Luke Evans is having an epic moment: He plays Aramis in 'The Three Musketeers,' Zeus in the upcoming 'Immortals,' and he's also been cast in a strategic role in Peter Jackson's 'Hobbit' films as Bard the Bowman, a heroic human who comes to Bilbo Baggins' aid. Evans talked to Moviefone about 'Immortals' (look for our interview with him about playing the youngest version of the Greek God closer to the movie's release on Nov. 11) and how much he's enjoying shooting the "longest job of his life" in New Zealand.
Your character, Bard the Bowman, has a very pivotal role. That's a big moment there at the end of the story.
There's an epic moment there, yeah.
Have you been practicing your archery skills?
Yes, I was trained for three weeks in New Zealand with a stunt coordinator, learning my new weapon. I've gone from swords in 'Musketeers' and a bow -- a long bow at that -- for 'The Hobbit,' so it's been a really interesting education, because there's very different ways of using a bow and arrow, so I've learned lots of them to make it look realistic.
When do you go back to work on it?
I go back in three weeks for my second block. Taking a little break to open 'Musketeers' and 'Immortals' and talk to you lovely people.
The actors who made 'The Lord of the Rings' films had this amazing camaraderie, are you experiencing that on 'The Hobbit?'
Yes, I am. It's interesting because the boys -- and when I say the boys, I mean the dwarves -- have been there since February, so they already had their team set up. But there's a lovely energy when you go to Wellington and you meet the whole team, including Fran [Walsh] and Philippa [Boyens] and the whole crew. Everybody. It's a Kiwi quality which I absolutely love and they immediately embrace you and you're part of the family. It just sort of transcends all the way through the layers [of the production], from the runners up to the top. Everybody's there loving the fact they're doing something incredibly special and I feel very honored to be in this family. I feel part of it now and I miss them very much and I can't wait to go back, to be honest.
How much longer do you have to film your part?
I'm there until the middle of next year. It's the longest job of my life.
We can't wait to see it.
Neither can I.
Been wondering why they hadn't stuck one out for a while, glad to see one coming.