Rathbone Defends S. Darko

The upcoming sequel to Kelly’s Donnie Darko

On the set of Dread, ShockTillYouDrop.com got some chat time with actor Jackson Rathbone to discuss his part in the Clive Barker adaptation and S. Darko, the controversial follow-up to Richard Kelly’s film starring Jake Gyllenhaal.

“I play this crazy character and it has to be one of the best character developments I’ve seen,” Rathbone says of the new Darko. “I just jumped at the chance to play it. Chris Fisher is an amazing director. [Makeup artist] Christel Edwards did this amazing prosthetic effect on me, it was so much fun. It was a month in Utah and we just had a blast [shooting] up there.”

The story picks up seven years after the first film when little sister Samantha Darko (Daveigh Chase) and her best friend Corey (Briana Evigan) are now 18 and on a road trip to Los Angeles when they are plagued by bizarre visions.

Since Fox announced the production start of the sequel, there has been a palpable backlash from the fans. But Rathbone believes they should give it a chance. “Look at the original Donnie Darko. When it was first released, did anybody like it? No, it was a year later,” he says. “Through people talking, people got it. We’re in an opposite boat, because people loved the first one after a while. Maybe they’ll warm up to this, too. Or, they’ll hate the idea of it, but once they see it, I think they’re going to turn around.”

“It takes the idea of the film,” he adds, “and it goes beyond, answering and delving into more questions than Donnie Darko did. A lot of people are pissed that Richard Kelly is not involved, but he did sell the idea. He did give the license to do it. So it’s not like he’s opposed to it.”

Look for Rathbone in the anticipated tween adaptation Twilight (pictured) on November 21st. S. Darko arrives in 2009.

Source: ShockTillYouDrop.com

Movie News

Marvel and DC

X