COMMENT | 'Pacific Rim' actor Max Martini has suggested that the film's follow-up may turn out to be a prequel rather than a sequel.
I must confess I have some difficulty taking Martini seriously, for the simple reason that his name sounds like a 1980s Sylvester Stallone character (see also: Frank Grillo). However, this wonderfully implausible moniker is surely part of what prompted Empire to dub him 'badass of the year.'
It was in the accompanying interview with Empire that Martini discussed the potential direction the sequel could take.
Martini told Empire, "I fell in love with this character. The key component was this relationship I had with my son, exploring the dysfunction and the loss, so where does Herc go from here? I don't know.
"It'll be interesting to see where Guillermo (del Toro) and Travis Beacham take it. I don't know if it's a prequel or a sequel, but if it's a prequel you'll learn more about Herc's family history. But Guillermo has such a vivid imagination, it could go anywhere."
In some respects, I can see how a 'Pacific Rim' prequel would be more interesting than a sequel. The early scenes showing the first Kaiju attacks on Earth were among the most compelling of the movie, and it would be interesting to see the golden age of the Jaegers which the characters are frequently referring back to throughout the film.
Martini also discussed his anxiety - warranted, I think - over his Australian accent in the film.
"Well, the actor who played my son - Rob Kazinsky - was British and Guillermo felt that the Aussie [accent] would be an easy middle ground for us. I was horrified to start with because I know Aussies are very particular about who tackles their accent, although we're more than happy to let them play Americans, the f***ers (laughs). My Australian friends said I did an amazing job, but am I using it in the street? No."
Hmm - I rather think his Australian friends are being generous. But hey, it's Christmas, a time for generosity…
