Nick Stahl Talks About “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines”

ABOUT.COM – JUNE, 2003

By Rebecca Murray
Source: About.com

Stepping into a role created by another actor is never an easy task. In “Terminator 3,” Nick Stahl fills the role Edward Furlong occupied in “T2.” Questions about the casting change are inevitable but one look at Nick Stahl’s performance in the critically acclaimed relationship drama, “In the Bedroom,” put aside any doubts the filmmakers had about his ability to express Connor’s internal battle.

“Connor is very preoccupied with the existential dilemma in which he finds himself, so I needed an actor who could convey all that pathos, that emotion, that gravitas. It’s difficult to find an actor who is 22 or 23 years old, and yet feels in some sense they’re carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. That’s what I thought was so compelling about Nick Stahl. He gives you that sense,” explains director Jonathan Mostow.

NICK STAHL (’John Connor’)

What is one little tidbit or surprise about your character that you can give away, without giving away too much?
I would say that John Connor is a little bit more hardened by his experiences and he’s a little more cynical now. So he’s coming from a different place than he did in the second movie. When he was a kid, the world was a little more wide open and now he’s a little more grounded and a little more closer to reality.

Did you ever meet with Edward Furlong?
I actually never did. I watched the second movie a lot – and the first movie for that matter – but I think he did a great job with the role in the second movie. I didn’t nessarily emulate but certain qualities you naturally pick up from a performance.

Are you feeling any pressure?
Tonight I’m just trying to have fun. I’m trying to rub the pressure off a bit. This is exhilarating, you know? I didn’t expect this big of an event. Now I just want to have fun and see the movie and see the crowd’s reaction. It’s going to be fun.

Have you seen the movie yet?
I have actually seen it once but not with a crowd. I want to see it with a whole crowd.

What’s happening with your movie, “Bookies?”
I don’t know. I know it went to Sundance Film Festival and hopefully it will be distributed. I don’t know but we’ll see.