Read our exclusive interview with actor Cody Deal, whose next set to portray the title role in the SyFy Original television movie ‘Almighty Thor.’ The movie follows the Norse god as he tries to defeat the villainous Loki (played by Richard Grieco) before he can defeat both the world of the gods and the world of men. Deal discusses with us, among other things, why Thor fans should watch ‘Almighty Thor’ when it premieres on May 7, 2011, and how he transitioned to the superhero role after appearing in several comedies, including ‘Get Him to the Greek.’
Shockya (SY): You are next set to play the title role in the upcoming SyFy Original television movie ‘Almighty Thor,’ which premieres on May 7, 2011. What attracted you to the role of Thor?
Cody Deal (CD): I originally auditioned for Mavel’s ‘Thor’ before I moved to Los Angeles. Doing research on the role then, and being a fan of watching their version come together, is something I took an interest in long before I heard about ‘Almighty Thor.’ At that time, I browsed all corners of the Internet researching Marvel’s ‘Thor’ and went to the public library and picked up a large collection of comics including The Avengers comics.
When I heard about the audition for ‘Almighty Thor,’ I felt with total confidence that I already knew this character. I had studied him almost two years prior and breathed life into my own interpretation of him. All of that is what initially attracted me to want to want to take full advantage of this second opportunity to become Thor on screen.
SY: ‘Almighty Thor’ is going against the high-profile Marvel Studios adaptation of ‘Thor,’ which is being released theatrically a day before your film debuts on SyFy. Why should the comic book fans watch ‘Almighty Thor,’ and what is unique about your film?
CD: What makes this truly interesting for Thor fans is the old Norse legends weren’t really the origin of Thor. They only talk about Thor being born by a human mother and his God-father, Odin, but it does not talk about his early life. Just like when Jesus of Nazereth becomes The Christ, no one knows much about his first 33 years on earth, because it’s not documented. The same is true for Thor. The polytheistic traditions didn’t explore his early youth. But ‘Almighty Thor DOES. What you see is a God who begins to embrace his divinity; his greatness.
‘Almighty Thor’ is a coming of age story of a young hero who, although eager to fight, is not yet ready for the mantle of leadership. Yet certain circumstances make him have to embrace who he really is much sooner than he wants to and Thor becomes the only hope to save the world of men and the world of gods. Loki (played by Richard Grieco) is an all-powerful God and threatens to destroy everything in his path. And, Odin (played by Kevin Nash) has to make the decision to let Thor step up when he, too, may not think he is ready.
What makes this truly interesting for Thor fans is the old Norse legends weren’t really about coming of age. The stories around Thor talk about him being born by a human mother and his God-father, Odin, but it does not talk about his early life. Just like when Jesus of Nazereth becomes The Christ, no one knows much about his first 33 years on earth, because it’s not documented. The same is true for Thor. The polytheistic traditions didn’t explore his early youth. But ‘Almighty Thor doesn’t. What you see is a God who begins to embrace his divinity; his greatness.
If you ask me, and if there was ever a coming of age story of Chirst, I would have given him the same struggle I gave Thor. He comes from an earth mother and a God-father. I don’t believe Christ would have started out knowing who he was. I think he would question his divinity; his greatness. And maybe that struggle is what he faced in the 33 years before the bible shares Jesus of Nazereth coming to age just before his story begins as he steps on the scene, asking to be baptized in the Jordan River by John. That is where the biblical story begins. It is because no one knows what happened to Thor in the beginning that ‘Almighty Thor’ is in uncharted territory, which I believe will make it intrigued to watching.
Marvel shows its storylines through its legendary line of comics, which indicates what is most likely to happen. That does not mean Kenneth Branagh’s and Chris Hemsworth’s interpretations won’t be unique and thrilling to watch, but it does mean we have an understanding of what Thor goes through.
I believe many will come to love the original story behind Thor’s hammer and how he gets it. Thor’s weapon of choice before getting his hammer is a sword. I think many Thor fans will love to see how Thor handles a sword. I think anyone will appreciate the non-stop action, as well.
SY: Before being cast as Thor, were you a fan of the comic books?
CD: Originally I wasn’t, but I took a liking to Thor after studying him when I auditioned for Marvel’s ‘Thor,’ as mentioned before.
SY: You have also been in high-profile comedies, including ‘The Hangover’ and ‘Get Him to the Greek.’ How did you transition from appearing in these comedies to the action of ‘Almighty Thor?’
CD: These two films are where I originally got my start. I signed on to do background work for both because, at that time, I had never been part of a major studio production. I spent a total of five days on the two films. Being so green at the time, it was a huge learning experience. It got my feet wet and made me want to be Bradley Cooper and Jonah Hill. I loved watching both work. I paid attention to every detail, from how they interacted with the director to how they landed on their marks effortlessly during each take. It answered a lot of unknown questions a guy from Kansas wouldn’t know unless he learned it firsthand.
SY: After ‘Almighty Thor,’ yourre set to play super villain ‘Mark HardOn’ in the Comedy/Action movie ‘Superseeds.; After appearing as the hero Thor, did you enjoy playing a villain?
CD: I think I enjoyed playing the bad guy a little too much. (laughs). Mark has a big entitlement mentality, a way with words and penis puns that would blow your mind. He is completely sure of himself and doesn’t have a problem showing that to everyone he interacts with. It was fun to embody that type of character and just as fun to go from super hero to super villain in back to back films. That’s what really attracted me to the role. The film stars Keye Chen and Ricky Faust and has a slew of other actors, with me in that mix.
SY: ‘Superseeds’ is being compared to ‘Superbad,’ the ‘Harold and Kumar’ series and ‘Kick-Ass.’ What is it like knowing one of your movies is being compared to some of the most successful comedies of the past decade?
CD: (Laughs). ‘Superseeds’ is definitely in the line of those movies, even being pitched as a ‘Superbad’ with Super Powers, but I don’t want there to be major expectations put on the film from the get-go. It was hilariously written, hilariously acted out, and shot magnificently, but I feel just like with any other comedy, or film for that matter, there can be the greatest hype in the world, but it’s peoples’ word that makes it a success or not. I’m hoping a lot of people will take to the humor of the film. I do know that I enjoyed the production equally as much as ‘Thor’ and am excited to see the final cut. The film was made on a shoe-string budget, which I think any person nowadays can appreciate and it was definitely great to be a part of a production that blends super powers with great comedy. It can’t get any better than that.
SY: You grew up on a ranch in the mid-West before moving to Las Vegas and Hollywood to pursue a career in acting. What advice do you have for other people who aspire to start a career in acting?
CD: I grew up in a town of 1200 inside the city limits. So I was a city kid! (laughs) Okay, maybe not quite. I worked on a ranch my whole life practically. I started hauling hay bails when I was in sixth grade every summer up until my senior year in high school. I also worked cattle and built fences during the fall and winter.
When you come from such an environment, Hollywood seems like a fantasyland. It doesn’t seem attainable to you. And I’m sure it’s like that from wherever you come from. The biggest advice I can give is don’t not go after your dream now because you feel like you have to eliminate all fear first, and then go for it. Or you have to have the perfect game plan and then make it happen. Really, there never really is a perfect time, except for now.
If people who have followed my story think I made my trip out here from Kansas without fear, they are wrong. But it’s acting in spite of that fear and still going after your goal that makes you courageous. I didn’t come from a family of money and have had to do this on my own since moving Las Vegas when I was 21. I believe there are many courageous people out there that can make it in Hollywood, and who have the guts to make that leap of faith. It’s not easy, and there can be an endless amount of disappointment. But if you are willing to literally put in the work, just like an Olympic athlete would train to win the gold medal, you are a step ahead. If you are willing to make this your full-time obsession, and not just a hobby, you are a step ahead. And on top of that, there is the difficulty that there is no crystal-clear roadmap on how to make it in Hollywood. And misdirection and wrong turns can happen, and often do.
If you want to try to make this a career for you, follow your dream; follow your heart. I hope the continuous arrival of my own dreams can help elevate the coming of your own. I feel there is enough to go around for all of us. Do your research, surround yourself with a good support system, and really know why you’re doing this.
Filming or starring in a film isn’t going to create lasting happiness. That comes from within. So know that it all starts with where you are at, in those thoughts and in your mind. Always contemplate the person you continuously want to be and embody being that person now. Start visualizing your dreams every day and use those as inspirational tools to fuel past your fear. If you are already from a major city or live close by, get involved with acting and the biz there. If you are from rural America like I am, I suggest starting in a smaller market first to see if you even like it. This business isn’t for everyone. Starting in a smaller market myself was one of the smartest things I ever did because I felt it gave me a leg up when I moved here to L.A. I didn’t have to figure out how to work with an agent or what an audition was. I didn’t have to worry how I would handle a city over 100,000 people. I learned so much in the 18 months I lived in Vegas. Plus, in a smaller market, the competition isn’t as aggressive, so you can really shine. Then once you outgrow it, you move on, or you do it when you feel ready. Whatever you decide to do, I truly wish you the absolute best.
Written by: Karen Benardello
