Can't wait to see The Maze Runner?
We got a chance to chat with one of the movie's young, up-and-coming stars, Blake Cooper, about his role in the eagerly anticipated film.
The Maze Runner is an action-adventure about a young man named Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) who wakes up trapped in a massive maze with a group of other boys. Yikes! He has no memory of his former life or the outside world, but must uncover his true purpose and a way to escape by piecing together fragments of his past with clues he discovers in the maze.
Blake told us all about his role in the film, what it was like working with Dylan and why this Young Adult book turned blockbuster is different than The Hunger Games or Divergent. Watch The Maze Runner trailer above and check out our interview with him below.
Cambio: What are three words you'd use to describe your character Chuck in "The Maze Runner?"
Blake Cooper: Courageous, Kind, Funny
C: What would you say is Chuck's role in the group of guys in the movie?
BC: Chuck definitely is described as the little brother of the glade, and also a follower and supporter of Thomas no matter what. I think he also could have the chops to be a leader. Watch the movie and see for yourself whether you agree with me. To me, Chuck represents the innocence and heart of the group.
C: What was it like working with so many other young guys on set?
BC: It was an absolute blast! I connected so easily with these guys because they really don't act their age! But that's a good thing. I feel like these guys will be my friends forever. (Kaya [the one girl in the film] included.)
C: What's your favorite memory of working with Dylan O'Brien?
BC: Every memory is my favorite memory! Dylan is such an awesome and fun guy that I couldn't possibly choose which one. I mainly appreciate how nice he was to me the entire time.
C: How is The Maze Runner different than other Young Adult novels that have recently been turned into films, like The Hunger Games and Divergent?
BC: Well one thing The Maze Runner doesn't have is a romance. They don't have the time to do anything romancey! They're fighting for their lives!
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C: Describe the world in which this movie exists.
BC: The Maze Runner is set in a beautiful place called The Glade, which is where the gladers live and grow their food. The Glade is surrounded by a giant (at least 150 foot) wall that protects the gladers from Grievers. (The grievers are horrible monsters that hunt the boys and live inside of The Maze.) The Maze is...well, a huge maze with moving walls that change formation every day. Wes Ball, our director, has done an amazing job of creating our "world" and I can't wait for everyone to experience the mystery and suspense of it!
C: What's the best advice you've ever received?
BC: I recently got some good advice from Brian Dennehy while we were working on the Amazon Studios pilot, Cocked. He said something like, "Quit acting and become a dentist!" Of course he was joking, but I thought it was pretty funny! (At least I think he was joking.) Wes Ball had great advice when he kept telling us, "Pain is temporary, but film lasts forever!" And, in truth the best advice I've gotten is simple and from my mom and that is to, "Remember to have fun because if you aren't having fun, WHY would you be doing this?"
C: What's your hidden talent?
BC: Not sure how big a secret this is, but I sing and play guitar. I also happen to be great with animals.
C: Who is your celeb crush and why?
BC: I don't actually have a celebrity crush, but I'll tell you some celebrities that I'd love to work with. Leonardo Di'Caprio, Tom Hanks, Troy Baker, Andy Serkis, Russell Crowe, Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Gary Oldman and the list goes on.
C: Who inspires you and why?
BC: If I had to pick just one person, it would be my mom. She taught me almost everything I know about life. She is constantly helping me and inspiring me to be successful, and to be a kind and helpful person. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be where I am today. (In fact, I wouldn't even be alive!)
Check out The Maze Runner in theaters on Sept. 19.
We got a chance to chat with one of the movie's young, up-and-coming stars, Blake Cooper, about his role in the eagerly anticipated film.
The Maze Runner is an action-adventure about a young man named Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) who wakes up trapped in a massive maze with a group of other boys. Yikes! He has no memory of his former life or the outside world, but must uncover his true purpose and a way to escape by piecing together fragments of his past with clues he discovers in the maze.
Blake told us all about his role in the film, what it was like working with Dylan and why this Young Adult book turned blockbuster is different than The Hunger Games or Divergent. Watch The Maze Runner trailer above and check out our interview with him below.
Cambio: What are three words you'd use to describe your character Chuck in "The Maze Runner?"
Blake Cooper: Courageous, Kind, Funny
C: What would you say is Chuck's role in the group of guys in the movie?
BC: Chuck definitely is described as the little brother of the glade, and also a follower and supporter of Thomas no matter what. I think he also could have the chops to be a leader. Watch the movie and see for yourself whether you agree with me. To me, Chuck represents the innocence and heart of the group.
C: What was it like working with so many other young guys on set?
BC: It was an absolute blast! I connected so easily with these guys because they really don't act their age! But that's a good thing. I feel like these guys will be my friends forever. (Kaya [the one girl in the film] included.)
C: What's your favorite memory of working with Dylan O'Brien?
BC: Every memory is my favorite memory! Dylan is such an awesome and fun guy that I couldn't possibly choose which one. I mainly appreciate how nice he was to me the entire time.
C: How is The Maze Runner different than other Young Adult novels that have recently been turned into films, like The Hunger Games and Divergent?
BC: Well one thing The Maze Runner doesn't have is a romance. They don't have the time to do anything romancey! They're fighting for their lives!
C: Describe the world in which this movie exists.
BC: The Maze Runner is set in a beautiful place called The Glade, which is where the gladers live and grow their food. The Glade is surrounded by a giant (at least 150 foot) wall that protects the gladers from Grievers. (The grievers are horrible monsters that hunt the boys and live inside of The Maze.) The Maze is...well, a huge maze with moving walls that change formation every day. Wes Ball, our director, has done an amazing job of creating our "world" and I can't wait for everyone to experience the mystery and suspense of it!
C: What's the best advice you've ever received?
BC: I recently got some good advice from Brian Dennehy while we were working on the Amazon Studios pilot, Cocked. He said something like, "Quit acting and become a dentist!" Of course he was joking, but I thought it was pretty funny! (At least I think he was joking.) Wes Ball had great advice when he kept telling us, "Pain is temporary, but film lasts forever!" And, in truth the best advice I've gotten is simple and from my mom and that is to, "Remember to have fun because if you aren't having fun, WHY would you be doing this?"
C: What's your hidden talent?
BC: Not sure how big a secret this is, but I sing and play guitar. I also happen to be great with animals.
C: Who is your celeb crush and why?
BC: I don't actually have a celebrity crush, but I'll tell you some celebrities that I'd love to work with. Leonardo Di'Caprio, Tom Hanks, Troy Baker, Andy Serkis, Russell Crowe, Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Gary Oldman and the list goes on.
C: Who inspires you and why?
BC: If I had to pick just one person, it would be my mom. She taught me almost everything I know about life. She is constantly helping me and inspiring me to be successful, and to be a kind and helpful person. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be where I am today. (In fact, I wouldn't even be alive!)
Check out The Maze Runner in theaters on Sept. 19.