The Official Ray Stevenson aka Frank Castle Thread

[Advanced Dark]

I sent an e-mail via Ray's unofficial website to Ray and he responded! I just asked him about what he's gonna bring to the Punisher. This is for all the fans out there:

OK: To Advanced Dark: Although i am still very much in the embrionic stages of developing and
discovering FRANK CASTLE's character; what i can say about my approach so
far is that I dont wish for anyone to walk out of the theatre wanting to
'be' FRANK CASTLE - Let me explain, I would be mortified if, for any
reason, some kid at high school wanted to reach out and right the wrongs of
bullying or rejection or isolation by deciding to "tool up" and take out the
bad guys ! It is my full intention to have FRANK in such a dark place and
do such violence on those beyond redemption that you should feel glad that
there is someone who lives in the dark so we may live in the light. (and you
cant wait to see what hell he brings to those targeted by him) My training
program is the most comprehensive i have ever undertaken and hopefully we
will bring all his skills to bear - and then some ! Sorry it is a bit
sketchy at this stage but we are driving forward and will stay true to the
essence of THE PUNISHER !

- Ray Stevenson

Thanks especially to http://www.ray-stevenson.com for making this happen. That's really the only question I had.

Since I posted this story you can also find it here:

Moviehole http://www.moviehole.net/news/20070821_new_punisher_says_dont_try_thi.html

Superherohype http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6227

My myspace blog http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=63569637

Comicbookmovie http://www.comicbookmovie.com/news/articles/3868.asp (I didn't speak to him.) LOL

Firstshowing
http://www.firstshowing.net/2007/08/21/ray-stevenson-talks-about-playing-the-punisher/

Beyond Hollywood
http://www.beyondhollywood.com/ray-stevenson-talks-punisher-2/ (Yes it's Ray and it's airtight.)

Comics2Film
http://www.comics2film.com/index.php?a=story&b=28688 (Linked to my blog! Cool.)

Comicbookresources
http://www.comicbookresources.com

Syfyportal
http://www.syfyportal.com/news424071.html

 

[Whiskey Tango]

That is awesome.

 

[Advanced Dark]

I was NOT expecting a response that quick. Very cool of him. Hopefully we'll hear more on his training as things progress. I imagine this is a fall/winter 08 release. Hopefully October and away from Saw 5. LOL

 

[Brendan]

Too bad there was no reference back to the comics.

 

[Advanced Dark]

^ It's not his place to spill the script or reference anything yet I'd imagine. He's probably reading every damn issue right now.

 

[FireandIce213]

I like the way he's going about this...tells me he's going for a very scary, mean and intimidating approach to Frank Castle. So much so that the audience themselves will probably be too scared of Frank to try to imitate what he does.

 

[Punisher 04]

Great job A.D.! Ray is the man, can't wait for the teaser trailer!

 

[odiin]

I sent an e-mail via Ray's unofficial website to Ray and he responded! I just asked him about what he's gonna bring to the Punisher. This is for all the fans out there:



Thanks especially to http://www.ray-stevenson.com for making this happen. That's really the only question I had.

Heh, goes back to what was said at the end of the "widow maker" arc about how Frank is the only one who could do what he does. I like the idea that, sometimes, Frank's actions are so brutal and horrible, that even his biggest fans can sometimes question them. (shooting a 100 year old man in a wheelchair? wtf, dude.) So I hope he goes crazy like that in the next film. Basically, to me, the best Punisher stories are the ones where you start to feel a little bit bad for the criminals by the very end.

 

[Brendan]

^ It's not his place to spill the script or reference anything yet I'd imagine. He's probably reading every damn issue right now.

Wasn't really looking for spoilers. What I think would be cool is if he referenced which comics he has read and enjoyed so far and which aspects and moments from the books would he want to recreate in the film.

 

[Advanced Dark]

I didn't ask him that question Brendan. I asked him what HE is gonna bring to the Punisher. You can go to that site and ask your own question and maybe he'll respond to and you can post it here.

I did ask him another question that will be ultra cool if he responds like I hope.

 

[Orko Is King]

Wow. I must say I'm REALLY pleased with that response. I think that he nailed what the character is about in those regards.

 

[Advanced Dark]

^ Exactly. He's not a character anyone should want to be mentally or emotionally.

 

[Advanced Dark]

Ok now http://www.ray-stevenson.com has added that quote to their front page and expanded on it with more talk from Ray Stevenson to our friend "Lotis" who's running the site! Here's the full quote which includes the response to my question:

Punisher Update. Ray has forwarded some thoughts regarding The Punisher universe and preparing for the role. The comments are mostly in response to fan mail he received, but he gave me permission to post them as well:

"Hi Lotis, Thank you so much for all that you are doing. I am totally blown away with all the wonderful messages. I am going to reply via you, apologies and heaps of gratitude to every one who is contributing.

Although I could never call myself or presume to have been a true comic book fan, they are heavily influencing the make up of the picture. MARVEL have been very, very supportive towards me and provided plenty material for my research into the role. The writings of Garth Ennis are definitely where you would find the real genesis of what I believe to be the essence of FRANK CASTLE. And I quote, "You work for the devil, you'd better be prepared to die for him".

Although I am still very much in the embryonic stages of developing and discovering FRANK CASTLE's character; what I can say about my approach so far is that I don't wish for anyone to walk out of the theatre wanting to 'be' FRANK CASTLE - Let me explain, I would be mortified if, for any reason, some kid at high school wanted to reach out and right the wrongs of bullying or rejection or isolation by deciding to "tool up" and take out the bad guys! It is my full intention to have FRANK in such a dark place and do such violence on those beyond redemption that you should feel glad that there is someone who lives in the dark so we may live in the light. (and you cant wait to see what hell he brings to those targeted by him) My training program is the most comprehensive I have ever undertaken and hopefully we will bring all his skills to bear - and then some!

Sorry it is a bit sketchy at this stage but we are driving forward and will stay true to the essence of THE PUNISHER! Well, that's all I have time for Lotis. As you know my time is so erratic and I so hate letting people down but hopefully they will be happy with my replies. Please feel free to post them or just pass them on, as you see fit." - Ray

Very damn cool!

 

[Mauser9910]

Nice job A.D. ; and it's great Ray replied in person that quickly.

I understand very well his concerns about not wanting the Punisher to serve as a role model for some people "with problems" ; it must be a tough decision to consider this while being offered the part.

 

[Brendan]

"You work for the devil, you better be prepared to die for him."

Good line. Really loved that scene at the beginning of Mother Russia.

 

[Soulgem]

This sounds awesome. An actor with a consistent and thorough idea to his character. Im starting to believe this could actually be a very good movie.

I have no clue who this actor is though. Has he done anything good?

 

[antonydelfini]

"You work for the devil, you'd better be prepared to die for him".

He's reading the Max stuff guys. This is going to be great.

 

[antsiou]

This sounds awesome. An actor with a consistent and thorough idea to his character. Im starting to believe this could actually be a very good movie.

I have no clue who this actor is though. Has he done anything good?

You can see him in Rome as Titus Pullo (first episode, he's drunk and kills a lot of Gallics) he's badass

And thanks AD, this is good news for the movie

 

[Neo_aa]

"You work for the devil, you'd better be prepared to die for him".

He's reading the Max stuff guys. This is going to be great.

Didn't he say something similiar in the first issue of War Zone? He was meeting one of his contacts, but they turned out to be on a drug rush and took a hostage... before Castle shot him.

 

[Advanced Dark]

You guys go over there and ask questions too damnit...and post the replies here.

 

[antonydelfini]

Didn't he say something similiar in the first issue of War Zone? He was meeting one of his contacts, but they turned out to be on a drug rush and took a hostage... before Castle shot him.

''The writings of Garth Ennis are definitely where you would find the real genesis of what I believe to be the essence of FRANK CASTLE. And I quote, "You work for the devil, you'd better be prepared to die for him".

i believe he's talking about the MAX series with that quote.

 

[That-Guy]

I had kind of written this movie off when Jane issued that press release saying he was done and that the studio was basically running it into the ground. But when I read this, it gave me new hope for the project. I'm not familiar with this guy's work (which isn't a bad thing; I personally prefer more unknown actors playing superheroes in most cases) but it sounds like he's really delving deep into the character and we're going to get a really dark sequel/reboot. He certainly LOOKS the part to me... moreso than Jane did (even though I thought he did really well with the role).

 

[Golgo-13]

WOW! Ray Stevenson. The same guy that played Titus Pulo on the greatest tv show HBO has ever produced, ROME...?

Awesome, awseome news. This guy has 'Punishment' written all over him!

 

[Compi716]

This sounds extraordinary! Ray seems really into the role, and I think we're going to get a movie that will blow us all away.

When actors get into their source material, and say things about the character like what Ray is saying, greatness usually follows.

 

[Figs]

After reading all of that I'm starting to warm up to this new actor and the sequel as well. Now I just need to see some photos or teaser to see the what the direction is going to look like.