South Africa’s Goliath Brothers, Jason (actor, comedian, and presenter) and Donovan (actor, comedian and creative director), are appearing alongside Vin Diesel in his upcoming superhero blockbuster, Bloodshot. Filmed at Cape Town Film Studios in South Africa, the feature, which is adapted from a Valiant Comics comic book character, is set to release on the 13th of March.
Naturally, Jason and Donovan Goliath were excited about discussing their roles in the film. We took the time to discuss Bloodshot, Vin Diesel and the future of South African superhero films.
Were you aware of the Bloodshot comic books before being involved with the film?
Jason: Hahaha, no! I did do a bit of research beforehand. But I’m a huge fan of the genre and I love the character and story!
Donovan: I hate to say it, not at all. I did do my research once we got the call to say we were going to play a role in the film.
Tell us more about the characters you play in the film.
Jason: We play two police officers on a lunch break. We’re on screen for under 10 seconds! But it’s great!
Donovan: We play two typical Laurel and Hardy-type policeman who are caught in a crossfire between Vin Diesel and an antagonist.
Avengers: Age of Ultron and Dredd shot scenes in South Africa. Now, Bloodshot. What do you think makes South Africa so appealing to international studios and production companies?
Jason: What makes SA great is our Rand! It makes for great value when your budget is in dollars. Then our people, we have a wealth of incredible talent in the film industry and, finally, our landscapes! SA can be dressed to look like anywhere on earth!
Donovan: I think SA has a bit of everything they’re looking for in terms of scenery. Beaches, architecture, incredible landscapes. It’s all here and easily accessible. It’s also really cost-effective I’ve heard.
Rumour has it that Vin Diesel learned some Afrikaans on set. Did you teach him any good words?
Jason: Vin is a huge star so you don’t get to be too close for too long, but he’s Vin! So we were fanboying hard but also behaving ourselves! So the split-second break we got with Vin was just enough time for a selfie. He said we brought swagger to the scene!
Donovan: Hahaha. Trust me if we got an opportunity to teach him any Afrikaans words they’d definitely be rude.
What were the sets like?
Jason: It was proper Hollywood stuff! By far the biggest set I’ve ever been on. Nearly 200 people means a lot of moving parts yet it all functions with remarkable smoothness.
Donovan: Insane. Hundreds of people lifting, moving and operating things all the time. You quickly realise why these movies cost so much to make.
Do you feel like South Africa is capable of telling stories and making films on the same scale?
Jason: I definitely do! Our stories are even better but industry budgets mean we struggle to grandstand them.
Donovan: I definitely think we’re capable creatively but those kinds of superhero movie budgets definitely hold us back. The amount of animation and post-production is what kills funds very quickly.
What do you think it is that makes comic books films so appealing?
Jason: Comic books provide escapism and are inspirational, patriotic stories of good triumphing over evil! Who doesn’t like that!?
Donovan: Nostalgia, definitely, but also because it’s a fantasy world you’re allowed to bend so many rules and challenge reality. It’s always exciting to see how far they can push it.
If you got the opportunity to gain the same powers as Bloodshot does, what would you do with those abilities and why?
Jason: I’d proper be out saving people at night while wearing a mask, and by day I’d be a Springbok! And a Protea! And I’d play for Real Madrid while running for President!
Donovan: He regenerates and recovers from injury immediately so I think I’d use those powers every time a joke of mine bombs on stage.
Directed by Dave Wilson, Bloodshot stars Jason Goliath, Donovan Goliath, Vin Diesel, Guy Pearce, Sam Heughan, Eiza González, and Toby Kebbell. The film was filmed in Cape Town, South Africa, and Prague, Czech Republic.
