When we were told that Paul Bettany would be on our interview list for SOLO: A Star Wars Story, I was giddy. Interviews with Paul Bettany are always fun and full of incredible nuggets about whatever movie he’s currently promoting. With Paul coming off of the premiere of Avengers: Infinity War and into this next blockbuster, you can just imagine the awesome conversation we had with him. Here are some of my favorite moments from our exclusive interview with Paul Bettany.
Dude, We’re In A Star Wars Movie
Paul has been a Star Wars fan since it’s inception, having seen Star Wars: A New Hope when it was released in theaters. When he was casted in the role of Dryden Vos, he almost couldn’t believe it. He and Director Ron Howard joined the cast and crew a little later in the film, but that didn’t deter Paul’s excitement.
“I kept elbowing (Ron) and saying, ‘were making a Star Wars movie. We’re making a Star Wars movie.’ And my first day, in fact, was on my starship.
I have a 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, ‘F***, I’m in Star Wars film.'”
How Paul Landed The Part of Dryden Vos
It’s always interesting to learn how actors receive a part in any of the iconic Star Wars films, but Paul’s story just might be my favorite. It all started with a text.
“I’m in the Avengers, so 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. 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?’
And he said, ‘give me a moment.’ Two weeks later I was flying to London to shoot it.”
From Superhero To Villain
Paul is currently a star in two blockbuster movies, and we couldn’t help but wonder what it feels like to go from playing Vision, a Marvel superhero, to playing Dryden Vos, a villain. He did share with us that because of the tight schedule on both films, he had a few times when he would have to fly from the Avengers: Infinity Wars set in Atlanta, to the SOLO: A Star Wars Story set in London. The most difficult part of playing both roles? Getting that purple Vision make-up off.
“There were times when, literally, the makeup crew on Star Wars were finding bits of purple still on me from playing Vision.”
Two Different Universes
What does it feel like to be in two of the biggest film universes of all time? We wanted to know how Paul is handling it all, from the premieres, red carpets, shooting schedules, and everything else.
“It feels pretty great. It’s like the moment in Arthur where the florist says, ‘hey, you’re the millionaire, right?’ And he goes, ‘yes.’ And (the florist) goes, ‘what’s it feel like to have all that money?’ And (Arthur) says, ‘it feels pretty great.’ Look, it’s very nice going around the world selling something that people want to buy.”
A Treasured Friendship
Director Ron Howard and Paul Bettany have worked together in the past on other iconic films, like A Beautiful Mind. Paul sees Ron as more than a friend. He counts him as family.
“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; when they’re listening.”
What an amazing verbal tribute to a great director. Our exclusive interview with Paul was so insightful. You’re going to love Paul Bettany as Dryden Vos in SOLO: A Star Wars Story.
SOLO: A Star Wars Story hits theaters on May 25th!
