Caffeinated Clint
It’s a big ask having audiences forget the man who originally occupied the loincloth – in this case, Brendan Fraser – but newcomer Christopher Showerman unexpectedly does it and then some. Clint Morris goes one-on-one with the new ‘George’ of Disney’s “George of the Jungle 2”, released around the globe this month and discovers it takes a certain type to be able to swing, smack-bang into foliage
Was it hard coming into ‘George 2’ replacing Brendan Fraser?
The only hard part was trying not to explode from sheer joy of getting to play this wonderful character. The script immediately forgives me for not being Brendan – as you noted in your review – so it takes a lot of that expectation away and hopefully primes the audience to be open to a new George. I have seen the first George of the Jungle and I thought Brendan was great, but I was careful not to fall into the trap of trying to emulate another performer. I mostly studied monkeys at the LA Zoo to prepare for this role as George was raised by primates.
How did you get involved in the project?
I auditioned.
Were you naturally ‘built’ or had to start exercising?
I have been interested in bodybuilding since I was 7. When I got my first weight set and an Arnold Schwarzenegger calendar at 9, I was hooked for life. However, when I booked George, I had to drop about 10 kilos while maintaining my muscle mass in less than 2 months!! The intensity of diet and exercise was at such an excruciating level, I thought I would die. (I didn’t.) The end justified the means, as I got down to 88 kilos and 3.3% body fat. Whew!
How’d you find working in Queensland?
As long as you all let me back into the country, I will definitely be coming back. What a magical place. The people were so great; I fell in love with everyone. I wanted to propose to half of Queensland!
Get about the Casino at all?
We shot several scenes at Conrad Jupiter’s. Spent many all-nighters running through the keno room, smashing into slot machines and swinging through the atrium. Heck, I even did a swan dive onto a craps table and broke it. (true story – don’t tell Conrad though.)
The direct to video market seems be a real trend these days. You didn’t mind that it wouldn’t be going theatrical?
Disney has mastered the art of sequeling directly to home entertainment. Once it was apparent that Brendan wasn’t going to star in it, George 2 was drafted up as a DVD premier. It was almost a full year after he turned down the job that I signed up as the new George. Once we shot the movie, there was some talk of releasing it to theatres but the economics just weren’t practical by then. I’m really excited that this movie is releasing direct to video. The way I see it, folks all over the world will be taking me home with them. That sorta makes us family, right?
Have you met Brendan Fraser?
I was in Las Vegas with our VFX crew shooting some exteriors and stayed at the same hotel as Brendan while he was working on the new Loony Tunes movie. I wrote him a note telling him how great I thought he was and left it for him at the front desk. Five months later, he showed up to a charity event I was at, came up to me and introduced himself. He said he would have gotten back to me in Vegas, but I didn’t leave any contact info! He is a really wonderful man – and even taller than I am!
Are you contracted to do another ‘George’ flick?
There has been talk, but nothing is signed yet. However, if your readers like the movie and want to see another one with yours truly in it, perhaps they should let Disney know (hint hint!) Click here: Disney Video + DVD – Contact Us
What’s next for you?
I think I’ll make myself some eggs.
What would we find in your DVD collection?
Roberto Benigni’s Life is Beautiful, The Iron Giant, The Sixth Sense, and perhaps some dried guacamole from the Cinco De Mayo party last year.
Are you a fan of the Internet?
I wouldn’t call myself a fan, per se…more of a junkie. I start most conversations with www dot. You Aussies might say I got caught in the inside lane of a roundabout on the information superhighway.
George of the Jungle 2 is now available to Rent on DVD and VHS in Australia
Read our Review here
