High-octane hero

Ed Skrein is the new transporter

By Tatat Bunnag
Photos courtesy of
Sahamongkol Film International

Action movie fans will be delighted as the highly anticipated action film, The Transporter Refueled, is due to hit movie theatres soon. The Transporter Refueled is the fourth film in the Transporter franchise, and the first without Jason Statham.

The 32-year-old English actor Ed Skrein, well-known for his role as Daario Naharis in the TV series Game of Thrones, takes over the character of Frank Martin, the most highly-skilled transporter money can buy. It’s another mission for his unusually dangerous job of driving a mystery package all over Europe, and always delivering it on time.

Student Weekly recently had an opportunity to grab an exclusive interview with Ed Skrein, before The Transporter Refueled opens on September 3. He told us about his new role and his martial arts skills.

Student Weekly: How would you describe Frank Martin’s character?

Ed: I think Frank’s a pain in the butt. [Laughs.] But he’s done a lot of good things as well. He makes a lot of money because he’s really good at high-speed car chases, fighting bad guys and not prying into other people’s business any more than he has to. He has a strong code that he always follows. He’s able to handle whatever problem he faces. I enjoyed playing him a lot.

Student Weekly: How did you prepare for the role?

Ed: Martial arts was the main thing I had to do. There was also more choreography than I've ever done before. What I'm good at is getting my head down and working hard, really listening to my coaches and being the best student I can be.

Student Weekly: How difficult was it for you to get in good shape for the film?

Ed: It was very hard, especially trying to stay fit all the time when we had a long break between shooting. I just wanted to relax or eat a lot of pizza, but I couldn’t. It would look obvious if I was fatter. But I enjoy working out. It makes you stronger and happier, but you need to be disciplined too.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us more about the adrenalin-fueled car chases in The Transporter Refueled?

Ed: This film has some of the best car chases without using any CGI effects. Those scenes are absolutely stunning. It took me more than a year of practice to get ready. And Frank Martin’s familiar black Audi is still in the film.

Student Weekly: Are you a fan of action films?

Ed: I love action and superhero films. I’ve always loved the old Bruce Lee movies too, but I definitely didn't have any dreams of becoming an action movie star. I don't think I am one yet, as I've only done a couple of action movies. I'm so respectful of the people that came before me, and the hard work they put in.

Student Weekly: How do you feel about your decision to leave Game of Thrones after the third season?

Ed: It wasn't a straightforward decision. In a lot of ways I would have loved to have stayed working on it, because it's a fantastic TV series. I look back now with such fondness and great memories of working with an incredible team.

Student Weekly: Which actors do you look up to?

Ed: Steve McQueen, Paul Newman and Clint Eastwood are my favourite actors of all time. They’re all good-looking and very talented. I saw most of their movies when I was a kid, because my parents were big fans. They were my main inspiration to become an actor.

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