Chad Rook – War For the Planet of the Apes

By starrymag | June 22, 2017

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of War For The Planet of the Apes?

 

A) I was actually raised watching the series.  In fact, when I was a kid I remember playing with the original action figures at my grandparents’ house.  It was always a series that intrigued me and so when I got the opportunity to audition, there was no way I was going to turn it down.

Q) How was your character Boyle originally described to you?

 

A) Actually, I had seven auditions for this film and my first four auditions were actually for a Gorilla character.  I even went to “Ape School” with Terry Notary to learn how to walk like an ape.  I don’t know, I guess I wasn’t that good at it as they then asked me to read for “Boyle” who was explained to me as being an aggressive go-to soldier who will stop at nothing to ensure the survival of the human race.

Q) What did you find challenging about your role?

 

A) I think the weather elements and hours of filming were most challenging to me.  It was filmed in Canada for four to five months in the heart of winter and most shoot days were night shoots.  So, trust when I say that filming in Canadian Winters for four months in rain and snow until five or six in the morning every day gets challenging.

Q) How did you prepare to play Boyle?

 

A) I actually went through military training before filming alongside my co-star Gabriel Chavarria (who plays Preacher).  We were taught how to walk, talk, act and hold ourselves like a soldier.  Not to mention some weapon training, which to me is always fun.

Q) Where did you connect with the character?

 

A) On set.  Once you are surrounded by the MASSIVE sets, the hundreds of background performers and, of course, being on set with Woody Harrelson and Andy Serkis. The adrenaline and excitement of getting to play a pivotal character in a film like this immediately took over.

Q) During your down time did co-stars Woody Harrelson and Steve Zahn, did they offer you any pearls of wisdom that you took to heart?

 

A) Unfortunately, I never got to work alongside Steve, but Woody was always just super cool to me on set.  I didn’t really have the “advice” talk with him, but just watching him immediately transform into his character at the call of “ACTION” was enough to motivate and give me encouragement.

Q) What advice did director Matt Reeves provide that you focused on while filming?

 

A) He is so specific in what he wants and doesn’t stop until he gets it exactly right.  I think watching and working with anyone who has those traits is a huge learning opportunity as it really teaches you to not settle for anything less than your ultimate goal and vision.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming?

 

A) There is a scene where I’m amongst 500 or so soldiers.  When we were all marching in unison, just the look, sound and feel of that many marching soldiers gave me goosebumps.

Q) What do you think it is about the Planet of the Apes series that continues to make it such a fan favorite?

 

A) The fact that a story can be told with characters that are solely CGI based and to have the story and graphics be so compelling that you completely forget you are watching a CGI character is story-telling at its best.  It’s amazing how much these films draw in the audience and how much they make you feel emotionally attached to them.

Q) What do you hope viewers take away from War For the Planet of the Apes?

 

A) Honestly, I really hope that this film changes the way that the industry looks at CGI and Motion Capture.  It really is an incredible art form and the fact that talented artists like Andy Serkis have not even been nominated for an Academy Award yet is a shame.  I just ask that the audience REALLY watch the details and actions portrayed by these actors through their CGI forms.  It’s incredible and the credit needs to be given and recognized.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you will receive?

 

A) I can’t wait to hear and see what the fans think.  I’ll be attending the World Premiere in New York and I can’t wait to see the fans reaction to what can only be described as an epic climax to an epic trilogy.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you!  Your support continues to allow me to do this and to continue to be a part of some “dream come true” projects.  Mad Love.