In the new epic comedy adventure movie, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, fan favorite Nicolas Cage as a sorcerer living in present day New York looking for a new wizard to mentor. The movie is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and will be released on July 14, 2010. Cage’s passion for Disney and the King Arthur mythology made the movie come to life.
Q: Where did you get the idea for “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”?
A: I had been very interested in the mythology of King Arthur—the legend and lore. I had spent quite a bit of time in England, specifically in that area of Somerset where all the legends developed. Similar to when I was a child reading comic books, I started to get reignited and inspired by reading the stories about King Arthur. And it occurred to me that I wanted to make movies that could resonate that in some way; that would be healing and positive. I wanted to see if I could use magic and the imagination to entertain audiences without facilitating bloodlust and having to resort to violence. At the same time I was doing a picture called “Next” and I was playing a magician of sorts in that movie but I really wanted to play a wizard or sorcerer. Todd Garner was the producer on “Next” and I told him about my idea. Todd said, “I’ve got it. You should be the Sorcerer’s Apprentice from ‘Fantasia.’” Just like that. [SNAPS FINGERS] I thought that’s great. So we started to expand the story and find ways we could lengthen this little eight-minute segment from the Goethe poem in “Fantasia” and make a big two-hour, live-action film.
Q: As an actor and an executive producer on this film, can you elaborate a bit on the process of taking your original idea and bringing it to the big screen?
A: Well, we pitched it to some writers and got a first draft of the script. Then one thing led to another and we gave it to Jerry Bruckheimer who sparked to it. Jerry has a great way of entertaining people and giving them a big panache of spectacle—a ride. He also has a way of putting things on a fast track. When he liked it, I thought this is great because I know we are going to make a big fun movie for the whole family. Then we brought in Jon Turteltaub. Jon and I worked very well together on “National Treasure” and “National Treasure: Book of Secrets.” Jon has a gift for comedy. He also has a gift for keeping me light and accessible—in the fun zone.
Q: As a child did you see the classic Disney animated film “Fantasia”?
A: I was very young when I first saw “Fantasia.” I think it may have even been the first movie that my parents took me to see, so it was my first introduction to movies. It was also my first introduction to Disney animation and also my introduction to classical music. The imagery throughout the whole film, not just the Sorcerer’s Apprentice sequence, but the whole film transported me. It influenced my life and everything about it inspired me. I still watch “Fantasia” once a year. I lower the lights, put the movie on and I just sort of lose myself in it. I go into those animated forests and see the little fireflies and mushrooms dancing and it’s just a trip. [LAUGHS] I can’t help but love it.
Q: Alfred Molina plays Maxim Horvath who is Balthazar’s arch-nemesis in the film. Describe for us Maxim’s character.
A: Maxim Horvath was originally a Merlinian and was Balthazar’s best friend, but Maxim has turned to the other side because of jealousy. He is now trying to aid Morgana in taking over the world and enslaving mankind. Balthazar is trying to prevent that from happening. So Maxim’s relationship with Balthazar is this constant battle that’s been going on for 1,000 years.
Q: Why did filmmakers decide to shoot “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” in New York City?
A: It feels like everything comes in and comes out of New York City. It’s like an epicenter of sorts to the world. New York was one of the thirteen original colonies. When the pilgrims came here on the Mayflower, this was one of the first destinations. So you still feel some sense of history and some destiny of culture. And then you have a very uniquely American style of art deco architecture that is in the midst of it with the Chrysler building and the Empire State Building. There is also a mysterious and gothic side to the city. When you think about all the classic movies that have been made here such as “King Kong,” it is impossible not to be overwhelmed and inspired by New York City as a magical backdrop. So it would be the first place I would imagine where a sorcerer war would be going down.
– End Of Interview
Below is the trailer for Sorcerer’s Apprentice:
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