EXCLUSIVE: Karl Urban Sets Sail on Pathfinder

Karl Urban playing the Viking, Ghost in the epic action/adventure

500 years before Columbus discovered America, the Atlantic Ocean was an avenue for war. The Vikings dominated the sea; when they reached land, it was an all out war for supremacy. Karl Urban stars as Ghost in the epic action/adventure
Pathfinder.

Inspired by actual events, and shot as a graphic novel, the film follows Ghost from a young Viking, the only survivor of his ship; he's adopted by the local Indian tribe, who raised him to become a skilled hunter and warrior. When the Vikings return to the land, Ghost is faced with the choice of fighting for his people or for the ones who raised him.

We had the chance to speak with Karl about Pathfinder; here's what he had to say:

Can you talk about who Ghost is and what this movie is about?

Karl Urban: It's an epic story of survival, and how this story of how this Viking boy helps the Indians. Ghost is well adopted to his life, and doesn't quite fit in; he comes face to face with his past. It's through a process of him having to make the hard decisions.

What was it like getting on the set with Moon Bloodgood?

Karl Urban: I loved working with both of them; Moon is so dedicated, and I was impressed with her dedication. She was put into some grueling situations - cold, freezing, thrown into mud puddles, cold mountains and she didn't complain once. A lot of actresses would have said, 'Ok, that's a half-hour reset for my hair and make-up' and she didn't; she stuck with it. And she's fantastic in the film; her character is smart, intelligent, savvy, feisty, and she rocks.

What about Russell Means?

Karl Urban: Russell is quite a legend in the Indian community for what he's been able to achieve. It was a real honor to work with a guy who's been on the front lines of fighting for what he believes in. He was so specific about how the Indians should be portrayed, and sometimes that was a point of conflict; but I ultimately believe those issues he raised enhanced the quality of the film. He was a positive force for collaboration.

What did you think about the final product?

Karl Urban: I've seen it twice now, and had such a great time! It's so fast paced, an action/adventure, survival story. Once this film starts going, it's like a roller coaster, you can't get off the ride; it goes fast, and there's always some other element to thwart the hero. Just when you think everything is going to be ok, and then a reversal of fortune. This character I play, Ghost, it's about him learning to use his brain and not just his brawn to win the day - that appealed to me.

Did you remember some of the scenes when you saw it?

Karl Urban: Yeah, I was taken aback from what I had forgotten; I'm so happy with it, and I'm so impressed. It's just an epic, gnarly, action film.

Is there much CG?

Karl Urban: No, not much; there's a bit, but in terms of Lord of the Rings, no. It's 100% real, and on location and I think that really adds to the wonderful quality of the film.

When you were shooting this, did the themes remind you of the present?

Karl Urban: Oh, for sure; a lot of the ancient Norse myths and legends are the basis of a lot of the sci-fi, fantasy films out there. Telling these stories in a contemporary medium, it's all good.

Would you want to return to the Lord of the Rings franchise in The Hobbit?

Karl Urban: If there was a part that I was right for, I'd definitely go for it; I just really hope that Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema can resolve all their differences. I'm hoping that's going to happen, but we'd have to wait and see. I would love to explore Middle Earth again with Peter.

What's next for you?

Karl Urban: I've got a New Zealand film coming out here called Out of the Blue. That's about a massacre that occurred in New Zealand in 1992 or 1994; I play a police officer in that, who is faced with choice - he has the gunman in his sights, but doesn't pull the trigger. It's a very heavy story, and it's the first time I've played a character who is alive. I also have a Western coming out at the end of the year called Comanche Moon, which stars Val Kilmer, Steve Zahn, Rachel Griffiths, and myself; it's a prequel to Lonesome Dove, written by Larry McMurtry. It was really fun to mix it up; I've always wanted to do a Western, and this was a really great shoot. I've seen it, and it's really good.

What do you want people to know about Pathfinder?

Karl Urban:Pathfinder is a survival, epic action/adventure, love story; it's relentless, grueling, it's graphic, and it's a hell of a ride.

Pathfinder launches into theaters April 13th; it's rated R.