THE title character in Columbia Pictures’ new supernatural thriller Priest fits an archetype familiar to enthusiasts of classic novels and films. He is a loner, a man of few words called back into action to rectify an injustice. When his niece, Lucy, is kidnapped by vampires, he breaks off all ties with the Church that trained him in order to find her and seek revenge.

Tossed aside by society and haunted by the memories of men he left behind, Priest has lost his faith. Director Scott Stewart says, “There’s a part of Priest that is almost glad this has happened. He hasn’t really found his place in the world. Facing off against vampires is all he does well.”

To play this reluctant hero, Stewart chose acclaimed British actor Paul Bettany, whose diverse credits include acclaimed performances in Ron Howard’s A Beautiful Mind and The Da Vinci Code, as well as Jon Amiel’s Creation. He also recently starred as the Archangel Michael in Stewart’s directorial debut, the apocalyptic horror-action film Legion. Bettany’s performance in that film convinced filmmakers that he has what it takes to be a major action star. “He is such a great actor and he’s so much fun to watch in these kinds of roles,” says Stewart. “We decided to double down, and even do it in an even bigger way.”

While both are unconventional action heroes, the butt-kicking archangel and the warrior priest are motivated by very different forces, observes the actor. “Legion was about forgiveness,” explains Bettany. “Priest is about revenge and fury. The story is classic. It’s like a Greek tragedy.

How did you get involved in Priest?

I made Legion for the director Scott Stewart and Screen Gems, and then they had this other project they asked me to do—which was very flattering—and I said, “Yes!”

What attracted you to it?

I thought the script was already in very good shape when I first read it. And then the set design and drawings I got sent were spectacular.

What kind of priest are you playing?

I play a warrior priest. Our job is not to dispense communion, rather to dispense a lot of violence....

And it’s all part of a war with vampires that has been going on for some time.

In this alternate reality, vampires and men have coexisted for as long as history reports.

What did you enjoy about playing this character?

I loved doing the action—it was a lot of fun and very challenging. Also, I don’t often play the stoic but the person that talks a lot. So, it’s been nice to be the quiet hero for a change.

How physically demanding was the role?

It was hugely physically demanding—and fantastic!

Were you excited about working with Scott Stewart again?

On Legion he made a small budget look like a lot of money, and it felt both exciting and safe to work with him again.

 

What do you believe made him the right director for this movie?

A film like this could go really wrong if you get a director who comes in and just takes a job, but the amount of love Scott feels for this kind of genre and the ambition to shoot his second movie with his first big budget made him the right man for the job. He poured all of himself and his energy into it.

How comfortable were you working with the special effects?

It hasn’t been too difficult, as normally when I am fighting, I am up against a human being in an outfit.

What can you say of Karl Urban, who plays a key character in the film?

I first saw him in The Bourne Supremacy. Then I met him and thought he was really funny, and I knew we were going to be all right. You know, it is hard to be the bad guy on a movie like Priest because you have to walk a very careful line. To fulfill a graphic novel sort of evil baddy and yet make him feel real and not moustache-twisting isn’t easy. I think Karl is a real class act.

What is your character’s relationship with Urban’s?

He was my best friend and brother-in-arms, and you sense they were close and had a meaningful relationship until he was lost to the vampires. My character takes that guilt with him and carries it for years, though unfortunately when we are reunited Karl’s character has somewhat changed....

Maggie Q assumes the role of a priestess in Priest. How is she?

Maggie is great because she is such a pro at this stuff and so easy to work with. Luckily I didn’t have to fight with her, as she is on my side.

What was the energy like during the shoot?

We all had such a great time making this movie. I hope it’s successful so that we get to be together again, and that includes the whole crew. There has been a great camaraderie with everyone in a way that often doesn’t happen. I like the film process to be fun for everybody, and on this set, I can say there hasn’t been one person that has made it miserable.

And was there also time for some humor?

I believe there is always time for humor, even in the darkest of films. I remember seeing outtakes from The Godfather in which they were roaring with laughter. There is some relaxation that comes with having fun.

Is it important not to take oneself too seriously then?

It would be appalling to take oneself too seriously! I think it was Oscar Wilde who said seriousness was the last hiding place for shallowness.

Vampires seem to be in fashion now.

I love vampire movies; though, weirdly, Priest doesn’t feel like one, as our vampires are not like any other ones I have ever seen. These are really different and have more in common with a sort of alien and amphibious creature. It’s funny because everyone talks about reenvisioning vampires, but they never do. Ours don’t wear nice clothes and drive cars....

What is your favorite vampire movie?

I love Francis Ford Coppola’s Dracula. I think it’s beautiful!

 

Would you like to come back to this character in a sequel of Priest?

Oh, yes, I would love to!

***Opening across the Philippines on May 11, Priest is distributed by Columbia Pictures.