In a lengthy interview with
IGN Movies, British actor Idris Elba (star of
The Wire,
Luther and
Thor) has revealed a few new details about Janek, the character he plays in
Prometheus; Sir Ridley Scott's highly anticipated
Alien prequel.
"He is an engineer. He works on these huge vessels that do long-haul space trips. He's the captain of Prometheus and there isn't much to him. He's like a longshoreman. There's no real mystery with him, I don't think, and why would there be?" asks the actor.
"His job is pretty straightforward. He has a character and personality that will reveal itself in the film. But his purpose on that ship is to fly it and to get it from point A to point B. He's not really involved in the politics that ensues in the film."
So, it seems as if Janek is only there for the paycheque and not as invested in the journey as the rest of the crew, something the actor is happy to acknowledge.
"There's an interest because what happens on that ship affects everyone on it, but yeah essentially his job is to get everyone there. It's a mission and he's basically the eyes of that vehicle. Things happen that do affect everybody in one way or another and as the man that has to deal with the ship, he has certain responsibilities to uphold and fulfil. I had a fantastic time playing him and it didn't need to be complex, but it was so enjoyable. It's neither a big part nor a small part, it's just a great part. It's a part that I think plays a very important role in the film."
"It makes it easy to bring ourselves to life," Elba adds when asked about the amazing set which makes up the bridge of the Prometheus.
"Every detail is taken care of and so much of it worked. I couldn't fly a spaceship to save my life, but because of the detail involved I'm sat there in front of this console that actually works. You press this button and something happens, that button and something else happens... And the thing about Ridley is he knows everything about the ship. He's designed it in his head and that's what makes him so special." To read the interview in full where Elba talks more about his role in the film, be sure to click on the link below to head on over to the site.
STARRING:
Noomi Rapace as Elizabeth Shaw
Michael Fassbender as David
Guy Pearce as Stannison
Idris Elba as Captain Janek
Logan Marshall-Green as Holloway
Charlize Theron as Meredith Vickers
RELEASE DATE: June 8th, 2012.