Anthony Mackie Discusses How He Won His Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Role
Posted 02.22.11 by Ryan
Upon first glance, the adaptation of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter might seem a touch silly as it involves the late U.S. President wielding an axe to kill vampires during the Civil War. However, the project is attracting some serious talent with Tim Burton producing, and Wanted director Timur Bekmambetov taking the helm. Broadway actor Benjamin Walker has landed the lead role while actors
Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker) and Dominic Cooper (Mamma Mia!) were recently added as Lincoln's best friend and vampire-killing mentor, respectively.
In a recent interview with Collider, Mackie talked about how he fought for the part of Will, Lincoln's best friend and fellow vampire slayer.
I met with the producers and the director about three or four months ago. When I first heard about it, it sounded kind of ridiculous. I was like, "There’s no way they can make this into a good movie — a viable project." That’s when I read the script, and I talked to the director, Timur, and I was really blown away by what he put together and the idea — the premise of the story. It’s actual historic accounts of Abraham Lincoln in the past. And they just put in this vampire subplot which actually works really well. I was really surprised by what they were able to do with this script.
While Lincoln is depicted on the book's back cover with an axe behind his back, Mackie revealed that his character will have his own weapon of choice.
I’m really excited about getting my machete and start chopping on vampires.
In order to prepare for the role, Mackie said he's engaging in "a lot of cardio" for the March production start in New Orleans.
Written and adapted for screen by author
Seth Grahame-Smith, who also successfully mixed zombies and
Jane Austin in his first novel,
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter also stars
Mary Elizabeth Winstead (
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World)
as Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd. The movie opens on June 22, 2012.