Before I start, I just want to say thank you to Stephen Oyoung for taking the time to answer these questions for me.
I hope you all enjoy reading the interview.
Recently, there’s been a lot of rumours that Mr Negative will show up in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, with a lot of fans, including me, hoping you get the role. So how does it feel knowing so many people want you to be the live-action Mr Negative? And have you been given the opportunity to audition for the role yet for Spider-man Brand New Day?
It’s very humbling because I’ve tried for many years to work in this business, get a name for myself. It’s been an extremely challenging journey, and so to have this awareness in the fan base, which by the way, the fans, they don’t just like anything – to have this burgeoning recognition is everything I’ve hoped and worked for. Now whether I get the actual role or not, that’s up to higher powers than me. I’m just glad people like my work and are entertained. As for audition opportunities, I can’t rightly say one way or the other. But I will say. On the business side of things, studios want big names, global names. So take that for what you will.
If, given the opportunity to be Mr Negative in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is there anything you would want to do differently with the role that you didn’t get the chance to do with the Insomniac version of the character?
I’d like to ramp up the physicality if I could. And also play up more of the street level triad leader angle. Would be nice to see some gritty gang war drama play out. But of course, that’s a writer thing!
Avengers: Secret Wars is currently looking like anyone who’s ever been in a Marvel project has a chance to be in it. If given the chance, would you be up for returning as Mr Negative for it, and if yes, is there any character you would love to interact with in the film?
Who’s going to say no to that? Yes, I’d love the chance. It’d be a real full circle moment for me and my career. But again, I think the chances of that are quite slim. But as for the character himself, I’d love to see Mr. Negative interact with Kingpin. Two New York crime bosses having a climactic showdown. The possibilities are endless.
Now it’s time for some Insomniac Spider-Man questions.
Do you remember your first reaction to being told you got the role as Mr Negative for the first Insomniac Spider-Man game?
Yeah, I remember thinking that’s cool, there’s an Asian villain in Spider-Man. And I get to play him! But I had no idea that the Spider-Man games were such a huge franchise. As a martial artist and kung fu nerd I was more into fighting games like Tekken. So when the scope of the project was revealed to me it just boggled my mind. And then I was super excited to be able to be a character in the Spider-Man universe. And when they expanded the role, because initially Mr. Negative was envisioned as more of an intro tutorial character, I felt even more excited to tackle this. More scenes, more opportunities to play!
In Insomniac Spider-Man 2, your character Martin Li had a redemption arc. Now that he’s been redeemed, do you think there are any more stories to tell for the character, and if so, what do you want to do with the character in a potential third Spider-Man game?
I think there’s always more story to tell. It’s just like life, it’s only done when we’re dead, even then with comic books…you get what I mean. I can’t speculate on what Insomniac and Marvel have up their sleeves, but if it were me, I’d love to see Martin help all the Spider-peeps in the background. My dream would be to have a sort of “On your left” moment of his own.
What was it like working with Yuri Lowenthal and Nadji Jeter on both Spider-Man games? And did you ever get the chance to meet Tony Todd while working on the second game?
Unfortunately I never crossed paths with the great Tony Todd. But of course his legacy lives on, and his impact was felt by everyone during the development process. I remember the creative team being so excited to share snippets of his voice performance with everyone on the stage. We were like giddy little kids opening up Christmas presents. It was such a joy and a treat to be privy to that process. It’s the kind of work we all want to do in this business. Yuri was the first big voice actor I ever met, and so to have him be such a class act/ down-to-earth guy was reassuring. Our first few scenes were fight scenes, and he was so generous as an actor that it really put me at ease. I’m forever grateful that he’s such a good guy. And Nadji was a superstar at such a young age. I remember being in awe of him, this kid, with so much talent just bursting out with every take. And at the same time he too is so down to earth and funny. Both these guys. We just always had such great times on set. The time flew by!
Have you got any advice for anyone who would like to pursue a career in acting?
It’s the same as all actors have given because it’s true: you just have to not give up. If you really want it, you can’t quit. Because you’ll hear no more often than yes. And then the only other thing is go out and make your own stuff. Because no one is going to come and pluck you out of obscurity. That’s like hoping to win the lottery. It happens. But you can’t bank your life on that.
Last question: since you’ve been kind enough to answer my questions, I want to give you the opportunity to talk about the new film you’re in, MISSION : IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONING, and say whatever you’re allowed to say about it.
As an action actor, it was always my dream to work on a Tom Cruise movie. I’ve always felt that that is the highest standard of filmmaking. So, for it to actually happen is a dream come true. Talk about winning the lottery! And watching Tom do his own practical diving on the world’s biggest underwater stage was life changing for me. He’s very inspiring. He is truly the last great American movie star, and so to be part of that process was incredible. And because I’ve played so many bad guys in my career, I’m very happy that on this outing I got to play a good guy – a US Navy Dive Master who helps Tom in his mission. Also, go watch it in IMAX. It will blow your mind!
Mission: Impossible – The Final RECKONING Is Out Now In Theatres
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