‘Carry-On’ Star Taron Egerton on the Movie’s ‘Messy and Pedestrian’ Fight Sequences and ‘Extreme’ Death Scene: ‘It’s So Camp and Larger Than Life’

In my humble opinion, Taron Egerton is a versatile actor who has truly come into his own with his latest film, “Eathan: The Airborne Hero.” His journey from a kid separated on an airplane to fighting bad guys on conveyor belts is nothing short of inspiring.

⚠️ WARNING: The upcoming narrative and questions may reveal details about the scenes and storyline from “Carry-On.

In the latest action-thriller from Netflix titled “Carry-On,” Oscar-nominated actor Taron Egerton portrays Ethan, an unlucky Transportation Security Administration agent who is coerced by a secretive traveler (Jason Bateman) into enabling a dangerous bag carrying explosive chemical weapons to pass through security checks, leading to a potential disaster on a flight departing from LAX bound for JFK.

In an attempt to rescue the situation, Ethan finds himself facing a dire predicament as Bateman menaces Nora, who happens to be his pregnant girlfriend and an employee at the airport.

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but express my excitement for the upcoming movie directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. This film boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Danielle Deadwyler, Dean Norris, Theo Rossi, Tonatiuh, Logan Marshall-Green, and Sinqua Walls.

I had a chat with Egerton, delving into the topic of whether “Carry-On” qualifies as a Christmas movie, his thoughts on potentially making a sequel, and the intense death scene of Bateman.

I love this movie, Taron.

I did hear that you loved it. I was told that you loved it, and it was music to my ears.

Upon receiving an invitation to the premiere, I responded with eagerness, “I can’t wait to see it!” Without any prior knowledge of the movie, I went in blind. I had no clue what it was about, but after watching it, I found myself captivated and exclaiming, “I can’t get enough of it!” It’s absolutely absurd in a delightfully engaging way.

That’s fantastic! It’s grand and over-the-top, and I hope it becomes an extraordinary Christmas spectacle that offers everyone a chance to immerse themselves for two hours in a wonderful escape.

Let’s talk about that. Is this a Christmas movie?

Marc, I’m quite surprised you’re involving me in this discussion. It’s clear as crystal that it’s a Christmas film. Haven’t you noticed the Christmas trees adorning the airport scene?

I did.

Did you not hear the Christmas scoring to the movie?

Should people be watching this movie before they take their holiday flight home?

Absolutely! It’s a great query. I recommend watching the film prior to your holiday travels during Christmas. In my opinion, it’s not only advisable but also potentially required as the movie releases on December 13th. Being a movie, it should ideally serve as a means to alleviate existential fears at Christmas rather than instill them. Instead, it offers a cathartic exploration of worst-case scenarios, serving as a reminder that these are fictional events and your real-world travel experiences during the holidays will be safe and enjoyable.

How was the movie pitched to you?

The logline of a movie I read in one go struck me as one I wanted to watch. In my professional journey, I’ve been fortunate enough to engage in various aspects, but finding projects that are both grandiose and intellectually stimulating is not common. This movie seemed to be such a rarity. As an actor, I saw it as a unique chance to be part of something with a broad reach. Given its potential scale, I believed the film could attract a vast audience. Beyond appreciating the story for its entertainment value, I also perceived it as a valuable opportunity for me.

It’s the ultimate what-would-you-do movie.

It seems undeniably influenced by the movie “Die Hard.” Just as “Twister” evoked a nostalgic feel in various aspects, I hope “Carry-On” will strike a chord with viewers and resonate similarly to the spirit of that classic film.

Was a person reading the lines for Jason Bateman’s character when he spoke to you over the phone during the movie? Could you explain how that process took place?

Initially, it was Jason who took the lead for the initial couple of days. He was fantastic, and we went through some of the early scenes together. After that point, our set became a sort of automated actor, with another performer stepping in to read Jason’s lines. This was an extraordinary experience, unlike anything I had encountered before, yet incredibly engaging. It presented a unique challenge – one of making the scenes feel captivating and realistic – but I found it exhilarating. This project is unlike any other I’ve worked on, and that’s precisely what I crave in my creative journey.

I love the fact the first time you saved the day, I think you had two seconds left on the bomb.

Just in the nick of time. Right, Marc?

Literally. It starts at three minutes and then you use this bloody pen to stop the timer.

The pen has already been used for nefarious purposes.

Yeah, someone stabbed your boss [Dean Norris] in his neck with it.

It’s wild.

I guess you have to be careful of not looking too goofy like, “I got two seconds to go.”

As a fan, here’s my take on paraphrasing:

https://playlist.megaphone.fm/

At some stage, without a doubt, there’s a red light from a prop gun pointed at Nora’s head. Did you happen to notice this light while we were shooting? If you did, can you describe how unsettling it felt?

We used a real laser pen. It’s a really horrible thing but amazing in terms of playing the stakes and the drama of it in the scene because it’s immediately viscerally disturbing. But a lot of what we did in the movie was done in camera. The airplanes taking off in the background, the shots and things, because we shot at a real airport, which is so rare and such a treat to do things practically like that.

Your character’s name is Ethan. Is that an homage to “Mission: Impossible?”

It’s possible that the writer and I might have had a similar thought, as some people have asked me about my running, which I found quite complimentary. However, I’m not sure. It seems like it could just be a coincidence, but it’s also possible. To be honest, I don’t think Tom Cruise is going to be too concerned about me taking on another Ethan in an action film, but feel free to make the comparison if you wish.

Let’s discuss the moment Ethan trapped Jason Bateman’s character inside a refrigerator in the cargo hold of the plane, along with one of the explosives.

I shoved him in a fridge. It’s a very legitimate way of taking out a bad guy in a movie.

An airtight fridge. It has to be really airtight.

It’s industrial strength airtight fridge, Marc. Did you not hear the seal when it closed?

Well, I saw you were holding it.

Indeed, this protagonist exudes an undeniable strength. Time and again, he manages to establish a robust barrier, ensuring safety for those around him.

What was it like seeing Jason die like that?

His makeup was quite extravagant, leaving me speechless when I first saw it. Yet, he delivered an impressive performance, making the experience enjoyable. At that stage in the film, it’s over-the-top, campy, and grandiose, but it was entertaining. It’s refreshing to let go of seriousness sometimes.

And you got to fight with Tonatiuh on a conveyor belt. How much fun was that?

Beyond its grime and resembling an ancient conveyor belt from a closed terminal at Louis Armstrong airport in New Orleans, it was fantastic. Prior experiences involved high-octane action, but this one was refreshingly down-to-earth and everyday, not overblown like portraying a secret agent or the like. Instead, it’s about an ordinary individual navigating baggage to rescue his girlfriend.

Did you get hurt at all?

No, no. The thing about me, Marc, is I’m so tough, honestly.

When I think Taron, I go, “Tough guy.”

Indeed, it seems we’re all on the same page here. I, too, admire that dynamic trio – Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, and Taron Egerton. They truly make a formidable team!

What about a sequel?

To be clear, until today, I hadn’t given it much thought as the film seems incredibly unique, like a bolt of lightning in one place, but then again, nothing ever stopped “Die Hard.” I believe it turned out fantastic, and I’m always open to new ideas. You mention a sequel, and my ears perk up; I’m all set!

Ethan on a boat, Ethan on a train.

There are several options for where Ethan could be: on a boat, on a train, or even inside a submarine beneath the water.

What has been your worst airplane experience?

As a child, I found myself lost with my mother on an aircraft. We were seated far apart throughout the flight, which made me feel extremely small and anxious. Looking back, this experience remains vivid in my memory, despite the passage of more than two decades.

Did you cry? Were you a crier? Were you screaming?

Indeed, it’s true. I tend to get emotional easily. In fact, I almost shed tears on two occasions during this conversation, Marc. And let me tell you, back in 1996, I was quite the tearful one as well.

You’re welcome to tune into the whole interview with Egerton, available now on “Just for EbMaster” (or any platform where you prefer to listen to your favorite podcasts).

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2024-12-16 00:47