Extraction, out on Netflix later this week, represents another MCU team-up of sorts even as it deals with vastly different material. Based on a graphic novel by Joe Russo and produced by the Russo brothers, it stars Chris Hemsworth as a black-market mercenary who must rescue the son of a crime lord.
Director Sam Hargrave (who was the stunt coordinator on Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Endgame) and the movie’s star had a chat with Screen Rant about filming in India and taking on action of a different kind.
Guys, this movie has mind-blowing action. Insane, and it's so intense. Congratulations on the film, but it seems the physicality is a different breed than you would find in an Avengers movie. Can you talk to me about the different toll it takes on you, being more of a grounded action flick?
Chris Hemsworth: Yeah, there was no hiding behind the trickery of filmmaking. You couldn't cut to another angle to hide mistake, or stunt doubles and so on. It meant a huge amount of rehearsal time and just a completely exhausting process, but it's something we're beyond proud of. Afterwards, it felt like there was such a sense of achievement that we'd done something very unique and different. It was by far the most physically demanding thing I've ever done.
Sam, there's this chase scene that's a super long scene. And I was so impressed by that scene; there's so many things going on around you. And this was shot in India. Can you talk to me about how they embraced the filmmaking? I heard that they were waiting for Chris, and it was kind of wild out there.
Sam Hargrave: It was. It was an amazing and unique environment. I've shot in many countries all over the world, and nowhere [was] quite like this. But the enthusiasm for what we were doing was incredible. We'd leave the hotel, and people would be following us to set. Not necessarily to be intrusive, but they just were so invested and so involved. Because we were in their community and their space in Ahmedabad, India, but they were so supportive.
I mean, there were times when we'd walk out and there'd be thousands of people on the balconies and rooftops just watching and just enjoying the live theater. And they would cheer after a take, or if you Chris looked up and waved a hand, it was like a rock star had emerged. And they were just screaming and hollering. But that energy, I think, helped all of us to continue with this monumental task we had placed in front of ourselves. And so I'm super appreciative to that whole community for the support and enthusiasm they gave.
This was originally a graphic novel that the Russos did a few years back, Chris, did they always have you in mind for this role? Sam, when did you become aware of the graphic novel? Did you pitch it to the Russos or do they kind of pitch it to you to direct?
Chris Hemsworth: I think that went to all the other Chrises first, and [were] scraping the barrel by the time they got to me. It is what it is. I don't know; they could have.
I don't know, Sam, you could answer that. How many times did Chris Evans say no?
Sam Hargrave: Let's face the other question; we'll get to that later. No, they approached us on Infinity War. I had actually read the script of Ciudad, which the graphic novel was based on, many years ago when I think [John Pogue] was attached to direct it.
I read it, I thought it was amazing, but I was in no position at that time to direct. But then it didn't get made, for whatever reason; came back around. You were on Infinity War, I was looking for a project and the Russos had been very supportive and like mentors to me. Joe said, "Hey, I've got a script I'd love you to read." I read it, recognized it as a different name but the same story, and I was like, "Oh, this is fantastic. I'd be honored."
He also gave it to Chris. As soon as he said yes, I was like, "Come on. Avengers Assemble. We've got a great crew; we've got to make this movie."
Chris, you're going to do the biopic of Hulk Hogan. How has that been going and what part of Hulk Hogan's personality are you most excited for fans to see that they may not know about?
Chris Hemsworth: Look, I haven't read a script yet. I know it's being written now and worked on. I know very little about that. It's sort of in the process now.
I'm just fascinated by that world, and I think they're pretty keen to show a side of the world that people haven't seen before. I'm as intrigued as you are.
Tyler isn't your standard Boy Scout action hero. There's a sense of a damaged past here. Can you talk to me about your character's past?
Chris Hemsworth: Yeah, he's certainly an emotionally broken individual. And there's a suicidal sort of approach to life and in his fighting style. He's a gun for hire and mercenary, and has buried deep inside him his actions from the past. That is all drawn to the surface, and he's forced to sort of confront that.
It becomes a redemption tale in a way for a man seeking to sort of right his wrongs. And I found that emotional resonance and heartbeat in the story really impressive within an action film like this. I don't think you see that combination, and that's what made it feel fresh and unique.
Extraction is streaming on Netflix April 24, 2020.
