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Lost Boy
With the movie Land of the Lost hitting DVD and Blu-ray, we spoke with one of its stars, funny man Danny McBride.
What was it like when you saw the sets?
DANNY: That was one of my favourite things about doing the movie. You would walk onto the set and think what are you going to be doing today? Are you going to be inside this volcano with all these eggs around or you are in these weird ruins with these statues of Sleestaks? That was a big part of this movie; just the spectacle of where you would be working each day.
How was doing all the stunts?
DANNY: It was very tiring. There was a lot of running away from dinosaurs and we got pulled up on those vines so there was a lot of wire work. I like having that physical part of comedy. Everyone lost about 10 pounds while they were making this movie.
Could you tell us about your background?
DANNY: I went to film school in North Carolina but I didn't really have any ambitions to be an actor, however after being in LA for a few years without finding any success some of my buddies from film school and I made a little independent film we financed with credit cards called The Foot Fist Way and that got into the Sundance Film Festival. Will Ferrell saw the movie and was instrumental in getting us a distribution deal and that launched our careers. I really only acted in the film because I didn't know any actors and then I started getting work. So I have found myself in this career path.
You have a good ‘every man' quality. Where do you think that comes from?
DANNY: I guess because I wasn't priming myself to be an actor. I am just a regular dude and maybe that comes through.
Describe your character in this movie?
DANNY: He's a loose cannon, a nut job out in the real world, so he finds himself on the outskirts in the desert peddling crappy souvenirs but when he gets to the land of the lost he has to be the voice of reason. He is the one acting like the audience would. He has to be identifiable by the audience, so they can latch onto him for the ride.
How many takes were there to get the dinosaur goo on you?
DANNY: That was the second day of filming I think. It was a mix of KY jelly and spit I think, and they made us wear it all day long. I had to eat lunch with the stuff dripping down my face. It was gross.
One of the opening scenes is like a theme park ride. How did it feel?
DANNY: They built that whole ride on one of the sound stages and when they jacked up the water - you had to hold on for dear life as you flew around. It was fun. I hope Universal Studios may make us a new attraction next year.
In the original series your character was a teenage boy. What do you think of the change?
DANNY: The character was originally played by Wesley Eure who was a teen heart throb so if you are looking to bring that role to life you are going to come to me (jokes). I think it's good that they have made Will [McBride's character] and Holly adults because it lets the comedy be a bit more subversive. It doesn't make it just the typical family movie.
Were you allowed to improvise on set?
DANNY: Brad (director Brad Silberling) did a great job of balancing the technical with keeping a loose environment on set, so we never felt we had to work with constraints or boundaries. We were always encouraged to improvise or throw ideas into the ring. I think that is really useful in a comedy.
Any improv you are really proud of?
DANNY: That stuff at the hotel where we are tripping out on that weird jungle juice was all improv - we had a good time shooting that.
You and Will Ferrell seem to have a great chemistry.
DANNY: I always admired his sensibility. He is a super funny guy and I've always admired his take on things. This is the first time we had a chance to work together. I like Will as a person and I think he's funny, so it's easy to come into a scene and figure out the rhythm to react to someone you naturally feel is funny.
Describe your relationship with Chaka [the caveman-like character they meet in the parallel world]?
DANNY: I wouldn't even call it a Bromance because he is not a man. My character finds himself on the outskirts of society and Chaka finds himself on the outskirts of his society and there is a kinship there. I don't think he understands anything Chaka says but he reads into him what he needs him to say.
Were you a fan of the original show?
DANNY: I was a big fan of Sid and Marty's (Krofft) shows. I like what they did with children's programming. It worked on an imaginative level for children but it also had this sensibility that was just over kids' heads. I always liked things that were aimed at me but made for someone older. I was thrilled to be a part of this. It was a big show for me as a kid. Every time I hear the theme song I think I'm Will and it blows my mind.
What did you think of Will Ferrell's banjo playing?
DANNY: He did a fantastic job. His banjo skills are insane. He learnt how to play it for the movie.
Land Of The Lost is available on DVD and Blu-ray now.