INTERVIEW: Ben Dukes, star of Karate Kill

Following on from Stephen Harper’s complimentary review of wacky action romp KARATE KILL (out this month on DVD and Blu-ray), we chatted to star Ben Dukes for The Slaughtered Bird.

How did you get involved in Karate Kill?

I wish the story was more interesting, but for me it was as normal as a long drive to an audition. I walked into one of the most full rooms I’ve ever been in, and I did the read. Immediately, one of the folks there spoke up and asked if I could improvise a fight scene with the stunt man in the room. Little did I know that the man who’d first spoken to me was the director, Kurando. We did the fight, I left and not long after we received the offer. Just a great experience!

Why do you think you were the right man for Charlie the Attacker?

I think Kurando’s vision was for a big, bruising redneck-looking foil to Hayate’s hero. He needed to provide an imposing presence, something that would bring an air of danger to that moment of the film… and apparently I looked like the right asshole. Ha!

Did you pick up any scars during the production?

I actually walked away completely uninjured. The stunt team on the day was extremely professional and attentive. We marked every beat and they ensured safety the whole day.

Were you a fan of these old school martial-arts flicks growing up?

I loved watching martial-arts films growing up! Whether it was Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee, or the “Remo Williams’ series, seeing people moving faster than any human should be able to was always exciting. I’ve always been impressed by the precision and power of the fight choreography in these styles of films.

How many bottles of corn syrup were used during the movie? (do they even use corn syrup any more?!)

Hahaha… I’m really not even sure. I know we went through a score of breakaway bottles in the bar, though!

How was Hayate to work with?

Hayate is a consummate pro. His acting, his movement, it’s all on point.. and he’s a great partner in a scene. He thinks about the shot in total, not just his part in it – realism was very important to him, as was safety. Those are great qualities in an action star.

For our UK readers who possibly aren’t aware, you’re also a country artist and songwriter. How’s the music going? What do we have to look forward to in that arena?

Music will always be a huge part of my life and career. I have a few songs that are making their way around the Nashville Plugging scene right now, and I’m constantly writing new ones. I don’t have a plan for a full-length album at the moment, but some single or EP releases may be forthcoming later this year… maybe your readers will follow me to find out!

Indeed - give Ben a follow on Twitter right here: @BenDukes

Check out our Karate Kill review by clicking HERE.