGatlin; Alan Bergman
What was it like working with Ron Howard?
Ron is as close to family as you get in this business. He’s put his hand out and helped me out so many times I can’t tell you. And seeing him be so accomplished and so welcomed in what could potentially have been a very tricky situation for him. He’s just a fine, fine director. And also, amazingly inclusive and genuinely interested in everybody’s opinions about how things should be. That’s not to say that he doesn’t have his own vision. He’s just so confident that he is able to be really open and collaborative. I think that’s a sign of a really strong leader is when they’re listening.
How do you feel your character ranks with all the other Star Wars villains?
I really wanted to do something very different. And I felt like I could because the offshoot films, they’re not encumbered with the same set of responsibilities that the main franchise are. There is the possibility to have a more playful tone. So, I really wanted to be quite loose with it. He knows who he is and is super happy about it. Like, no problems with being bad. I mean he’s really, really gifted at hurting people. And he’s like, really okay with it. That’s really fun to play because you’re just able to sort of close down all the conscious stuff and just be great at torture and murder.
From Vision to Villan
How does it feel to be in two of the biggest movies of the summer in two different universes?
It feels pretty great. Look, it’s very nice going around the world selling something that people want to buy.
Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR..Vision (Paul Bettany)..Photo: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2018
Is it hard jumping from being a superhero to a villain?
No. I know Vision very well. By the way, I should also say that Kathleen Kennedy made it okay for me to cross pollinate. And so, did Kevin Feige – He’s such a huge Star Wars fan. And but there were times when literally, the makeup crew on Star Wars were finding bits of purple still on me from playing Vision, which doesn’t speak will of my bathing habits.
Do your kids think it’s cooler that you are in Avengers or Star Wars?
Oh, man, I think it’s right down the middle for them. Well, Avengers have kept us all in shoes for the last (few years). We’re really feeling how privileged and blessed we all are at the moment. And it’s been an amazing ride. My kids are really aware of their privilege because I’m not willing to raise one of those children. I want them to know how rare this situation is and to prepare them for a life in which they can hopefully, give back in a way that we’ve all received.
Wise words Paul Bettany.
As I have said before, Star Wars fans will NOT be disappointed. Make sure you get your tickets now for this upcoming weekend. You do not want to miss seeing this movie the weekend it releases!
Solo: A Star Wars Story opens in theaters nationwide Friday, May 25, 2018
Other Articles from the Solo: A Star Wars Story Event you may enjoy:
I’m Going to the SOLO: A Star Wars Story Red Carpet World Premiere in Los Angeles!
My Experience at the World Premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story (I Met Mark Hamill!)
7 Secrets from the Set of General Hospital
Star Wars Fans Will Not Be Disappointed – Solo: A Star Wars Story Review
Alden Ehrenreich Takes on the Pressure of Creating a New Han Solo
Emilia Clarke – The Newest Leading Lady of the Star Wars Universe
Ron Howard Takes on the Star Wars Franchise
Paul Bettany: How Do You Go from Vision to Villain?
Meet the New Chewbacca – Joonas Suotamo
The Newest Droid in the Star Wars Universe: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Woody Harrelson: A Star Wars Hero or Villain?
Disclaimer: Disney sent me to Los Angeles on an all-expenses paid press trip, in exchange for my coverage of the red carpet premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story. All opinions are my own.
