Interview: Wesley Campbell

 

For the latest edition of Interview, Last Resort Films president Phil Dolan sits down with writer Wesley Campbell (Run, God of War III - Part One) to discuss his latest film and what it's like writing a sequel to someone else's film....

PD: What made you want to take over as the writer on a Gargoyles sequel 25 seasons after the original premiered?

WC: Like God of War, I just thought it was time to further the story. I grew up watching the show as a kid and remember loving it. I mean the first movie always felt like the easier one to do (if you ask me) since the first four episodes were one story already. The problem was where to go from here and I called HG Hansen to do just that. He and I watched the show and the moment we got to the episode “Enter MacBeth”, HG’s eyes lit up. He came up with the startup and I took it from there.

PD: How do you feel your Gargoyles sequel compares or compliments the first film penned by Roy Horne?

WC: I think it tries to further develop the world and continue from the story while correcting some of the things the critics complained about. I wouldn't compare which one is better since HG & I only tried to deliver a, at least, good follow-up that hopefully still gives room to continue to grow. Mostly, I hope it does well because there's so much of the story of the show to do like Xanatos’ return and mostly “City of Stone”

PD: When you originally claimed the writing assignment for this film from the studio, H.G. Hansen was attached as a co-writer. However when the pitch was turned in he was credited as a producer instead of a co-writer. Do you care to talk about what happened there?

WC: Well, HG gave me permission to talk about this by how sudden it was. At the start, it definitely was a co-writing journey. HG was kinda the one crafting a story worth going forward with. But at some point, HG, I think, got scared and wanted to just help in a producer/revisor position. I think he wants to separate from things with an established fan base unless he's one of those fans. He always seemed worried about disappointing fans the entire time writing it. I'm not being jaded about it because he really helped with a lot of moments I had major writer's block. Also, he has been dealing with personal issues which is what I believe is holding him back from being around more. He was a friend even after my bad behavior during THE CAPE, which he also been respectful enough after the results came through when he was at his lowest. He still came through despite his feelings because he wants to come through giving his best. How can you hate someone like that? Especially at this age of day...

PD: When can we expect part two of God of War III?

WC: very soon. I'm just trying to craft the third game as the basis for Part Two. See, after seeing where God of War II left off, I had to try and make the film series catch-up with the games. So at first it was one movie. But after seeing some critics complain about recent movies being too long or should've been two films, I thought that a two parter would be better. But now that I got decent results, I'm just aiming to deliver an epic ending with the same top-notch visual the critics seemed to love.

PD: What's next for you?

WC: Well, I don't really know if I'm honest. I've been trying to make a certain movie for awhile. That's also my profile pic. I have an idea to do a Crow story that I got permission for that'll be set in medieval times. I would LOVE to remake the cult classic DREAMSCAPE into something with the same vibe but better stakes. I've been talks with HG with helping another writer do a modern remake of a remake of a famous political film starring Frank Sinatra. I'm thinking of maybe doing more purposed sequels to some existing LRF franchises. I don't know. Alot of ideas I have been thinking of doing lately. I would love to do a pitch black christmas comedy HG told me about years ago. Lately, I've been thinking of taking more risks as I find myself being someone who believes the bigger the swing the better. I mean I believe HG calls me Mr. Gamble on his blog often.