With Free Guy now available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD, we were recently able to sit down with popular American Twitch streamer, YouTuber, and professional gamer Ninja, who has over 60 million followers across all of his platforms, to talk about his cameo in the critically acclaimed Ryan Reynolds-fronted smash hit.
While his cameo was relatively small, it sounds like his few days on set were more than memorable as he got a firsthand look at Reynolds and director Shawn Levy creating some real movie magic. We also spoke about what he felt this movie really got right about the gaming community, what he learned about filmmaking, what game he'd love to see adapted for the big screen, any advice he might have for aspiring streamers, and a whole lot more!
Check out our full video interview with Ninja below and keep scrolling for the transcript!
ROHAN: You and several members from the gaming community make cameos in this film - can you tell me more about how the cameo came about and what convinced you to say yes?
NINJA: They asked and we said yes. I mean, Ryan Reynolds. Shawn Levy. Video Games. But it was more than that to be honest. Once they shared a bit about the film, some of what was shot and written, it was clear they got it right in terms of being authentic to games and gaming. So it was a no brainer, to be a part of, and also mind blowing too.
ROHAN: What would you say this film gets right about the gaming community and video game players that most films generally don't?
NINJA: So much, man, so much. From the way the gamers talk to each other, to going into things that are a part of a game like this: skins, and stuff like that. All that was in there. But that included us, the steamers that are part of gaming and the culture, that was just one more piece that makes the movie feel so authentic. They also shared a lot of their ideas and what they were doing and asked what I thought or what they got right. Honestly though, I didn’t give notes or anything, because they already had it spot on.
ROHAN: Free Guy was delayed a few times due to the pandemic - ere you able to watch the film early or did you have to wait until this past summer? Did it drive you crazy having to sit on the fact that you were in it for so long?
NINJA: I did get a chance to see a rough cut and it was still just so good. I was definitely excited for other people to see it. I don’t think the waiting drove me crazy or anything though. This year was seriously hard for so many people in so many ways. There wasn’t ever a moment really where I was like, “but my movie’s delayed!” It was great though when it was finally out, and when people loved it like they did. That’s a great feeling to be a part of something that brought so many people happiness like that.
ROHAN: With the film being such a massive success, what's been the reaction in your inner circle?
NINJA: Inner circle, that sounds so sinister. Look, anytime you can be a part of something that is both successful, and something that feels like it’s this good, that’s great. I definitely got some people saying it was cool that I was in the movie.
ROHAN: Free Guy 2 is reportedly in development. Where would you like to see that film potentially go? Would you be down for a follow-up appearance?
NINJA: 1000% Shawn please call me. Again, this film - I mean Ryan Reynolds: man crush. And everything Shawn Levy touches is like gold, so it would be awesome to be in the sequel. For me, I think they have to explore the world inside the game in the sequel. I’d love for me and the other streamers to have bigger parts. I think that’s the logical place for it to go.
ROHAN: Ryan and Shawn both do a great job at giving us Easter Eggs, but never overdo it. Was there any particular easter egg that was your favorite?
NINJA: Oh wow. What can I mention without really spoiling anything? Okay, so it’s obvious, but there are a couple of Fortnite references, and the Rainbow Smash pickaxe showing up, if people know that, but maybe not when it shows up, that doesn’t spoil anything. It does show they were thinking about gaming when layering in things for the fans.
ROHAN: Having gotten a taste of the filmmaking world with Free Guy, what was the biggest thing you learned from working with Shawn and Ryan?
NINJA: They were so collaborative. It wasn’t just asking about what I thought as a gamer, but after shooting my scenes, and there was another scene that was longer and didn’t make it into the final film too, they were very communicative, wanted to know what I thought. The other thing, they were so cool, so positive. From the moment I was on set, Ryan was like, “It’s really good to have you here.” They made me feel really welcome and a part of the process.
ROHAN: Free Guy is obviously an original story, but we're seeing more and more video game movie adaptations from Sonic to Detective Pikachu to Resident Evil and Uncharted coming next year... Borderlands on the way, and so many others - is there any specific game that you'd really like to see adapted into a movie?
NINJA: They were so collaborative. It wasn’t just asking about what I thought as a gamer, but after shooting my scenes, and there was another scene that was longer and didn’t make it into the final film too, they were very communicative, wanted to know what I thought. The other thing, they were so cool, so positive. From the moment I was on set, Ryan was like, “It’s really good to have you here.” They made me feel really welcome and a part of the process.
ROHAN: Twitch and YouTube streaming are becoming increasingly popular, especially in our generation and the younger generation - from the outside looking in, what would you say is something that casual observers may not understand about the special community that streamers like yourself are building for their fans?
NINJA: They were so collaborative. It wasn’t just asking about what I thought as a gamer, but after shooting my scenes, and there was another scene that was longer and didn’t make it into the final film too, they were very communicative, wanted to know what I thought. The other thing, they were so cool, so positive. From the moment I was on set, Ryan was like, “It’s really good to have you here.” They made me feel really welcome and a part of the process.
ROHAN: During the pandemic, my younger brother started streaming on Twitch for fun (under the name @sadisticrager), is there any advice you would give him or other aspiring gamers on how to become successful in that world?
NINJA: They were so collaborative. It wasn’t just asking about what I thought as a gamer, but after shooting my scenes, and there was another scene that was longer and didn’t make it into the final film too, they were very communicative, wanted to know what I thought. The other thing, they were so cool, so positive. From the moment I was on set, Ryan was like, “It’s really good to have you here.” They made me feel really welcome and a part of the process.
Free Guy is now available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD!