Read our exclusive interview with ‘Boondock Saints’ star Norman Reedus. The upcoming sequel “Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day” stars Julie Benz (Dexter, Saw V, Rambo), Clifton Collins Jr. (Extract, Star Trek), Sean Patrick Flanery (To Live and Die), Judd Nelson (The I Scream Man) and Peter Fonda (3:10 to Yuma).

SY: You have starred in numerous mainstream films since the ’90s, including ‘8MM,’ ‘Gossip,’ ‘Blade II’ and ‘American Gangster,’ but are most remembered for your lead role as Murphy MacManus in ‘The Boondock Saints’ and its sequel. What is it about this character that resonates with audiences?

Well, I think a few different things. I think the brother’s relationship is very appealing as well as their message. The fact that they have each other’s backs in tough situations as well as those of their friend’s maybe. The one thing with this franchise is that I think the people feel as if it’s their movie, and it is. It’s a film that sort of got the short end of the stick you know, and because of the fans it was given another chance and possibly a third. It really is for them and theirs as much as Sean and I.

SY: Like the original movie, ‘The Boondocks Saints II’ received negative reviews from critics, but has gained a cult following among its fans. Do you listen to what the critics say, or concentrate more on pleasing the fans?

Well come on, honestly, how many times has anyone or you yourself gone to a movie because a critic says they should? Me, never. So that being said, if a friend suggested it I probably would. That’s the case with this film, and besides, everyone seems to be a professional critic today. I mean , right? I remember hearing how hard a time Midnight Cowboy got from critics. It’s my favorite film to this day.

SY: Murphy and his twin brother Connor, played by Sean Patrick Flanery, are determined to rid Boston of those they consider evil after they are attacked by three Russian mobsters during a bar brawl. When FBI Special Agent Paul Smecker (played by Willem Dafoe) determines the murders are probable self-defense, the police and local news reporters begin to view the brothers as heroes. Do you feel that movies and society too easily condone vigilante killings, and why or why not?

Well first off, a movie is not reality. I don’t think vigilante killers are condoned by anyone in real life, and most in films aren’t either. But, their story is told so that misconception might be there. Taxi driver example, but still no one really condones murdering anyone do they?

SY: What was it like working with Sean on both ‘Boondock Saints’ movies?

Sean’s great. I love working with him. He really is like my big brother, pranking me and all. He’s a joy to work with. As were the rest of the players.

SY: There are reports that (director and screenwriter) Troy Duffy has expressed interested in making a third ‘Boondocks Saints’ movie. If there is another sequel, what types of conflicts and struggles do you hope to see Murphy and Connor overcome?

I’ve heard those rumors. Hopefully he’s writing it right now. I hope the third, if there is one, goes back to being all-hardcore… more brothers, more hardcore. That’s what I’m looking do.

SY: You have also directed music videos and films, and modeled for various fashion designers. What has been your favorite profession, and why?

Well acting is what I do. I have done a lot of things. I recently had a show in Berlin and another in Frankfurt. I sell three short films that I’ve directed and shot on www.bigbaldhead.com, my production company site. And I’m in preproduction on another film to direct, my first feature; “I Was A White Slave In Harlem”, based on the book of the same name about the life of Margot Howard Howard. The shows mostly in the past few years have been shows of photography and video installation.

Be sure to check out www.normanreedusonline.com.