David Tennant is no stranger to playing an icon. After portraying sci-fi’s most famous time traveller, Doctor Who, for half a decade, the Scottish actor knows exactly what it’s like to step into some well-worn shoes and still make them look brand new.
That skill no doubt aided Tennant while filming director Craig Gillespie’s remake of Fright Night, in which Tennant plays Las Vegas illusionist/vampire hunter Peter Vincent – a role first made famous by iconic actor Roddy McDowall (Planet of the Apes). Take a look at that synopsis of the Fright Night remake:
Teenager Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) guesses that his new neighbor Jerry Dandrige (Colin Farrell) is a vampire responsible for a string of recent deaths. When no one he knows believes him, he enlists Peter Vincent (David Tennant), a self proclaimed vampire killer and Las Vegas magician, to help him take down Jerry.
We had a chance to speak with The Doctor Tennant bright and early in the morning, when the actor was just coming off a ‘grooming session.’ Among other things, we discussed what it’s like being challenged with stepping up and owning an already-famous character, what the new version of Peter Vincent is all about, and those long-standing rumors that the character is actually a caricature of a certain real-life illusionist:
Screen Rant: Good Morning – grooming went well?
David Tennant: (Laughs) Grooming was exceptional! I feel very groomed!
SR: Very good. Let’s start off by talking about your character in Fright Night, Peter Vincent. This is, of course, a well-known (and loved) character – can you tell us about your take on Peter Vincent?
DT: Well I wasn’t required to compete with Roddy McDowall – who we all know enjoys legendary status quite rightly – because the Peter Vincent in this version is radically relocated both geographically and spiritually from the original one. He fills the same hole in the movie, but he comes from a very different place. He’s a Las Vegas illusionist whereas Roddy McDowall was a late-night horror show host, which I guess don’t really exist anymore, so one of [screenwriter] Marti Noxon’s first tasks was to find a modern-day equivalent for that. So she looked at those illusionists who use Gothic imagery and vampire motifs, which gave her an in for somebody who might know a bit more about the subject [of vampires] and who might perhaps even have some history with the subject that might prove useful to Charlie Brewster when he needs a bit of help.
David was at the Fright Night UK premiere at the O2 Arena where he did a 60 second introduction to the film. I’ve added 7 HQ images so far, and more will come soon!
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Home > PREMIERES > 2011 > Fright Night UK Premiere
Finally added the images from the Much Ado About Nothing press night after party back in June – better late than never. I also replaced 2 Fright Night stills with HQ versions.
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Home > PUBLIC APPEARANCES > After Parties > 2011 > Much Ado About Nothing Press Night Afterparty
Home > FEATURE FILMS > Fright Night > Movie Stills
Ex-Doctor Who star David Tennant is set to voice a role in the new CBeebies show Tree Fu Tom. The 40-year-old actor will be voicing the character of “Twigs”, who is the sidekick to the show’s main star Tom, who will be voiced by another Doctor Who star, Sophie Aldred.
Just added screencaptures of the extended clip from San Diego Comic Con 2011 of Fright Night to the gallery in high definition!
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Home > FEATURE FILMS > Fright Night > San Diego Comic Con 2011 Extended Clip Screencaptures [HD]
Fright Night
Decoy Bride
Much Ado About Nothing
The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists
