SDCC 2011 – Final Destination 5An Interview with Courtney B. Vance
By Wilson Morales
August 1, 2011
Coming out in August is the horror film ‘Final Destination 5 in 3D,’ the fifth installment of the franchise.
Directed by David R. Ellis, the cast includes Emma Bell, Nick D’Agosto, Miles Fisher, Arlen Escarpeta, Jaqueline MacInnes Wood, P.J. Byrne, Ellen Wroe, Courtney B. Vance, David Koechner, and Tony Todd.
Death is just as omnipresent as ever and is unleashed after one man’s premonition saves a group of co-workers from a terrifying suspension bridge collapse. But this group of unsuspecting souls was never supposed to survive, and, in a terrifying race against time, the ill-fated group frantically tries to discover a way to escape Death’s sinister agenda.
For Vance, this is his first horror film after working in the business for over twenty years. While the Detroit native has numerous films to credit, including roles in ‘The Hunt for Red October,’ ‘Dangerous Minds,’ ‘The Preacher’s Wife,’ and ‘Nothing But The Truth,’ which also starred his wife, actress Angela Bassett, Vance is mostly associated with his vast work in the TV industry.
He’s was a regular on the NBC/USA television series ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent‘ as Assistant District Attorney Ron Carver. He was also a series regular on the ABC series ‘FlashForward.’ Most recently, he appeared on the TNT series ‘The Closer‘ as Chief Tommy Delk.
In speaking with Blackfilm.com during a party for ‘Final Destination 5’ at San Diego Comic Con, Vance briefly spoke about his character in the film and working with the cast.
What role do you play in the film?
Courtney B. Vance: I play the FBI agent who’s there trying to figure out why all these people are dying.
What was the attraction to doing this film?
CBV: Steve Quale, the director. With the work that he’s done with James Cameron, I know that he will bring some of it to this film and I wanted to be a part of it.
How was working with the cast?
CBV: Everyone got along really well so it was a pleasure. We genuinely like each other and that made a lot of fun to work on.
You recently had a recurring role on TNT’s ‘The Closer,’ but you had a longer stint on ‘Law and Order: Crminal Intent,’ which ended its run this year. Are you sad to see the show go?
CBV: I’m happy for my castmates. That was the best part of doing it for five years. The people is the key. If you don’t have good people, then those five years are a nightmare.
Do you have any other projects coming up?
CBV: I have another film at the end of the year coming up called ‘Joyful Noise’ with Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton. It’s a film about gospel music and gospel competition. I play a pastor where they are trying to do Kirk Franklin and I’m trying to do Shirley Caeser. So we’re battling.
Whether it’s TV or film, work is coming along nicely for you.
CBV: There’s been some down or low times. That’s part of the business. You have to ride through it and save your money.
Will you be working with Angela on the big screen at some point?
CBV: Eventually. We did a play together but doing a film is a whole different ballgame. The main thing is that we have the kids covered and everything else is all gravy.
Final Destination 5 in 3D arrives in theaters on August 12th.
