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Original URL is http://www.cinescape.com/features/990630a.shtml

3 Questions With Ray Park


The main villain of The Phantom Menace lived up to the film's title by sticking to the shadows. But his henchman, Darth Maul, had a decidedly more in-your-face approach. In fact, the lightsaber-wielding agent of the Sith quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his demonic look and take-no-prisoners ferocity. Cinescape contributor Harold Lime recently got the chance to chat with the man behind Maul, 24-year-old martial arts master Ray Park.

Cinescape: How much freedom did you have to create Darth Maul's fighting style?

Park: [Phantom Menace stunt coordinator] Nick [Gillard] told me what he wanted in the moves, but he also let me be very free in my movements and the flashier the better, which was part of Maul's arrogance. He can end with a flashy pose because he's the man and he knows he's not going to make a mistake.

Cinescape: How much practicing did it take to nail those incredible fight scenes?

Park: I was used to handling weapons in my martial arts, but it was still hard work because we were rehearsing all day every day for two months before shooting. Even holding [the lightsaber] and getting into the right posture made a big difference. It was fun, though I miss the excitement and challenge of being part of a [martial arts] team and going out and performing.

Cinescape: How hard was it for you to figure out how to play Maul?

Park: From my martial arts background, you have to have a certain arrogance about yourself because you can't be intimidated by other competitors. Maybe I have a bit of the Dark Side in me, as well.

Harold Lime's profile of Ray Park can be found in its entirety in the newest issue of Cinescape magazine, now on sale.

-Steve Hockensmith