Dan Payne – Descendants 3

By starrymag | September 18, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) I just wrapped up the sequel to the movie Aliens Ate My Homework, which is called Aliens Stole My Body. It was such a cool experience to resurrect a character I really loved playing, Captain Grakker. I wasn’t as enthusiastic about the five hours of makeup it takes to become Captain Grakker, but it was all worth it in the end.  I’m also venturing in to producing with my partner Carey Dickson.  I starred in the feature Devil in the Dark that Carey wrote and was also one of the producers on.  We decided from that great experience that we would work together moving forward.  We are currently trying to produce two films that we are extremely excited about.  It is a huge learning experience for me.  Producing is a tough gig!

 

Q) What is your favorite thing about playing The Beast in the Descendants film series?

 

A) Just being able to say I got the chance to portray a classic Disney character in a Disney production is a tremendous honor! But I think my favorite part of playing The Beast is getting to be “dad.” I am a dad of two amazing young boys, Eli and Grayson, and it’s the greatest gig I’ve ever had.  So, being able to bring that fatherly aspect to The Beast was awesome.

 

Q) What continues to challenge you about your portrayal of this character?

 

A) The challenge originally was how much of the classic notion of The Beast we should honor while still creating The Beast that fit the world of Descendants. Fortunately, Kenny Ortega (and team) were brilliant, supportive and collaborative and had very distinct ideas for The Beast you know that lives in the Descendants The other challenge, I think, is managing the balance of father and former King and how much freedom you give your teenage son to learn on his own versus protect him from the pitfalls you think may lie ahead.

 

Q) Talk about working with director Kenny Ortega.

 

A) Where to start! I think Kenny might be a wizard! Kenny has a magical and infectious energy that reaches every member of the cast and crew.  He is inspiring and compassionate as well as driven and focused. Kenny knows exactly what he wants and how to help you get there while at the same time he can inspire you to try new things and be so collaborative.  Kenny’s mastery of music and dance is awe-inspiring.  I wasn’t in many musical dance numbers, but watching them was mind blowing.  I remember on the first film, as one of the senior cast members, being completely amazed by Kenny’s ability to draw performance from each cast member in a way so specific to each of them and for beats that were layers deeper than were on the page.  I look forward to the chance to work with Kenny again in a capacity that demands that level of direction from him!

 

Q) Going into this film, were you hoping to have a scene with anyone in particular?

 

A) When we heard that Cheyenne Jackson was to play Hades, Mal’s father. I immediately crossed my fingers that the dads would “face-off.” And that wish came true!  We actually had a nose-to-nose stand off.  I loved it!!!  I want to also admit that I was over the moon to have worked with and had screen time with the fantastic Kristin Chenoweth in the first

 

Q) What was one of your favorite moments during filming?

 

A) On Descendants 3, my favorite moment was the first day I walked through the door into the huge rehearsal space and had all those beautiful familiar faces coming running to give hugs and say hi! It was pretty moving for this old guy on set to get that kind of welcome …like the “cool set dad” return welcome, I guess. It was really a family feeling on those films and I’ll miss all of them.

 

Q) We deeply miss Cameron Boyce. What did you take away from your time working together?

 

A) My heart goes out to his family every day. Cameron was a brilliant and talented young man and I miss him deeply. Watching Cameron approach everything he did with a huge smile and endless energy was an unending source of inspiration I will never forget.  Who he was – the generous, philanthropic, multi-talented source of light and love – was inspiring.  I’m honored to have known and worked with him and to be reminded of what’s possible when you dream big.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the Descendants movies that make them so special?

 

A) There are many elements that came together – Kenny Ortega at the helm, the unbelievably talented cast, the mind-blowing sets and costumes – but I think the defining foundation that made these movies special is the underlying messages they shared. When my kids watch these movies I love that they learn about standing up for one and other, not judging a book by its cover, acceptance and love (of yourself and others). Things the world can always use more of!

 

Q) What have you personally taken away from your time on this film franchise?

 

A) I’ve taken away a renewed love of acting! I had the opportunity to work with what I’d call (and I think others would too!) experts in their field and watch them do their thing first hand. From the director and choreographers to cast and crew – everyone!

 

Q) We loved you on “The Flash” as King Shark. Were you a fan of the show before appearing on it?

 

A) Thank you! And, yes, I am a fan of all things superhero! Being on that show and working with Grant Gustin made me even more of a fan of his.  Grant was such a gracious and generous “Number 1” of a show despite the crazy demand of being in virtually every scene of every day of every episode.

 

Q) Talk about what it meant to you to portray an iconic “villain.”

 

A) It’s hard not to go back to saying it was an honor. I mean, King Shark has appeared over seventy times in the comic books. He is a huge hulking mass of kick ass shark. And, as you mentioned, is an iconic villain!  What I loved most is getting to play Shay Lamden, the marine biologist, and portray his struggles.  It was great to bring the human element to the character as he struggled and was remorseful about the trail of damage his King Shark side had left. I appreciated that there was a love story that gave Shay/King Shark more depth and obstacles to deal with.  I really hope that storyline returns!

 

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

 

A) I will start with a huge thank you! It’s amazing what finding a kind comment or supportive email can do for you on those days when you maybe aren’t feeling your finest. I am truly grateful that people support the work I’ve done.  It’s inspiring as well as a call to carry on in a way.  I believe that support of friends and fans is a major part of my being able to continue to do this job I absolutely love!  So, thank you, thank you, thank you and I hope we can stay on this crazy ride for a long time to come!