ImgurAds
748765
2027
390
420 Blaze it #HardcoreHenry
Hi, Imgur! We’ve got something that is going to blow your mind from HARDCORE HENRY, the most mind-blowing film of the year (lots of minds and blowing today). You ready? Here it is: from 12pm-1pm Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) on Friday, April 1, Sharlto Copley (District 9) will be online and answering your questions. You know we like to fuck around, but this is NOT an April Fool’s joke!
If you’re viewing this post prior to 12pm PDT, drop your questions into the comments below. If you’re viewing this after 1pm PDF...uh, you kinda missed the AMA, but you should totally check out the conversation in the comments.
People are seriously going ape-shit for HARDCORE HENRY, as it’s been called the future of cinema that joins the ranks of MAD MAX: FURY ROAD as one of the best action movies ever. Let’s talk about how they pulled this off.
To get you up to speed, check out our first post, which explains the plot of Hardcore Henry, and our second, which provides a behind-the-scenes look.
Meet Jimmy!
Jimmy is one of the first friendly faces (or, is he???) that Henry encounters when he wakes up in Moscow, with no memory of who he is and a Robocop-style enhanced body ready to fuck shit up. Jimmy himself is a man of 1,000 costumes. Sound intriguing? Well, we’re not here to spoil the movie for ya.
Director Ilya Naishuller wrote the part specifically for Sharlto after sending him a super big bribe. (We’re joking; give us a damn break, it’s April Fool’s). The film’s unique and groundbreaking nature lured Sharlto to Mother Russia, and the rest is cinematic history.
On Set, Things Got A Little Intense
All of the death-defying stunts were done for real, in front of the camera. No bullshit CGI, just real people with some very large balls (and ovaries).
In Fact, They Worried At One Point An Extra Got Seriously Fucked Up
The task: drive erratically, hit the police car, and elbow the cop out of the way. The result: “We both just feel ‘katunk katunk’ and we just blow the whole take. Ilya looks at me and I look at him and I’m like, ‘Oh, fuck.’ … And the guy’s just lying in the road and I was completely convinced— totally, in my brain—that I’d driven over him. I just didn’t know whether he was alive or dead because he wasn’t moving.”
Spoiler: the extra was just fine.
Got Questions? We Got Answers
We’ll turn it over to Mr. Sharlto Copley. Feel free to ask him about Hardcore Henry, some of his other amazing films, or whether he wears boxers or briefs. We know the answer, but WE won’t tell.
Hardcore Henry is in theaters now. Check out the trailer!
badacha
If Hardcore Henry does well enough, is there room for a sequel?
HardcoreHenry
yes we would go back for sure. listen through to the end credits for a little teaze.
fengkalis
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuck I fucked up and left during the credits.
DonQuixotic
How are you so damn good at imitating an "american" accent?
rotatingchamber
I'm so sorry.
Teebus
I don't really know how all that Hollywood stuff works and how much you can say, but can we expect more movies like this, first-person?
HardcoreHenry
i am sure this will insure more. i think you can actually probably do other genre's too, not just action. i'm curious to see what happens..
nobodyblindedme
have you ever played a FPS game? which is your favorite?
HardcoreHenry
Yes. call of duty and the aliens game based on the movie.
vonkeswick
I'm assuming Aliens: Colonial Marines
Stagmation
Do you still read the script submissions on your webpage? Anything in the pipeline?
HardcoreHenry
i have a team that does, then i read shortlists yes. i have a bunch of things in pipeline. planning to start producing more again
theguywiththememes
@OP How many GoPro's were used in production of Hardcore Henry?
HardcoreHenry
i think we broke around 12 or 14. it's actually just the connection ports that broke. the go pro camera itself is incredibly tough.
ikeepwipingSTILLPOOP
Nice try, GoPro marketing team
SimonMoy
I'd love to see a spin off with Kruger from Elysium, would you enjoy a film based around that character?
DrCopperchops
Out of all of the movies you've done, Chappie included, which have been the most fun/ left the biggest impression?
HardcoreHenry
each film gives a different experience - district 9 left the biggest impression as it changed my life in a massive way. hardcore henry
HardcoreHenry
was the hardest movie i have ever made. chappie was one of the most fun- playing a child for 3 months was very cool and helpful on the soul
vonkeswick
I love everything you do Sharlto, Chappie was amazing. Love how you say "playing a child for 3 months", it was totally that
IlyaShpota
Hello Sharlto, how different are Ilya's directions compared to Neil Blomkapm's. And what's Neil's opinion about Hardcore Henry?
HardcoreHenry
these two guys are both leaders of their generation i think. neill dug the movie - we sent an early cut of the film to get his thoughts
HardcoreHenry
i worked in a similar way with ilya on hardcore as i did with neill on d9 ie. very collaboratively. on those films the dynamic was similar.
zombiefarmboy
You play Christian Walker, a former superhero who has lost his powers in "Powers". Are there any comic book/superheroes you'd like to play?
zombiefarmboy
"other"
ian9outof10
Q1) When he throws that grenade in the trailer, and the wall cracks - is that CGI?
ian9outof10
Q2) Would this movie not work better in HFR, shot at 48 or 60fps? Is the motion blur on 24p not a bit much on a movie like this ?
HardcoreHenry
i'm not sure. wasn't there that day. usually explosions were real with cgi enhancement sometimes
b00h00
I've always thought the concept for District 9 was CRAZY (in a good way). What was your thought when you first read the script?
Toasterpops
Saw it at the Toronto Film Fest, exhausting is all I can say about it. Neat, but fucking exhausting to watch
HardcoreHenry
the core concept of wikus turning into a prawn was incredible. the script was very loose though- 100% of the dialogue was improvised and
SuburbanCommando
"It's the sweety man!" Would be my favorite improvised line ever.
HardcoreHenry
the script and scenes changed a lot. importantly though, the key journey wikus has never changed.
b00h00
Yes, I thought the transformation element was intense and really original! And that much improv sounds like a very intense process! Thanks!
donoho
What % of pre-screeners reported motion sickness? When released outside of theatres, will there be a VR cut?
TenshusPrimus
I have motion sickness and I only wanted to kinda puke because the popcorn smelled terrible. Get some free space and you should be good.
PopeFacto
Seconding this. Also; I'd like to suggest Hardcore Henry motion-sickness bags as amusing-but-possibly-necessary 'gifts' for cinema patrons.
HardcoreHenry
here's the answer to motion sickness worry: SIT AT THE BACK. seriously. that's what the testing showed. people who get sick in the
HardcoreHenry
front or even the middle didn't get sick in the back row. if you get sick in the back row, rather don't tell anybody. haha
nighshade586
I have a rule about certain actors where I'll see anything they're in. (You're one of them) Do you have any favorite actors?
HardcoreHenry
many... robin williams, dustin hoffman, eddie murphy, jim carrey, meryl streep
ImClearlyInsane
Terribly sorry that we all lost Robin Williams... He was among my vaulted favorites as well.
HardcoreHenry
AND THANKS FOR THAT SUPPORT. amazing.
nighshade586
You earned it! You're a fantastic actor.
KirillSukhov
Hey, Sharlto! Which "Jimmy" turned out to be your favorite one? I'm guessing the punk one, but feel free to surprise me =)
HardcoreHenry
i love the colonel and "hippie jimmy". haha i invented hippie the morning of his shoot day - he was supposed to be a tough guy harely
HardcoreHenry
davidson biker, but we had a problem with his biker tat's not looking real after 2 hours of work, so i made a new character.
thegreenknight7
Are you going to do another A-team? Cause that would be awesome.
CatBlaster5000
I am commenting here also.
HardcoreHenry
I don't think we are. the movie actually did well financially but in this day and age they need huge returns on the blockbuster size budgets
CarlosSpicyweiner
That's too bad. Great movie, plus one of the best opening scenes ever.
MasterPrime
That hasn't stopped Resident Evil or Hangover or Pitch Perfect or Transformers or...
thegreenknight7
Damn, that's balls. That was an awesome movie.
lostnortherner
Urgh and they're making another shitty turtles/ snow white/ transformers movie.
svga
Stephen J. Cannell had tons of other shows you could do features on
Blastergv9
Loved you in the A-team big guy. Awesome movie.
mushroombirdornaments
is there a sex scene?
HardcoreHenry
there's a scene we shot in a real brothel with real... well... yes. the director played henry that day haha
CommanderWilliamTRiker
one trailer showed you getting shot in the head. please tell me you're a clone or something, you're the only reason I'd watch this.
HardcoreHenry
all i can say is... there is a LOT MORE OF JIMMY ;)
MyFrontPorchInMississippi
as someone who has seen the film. God damn that jimmy
PleaseDoNotThrowHandsAtMe
Looking forward to the movie! Interested about the new season of Powers. How is it working on that?
HardcoreHenry
the new season is a dramatic improvement on the first. bendis was more involved. i pushed to get it close to comic as possible as i'm
HardcoreHenry
a huge fan of the comics. previous showrunner had asked me not to read them before we did season 1. once i read them, i became a fan boy
HardcoreHenry
and to answer your question - it's a lot a hardwork and long hours, but great cast and crew this year
PleaseDoNotThrowHandsAtMe
So glad to hear that. Now I'm excited! Thanks sir!
HardcoreHenry
seriously loved working with new guest stars michael madson and trisha helfer
Teebus
Second question: Have you ever considered voice acting for games/TV? I think you've got a talent for it
HardcoreHenry
YES! YOU CAN KNOW PLAY PAYDAY 2 as cocaine jimmy!! - one of my jimmy's from hardcore. i also did voice for animation snow queen 2! LUV IT
Feldspartacus
Loved you as Chappie.
PTKrieg
Jimmy is the best character in that game. Running around with a minigun and a coke-stained suit while committing felonies is a grand time.
svga
Has anyone else confused you for Spike Jonze or is that just me?
HardcoreHenry
it has happened before. also michael bay haha told me they're " a big fan of bad boys" - i said cool. thanks man.
svga
hilarious- I saw you in A-Team and thought "yeah, that's the guy from Three Kings!!! He's so good!" annnd then I actually used IMDb to check
BattlesTARDIStroyer
Oh my goodness. My favorite actor posting to imgur. I'm swooning.
HibiscuitsTea
Im splooshing. Splooshing everywhere.
KharnApproves
He was just on the Nerdist podcast if you're interested.
HardcoreHenry
i'm blushing.
BattlesTARDIStroyer
Fanboying aside, do you think you'd be in the next Alien movie? I remember hearing you expressing interest at some point if I'm not mistaken
BattlesTARDIStroyer
MontyPythonsHolySnail
this gif. this fucking gif. this is the best reaction gif ever. I just lmao'd. thank you!!!
MartynMage
If you could star in any future or past movie, what would it be?
HardcoreHenry
DISTRICT 10.
WarpPig
HALLELUJAH!!
GaugeDanger
MrSilverDragon
Tell Neil this has to happen. Please. BTW, big fan. I've enjoyed all characters I've seen you play.
MrSilverDragon
Sorry, I meant Neill.
MexicanPirate71
Can't wait to see it! Is the entire film from Henry's perspective? PS chappie & district 9 are in my top favorite movies :) come to Houston!
MexicanPirate71
Woman* :]. But yah I was in Orlando during sxsw :/ ...but definitely the next time you're in TX come to houston, id LOVE to meet you!
HardcoreHenry
thanks man. I LOVE TEXAS. seriously. we were just in austin again for sxsw
ohgeeRick
In Houston, saw an early screening in Houston at Edwards Theater for District 9. Amazing movie along with Europa Report. Thank you for those
AdmiralReeeeee
...Boxers or briefs?
XanderMan
No...
HardcoreHenry
briefs but i sleep naked. my wife insists. haha
HibiscuitsTea
SPLOOSH
HughLaurie
If I ever meet you, I will high five you for this answer.
confinedinyourmind
I think we all will
brbdnd
District 9 was a great movie. Will we see anything else with the prawns?
PleaseDontMakeFunOfMe
Dinner maybe?
HardcoreHenry
thanks. I really hope we get to do a sequel...
cosmickittie
I SEE THAT DOT DOT DOT
FreshPrinceofDenmark
Why did you take a role in Elysium?
wrkz
YES. I NEED ONE. YOU GUYS TEASED IT.
Skiafluff
THREE YEARS, IT'S BEEN THREE YEARS!
HouseOfEvil
I was going to post the exact same thing. Would have been a nice touch if there was an actual movie or TV tie-in thingy at that point.
CatBlaster5000
Exactly.
Skiafluff
No, it's been quite a bit more than exactly three years by now.
CatBlaster5000
....ok, sir I believe you missed the joke. At the end of the movie the alien states he will return in three years, and it has been longer.
pobody
I sat down with my brother to watch the first few minutes of District 9 while waiting for a game to download and install. We ended up (1)
pobody
watching it three times that night and never got to playing games. Expected it to be good but were completely blown away and hooked (2)
pobody
within minutes. I have never before nor after, been that immediately pulled into a movie. Fantastic film, infinitely re-watchable! (3)
brbdnd
Today, I got an answer from a fantastic actor. I can now scratch that off the bucket list.
LikeTotallyNotTheNSA
Fook! Fook! - OP
Fahargo
What got you interested in the Hardcore Henry project Mr. Copley? (Is this how it works? just ask right here?)
HardcoreHenry
yes and i answer right here haha the music video bad mother fucker is what got curious to see if we could make a full length film in pov
Fahargo
I look forward to seeing your performance Mr. Copley. I'm a huge fan of you work. Have a nice day
wrongserver
I am never going to give up on you. I enjoy all your movies I know thy're never going to let you down. Never gonna run around and desert you
HardcoreHenry
..never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye, never gonna tell a lie, and hurt you." didn't know u where a fan rick hahahaha
heyjude168
Did Sharlto just rickroll us? If possible, I love you even more now.
DarthTurducken
Sharltolled?
achievingyogurt
Being Wikus and then being Kruger shows insane amounts of talent. You could almost be mistaken for two different actors. Bravo, sir.
HardcoreHenry
thanks but i can't take any credit really. people are born with different talents. i got lucky that i can make a good living with mine.
HardcoreHenry
but it's not like i'm saving the world. just helping people escape it for a while haha
SomeonesFetish
as someone who recently became disabled...thank you...
ImClearlyInsane
That can really save some people.
vonkeswick
Damn that's deep bro, and kind of true
BindersOfWomen
How long did it take you to get used to having the GoPro strapped to your face? Follow up - did the added weight result in any accidents?
HardcoreHenry
wasn't strapped to me - was strapped to 13 different people. mostly stunt guys and also director and DOP. This russian stunt team was
HardcoreHenry
truly incredible. 85 stunt days and the safety record was 6 stitches and a chipped tooth. EVERY STUNT YOU SEE IN FILM is real. they didn't
HardcoreHenry
cheat and use green screen. there is cgi enhancement of flames, bullet hits etc. but that guy flying off the van, explodes under him, he
HardcoreHenry
lands on the moving bike? they did that for real. lifted him from a crane on another van put him on bike at speed. truly insane. that chase
HardcoreHenry
over the bridge? they ran over with no wires.
kalethan
That's amazing! But...it's also april fool's....are you serious? Because I really want this to be real.