Exclusive: Richard T. Jones Talks Godzillaby Wilson Morales
May 12, 2014
Coming out this week is ‘Godzilla,’ a spectacular adventure, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, that pits the world’s most famous monster against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity’s scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.
Cast members include Aaron Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, Juliette Binoche, Ken Watanabe, Sally Hawkins, David Strathairn, Victor Rasuk, and Richard T. Jones.
For Jones, seen in countless TV series and films such as What’s Love Got to Do with It, Kiss the Girls, Judging Amy, The Wood, G, Why Did I Get Married? and Why Did I Get Married Too?, the film represents his biggest exposure to date.
Having been born in Japan, Jones was introduced to the famed monster at an early age and now gets to be in a Godzilla film that his son will see.
In speaking with Blackfilm.com, Jones talks about his role in the film and what Godzilla does for his career.
With Godzilla now among your credits, is this the biggest exposure you have had to date?
Richard T. Jones: I believe so. That’s a good way to look at it. I’m going to ride this puppy. I’m thrilled about this. I really hadn’t give it a lot of thought. It’s a great feeling. At the premiere, I got to talk to the international press for the first time and usually they are not there like that. I think it’s going to be amazing. It’s an amazing opportunity to be involved in such a gigantic movie and something that has such a strong fanbase, especially an overseas fanbase.
How would you describe your character, Captain Russell Hampton?
RTJ: I would say that he’s a lifer military man. He’s a Naval captain. I talked to the military advisers we had on set. When you finally get a ship as a captain, it’s a very big deal. They take it very seriously. He’s straight and narrow and didn’t know what he was getting into, but he has a passion to save people and I like that.
Had you been a fan of the Godzilla franchise?
RTJ: Yes. I was born in Kobe, Japan and lived there until I was four. My first introduction to Godzilla was when I was three and it was my first introduction to the genre and sci-fi world. I’ve been a fan ever since I was a kid.
Do you have a favorite?
RTJ: I think I saw the original Godzilla, but the only thing I have in my mind now are the cheesy ones, like Godzilla versus Mothra, and that’s only because my boys watch that all the time. They were thrilled to see this one.
How did you get involved with this film?
RTJ: I had auditioned for this “mystery” film we just knew was going to be a big film and that Legendary was behind it. We knew because of their track record that they do big films, so I just went in and had no idea that it was Godzilla until I actually got the role. I had no idea what I was getting into and went in with a lot of faith. It wasn’t about the role and how big it’s going to be. When I went up there and read the script, I got it.
As a Black man in a monster film, did you wonder at all whether or not you would make it out alive?
RTJ: (laughs) The good news is that I kept reading the script and didn’t see any death scene, at least for my character; but I was told about that status before I accepted the role. That was a relief. The last sci-fi film I did my character died. I was killed by alien.
How was working with the cast?
RTJ: They are just great people. There are great actors but great people. There was a natural kind of bonding. Everyone was more than welcoming. Aaron was #1 on the call sheet and always when you’re #1, how you approach the set, everything else will fall in line. He approached it with a lot of fun, and was cracking jokes and made everyone feel at home. That really set the tone for everyone. Ken was great, and Sally is sweet as pie. Everybody is so down-to-earth and I’m a people person, I tried to fit in where I get in. I felt fine.
What do you think about this Godzilla film that will bring in audiences?
RTJ: Anytime you have a big monster and a lot of destruction, there’s something about countries and nations and cultures that get together and stand unified to stop one particular disaster from happening and killing humanity. That’s an attracting element. It’s one of those things that transcends. My son is eight and all his friends knew about Godzilla. I was surprised about how many kids know about Godzilla because they have all the campy ones out. The parents know and the kids knows and when there’s a big film like this, I think it attracts everyone. Unfortunately, they tried it (the 1998 Godzilla) before, but this one will blow it away.
What’s next?
RTJ: I’m doing a film called “Don’t Mess With Texas” but the title will change. It’s with Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara and it’s a romantic comedy. We’re in Louisiana now shooting. I play a U.S Marshall and partner up with Reese as we go in to bring a drug cartel guy because he’s testifying against the big boss. Everything goes wrong of course, and Sophia plays his wife and Reese and her are on the run as she tries to protect Sophia from getting assassinated. It’s like “Midnight Run meets The Heat.”
