After talking to The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader director Michael Apted (read interview), Ben Barnes (read interview), and Georgie Henley (read interview), ComingSoon.net also caught up with Skandar Keynes on the Australian set to talk about his return as Edmund Pevensie.
ComingSoon.net: The shooting schedule is a lot shorter on this film so how challenging is that for you?
Skandar Keynes: It’s obviously going to be a different style because with Andrew [Adamson] we actually did a little more coverage on individual scenes whereas now we’re doing a couple of takes for each one and then that’s it – it’s done. It’s really interesting and keeping us on our toes acting wise.
CS: Do you feel like that helps you grow as an actor?
Keynes: Yeah, exactly. Andrew was great on the first two. He made sure we had enough time to do it. Michael is going out to not give us the extra room which is what a normal [director] so to speak would do. It’s been a great experience to see how it works like that and we’ve had to rise to the challenge.
CS: How do you think your character has changed since the previous movies?
Keynes: He’s continued on the path that he did when he changed from the first and second. He’s now even more sure of [himself]. He’s trying to now become a leader, but Caspian is still there and that’s where the contention lies. He’s completely grown up and he’s a completely different person than he was in the first film.
CS: What’s impressed you most about working on this movie so far?
Keynes: I think how quickly we’re going through it. The speed in which we’re going has been really great. It’s also been really great having completely different creative minds and seeing that all work together.
CS: Can you talk about Will Poulter and what his character brings to this film?
Keynes: Will’s character brings a different vantage point on the adventure. It’s interesting because his character is whiny and doesn’t enjoy what’s happening and wants to go home. Will is playing him really well. It’s just fun to have that extra dynamic within the group. It’s like an extra dimension which adds to the dynamic. It’s great.
CS: What’s it like shooting on the Dawn Treader?
Keynes: It’s fun. Sometimes you get stuck on the ship and you want to get off, but can’t. There are definitely worse places to be shooting.
CS: The ship is very impressive. When you first saw it what did you think?
Keynes: Yeah, it is impressive. It’s incredible. I think it’s going to look great [on screen] and I’m excited for people to see it.
CS: Where would you like to see your career go after “Narnia”?
Keynes: I’m not sure. I think I definitely want to try to go to university.
CS: What do you want to study?
Keynes: I’m not sure really. I keep changing it around so we’ll see.
CS: Would you want to do another “Narnia” film or another film perhaps?
Keynes: I’m not scheduled to do another “Narnia” film. If James Bond suddenly gets offered to me I’ll think I’ll take it, but other than that I don’t know.
CS: What are some movies that you like to watch?
Keynes: It depends on what mood I’m in. It could be a silly action film or an adventure film. Whatever really. I can’t put my finger on anything.
CS: Is there an actor that you’d really like to work with?
Keynes: Not especially that I’ve thought about. I see those people who I think are incredible, but I haven’t specifically thought I’d like to work with anyone.
CS: What’s it like working with Ben Barnes?
Keynes: Oh Ben is great. He’s really interesting and it’s great because he’s establishing himself as an actor now and he’s got such a charisma about him.
CS: What’s it like not having Will and Anna for this film?
Keynes: It’s sad. I wish they were here at times, but they’ve moved on to bigger and better things.
CS: This book seems to be the favorite of most people who are a fan of the series. Is that true for you as well?
Keynes: Yeah, well it’s funny because the second one didn’t do as much business as the first one, but the book wasn’t as well known. Quite often I’d be talking to people and they would ask if we were going to make a second film. I would tell them, “Yes, it’s in the cinemas now.” The same people would want to know when they would be making “Voyage of the Dawn Treader.” It’s great because so many people I’ve talked to seem so enthusiastic about this film. The second one didn’t quite meet the expectations even though it made so much money. You’ve got to think that it made so much money and people went to see it and nobody really hated it. I’m excited to do a movie that people are more enthusiastic about.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader opens in 3D and 2D theaters on December 10.
