Black magic

Elijah fights evil forces

By Tatat Bunnag
Photos courtesy of
Sahamongkol Film International

Still showing in theatres this week is The Last Witch Hunter, an action-packed supernatural fantasy film directed by Breck Eisner.

The Last Witch Hunter stars the muscle-man from Fast and Furious, Vin Diesel, as the world’s only witch hunter. He gets cursed with immortality by the powerful Queen Witch and spends centuries travelling across the globe hunting down witches in order to save the human race.

The Last Witch Hunter also features many well-known stars such as veteran actor Michael Caine, Rose Leslie from Game of Thrones, and the 34-year-old Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood, who plays a young priest who joins the fight against evil magic forces.

With help from Sahamongkol International, Student Weekly recently did an exclusive interview with Elijah Wood to talk about the film.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us more about The Last Witch Hunter?

Elijah: It’s a fantasy action movie mixed with a bit of horror. The story is about witchcraft, which I really like. It’s set 800 years ago when witches still lived among us. The main guy is Kaulder, a vicious hunter who travels around the world fighting against black magic. Kaulder is played by Vin Diesel who’s so huge that he made me look tiny when I stood next to him. [Laughs.] I still haven’t seen the movie, but I really like the trailer.

Student Weekly: What’s your character in the movie?

Elijah: I play a priest called Dolan the 37th. He’s from a long line of priests that are linked to The Order of the Axe and Cross, which helps to rid the world of dark witchcraft. Dolan the 37th works with Kaulder after Dolan the 36th, played by Michael Caine, retires.

Student Weekly: What do you like most about the film?

Elijah: Just like Lord of the Rings, I enjoy fantasy movies about ancient worlds full of magic and secrets. There’s an army of witches fighting the witch hunters. You get to see a world where all of these witches lived among humans. It’s so much fun to be part of this kind of project.

Student Weekly: How much has Lord of the Rings changed your life and your career?

Elijah: Immensely, and in many ways. It was an incredibly profound experience in my life and had a huge impact on me. In regards to my career, it has led to so many opportunities for me that I probably wouldn’t otherwise have. It will definitely be part of my life forever.

Student Weekly: How do you normally prepare for each character that you play?

Elijah: First of all I have to read and remember the script. Then I’ll start learning everything about my character, especially if he’s a real person. I study what kind of person he is, what kind of music he likes, what he does on holidays or what his favourite food is. Sometimes it’s quite difficult if I have to portray somebody who has a specific career like a pianist.

Student Weekly: Apart from feature films, are you also interested in TV series?

Elijah: Yes, I was in a comedy series called Wilfred for a few years and it was fun. I also enjoy watching series like True Detective, Game of Thrones and The Killing.

Student Weekly: Is it true that you’re a huge fan of music and also a DJ?

Elijah: Yes, I’ve been in love with music for as long as I can remember. I DJ sometimes at events and parties, and in 2005 I started my own record label.

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