As part of our efforts to give you a glimpse into our story and characters before they finally make it into the final film, we’re conducting interviews with our cast and crew to get their insight into roles in this film and their careers in general. This week, meet the unstoppable force that is Bull, portrayed by newcomer Allen Hackley. Allen is an incredible student of people and human nature and that has played a large role in developing his new found talent. We’ve all had a great time getting to know Allen, while he enters into this new career and think you’ll really like him as well. Here’s what we asked and what he had to say:
10 Questions
1. How would you describe your character Bull?
I see Bull as the consummate loner, and his profession is perhaps his only source of fulfillment in life. He’s the best at what he does, and performs with almost machine-like efficiency and effectiveness. Bull is a predator; He’s no more affected emotionally by taking down a mark than a lion would be killing its prey. It’s simply what he was born to do. If he has a weakness, it would stem from his isolation from people, and detachment from his own humanity.
2. Are there any famous movie or TV characters you are drawing on for inspiration?
Just to name a few: Terminator, Various characters from Predator, Agent Smith.
3. We’ve intentionally left Bull’s history a mystery to make him seem more menacing. When becoming the Bull, did you create your own backstory for him and if so, care to share a little of it?
I like to maintain the mystery even for myself, because it helps me remember just how dangerous and unpredictable Bull is. With that said, I have filled in a few gaps like military training with weapons and martial arts.
4. What’s your dream acting role?
I’d love to be in a role like Neo or Agent Smith, or something like Darth Vader, Blade, or maybe a fantasy role similar to one of the characters in Lord of the Rings. Basically anything that is action-oriented, imaginative, larger than life, and bad-ass.
5. Being new to acting, how has it compared with your expectations going into it?
I knew it would be a lot of work, but even knowing this did not prepare me for how exhausting a day of shooting can be. I have a lot of respect for Julin, the crew, and anyone else who is on set every day. Let’s just say that my cardio workouts have been stepped up, to keep my energy levels higher when I’m on set.
6. What did you do before this current acting job?
Before this, I worked as a software developer. I got to make cool apps and work with some really fun stuff. It was actually my favorite job, until getting the chance to act in a movie!
7. What are some of your favorite movies?
Short List: Matrix, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Star Wars Episodes 4-6, The Rock.
8. Do you prefer playing heroes or villains?
I’d have to say villains. Not just because of Bull either. Villains just seem more complicated and interesting and cool, in general. I’m the guy who was always rooting for Tom to get the best of Jerry.
9. Your role is very physical. Any accidents of fun incidents on set from the physical nature of your role?
Oh yes, there sure have been. I tried to get into Bull’s car “Dukes of Hazard” style, and promptly fell to the ground on my ass. After that, I popped right up with both arms raised as if I had successfully performed an Evil Knievel stunt. On the first day, my wardrobe pants ripped, and I was walking around with my underwear showing in front of the girls for most of the rest of the day.
10. Where would you like to see your acting career go? One and done or pursue it further?
As Kyle put it, I have been “bitten by the acting bug,” and I am already working to see it to the next level. Besides, I’ve never been a one-and-done type of person; once I find something I like to do, I set out to perfect it.
