July is usually a hot month, but this year it looks to be even hotter with the release of two new productions: a revival of ‘Turner and Hooch’ and ‘Snake Eyes: GI Joe Origins.’ Rising talent, Derrick de Villiers, is fanning the flames with an appearance in both.
In 1989, Tom Hanks starred in a movie about a police detective who inherits a destructive, but lovable, pooch when he is the only witness to his former owner’s murder. The film quickly became a fan favorite and was Hank’s first financially successful film in his career. Now, Disney+ is making a revival of the 1989 film ‘Turner and Hooch’ that will premiere on July 16, 2021. In the series, US Marshall, Scott Tuner and of course his inherited, unruly dog Hooch, discover that his father’s death may not have been accidental.
‘Snake Eyes: GI Joe Origins,’ an action spin-off from the G.I. Joe franchise, premiers July 23, 2021. The movie follows a lone fighter who is welcomed in and trained by an ancient Japanese ninja clan called the Arashikage. Although he finds his loyalties being tested when secrets from his past are revealed, he eventually goes on the path to become a hero.
We spoke with de Villiers this week about his roles, his decision to begin acting, and his other passion projects.
Nerd Alert News: Thank you, Mr. de Villiers, for taking the time to answer some questions for Nerd Alert News. Can you describe what influenced you to pursue a career as an actor?
Derrick de Villiers: It was a series of events, to tell you the truth. In 2011 and 2012, I was lucky enough to attend the American Music Awards in Los Angeles thanks to one of my best friends who worked at Dick Clark Productions at the time. She was able to get me all-access credentials that allowed me to be backstage with all the crew. It was during these events that the catalyst for me to become an actor occurred. It was the first time I had seen celebrities behind the scenes. They were just normal people doing extraordinary jobs.
In 2012, I was fired from my job while in the hospital being treated for an Ulcerative Colitis flare-up. It was during this time of recovery that I started to seriously think about what I really wanted from my life. I closed my eyes and I asked myself, “If I had all the money in the world, what would I do?” And I meditated on that thought. I had always wanted to try my hand at acting. So, I Googled acting schools in Vancouver. I found Deb Podowski Acting Studio (formerly Austin Tuck Studios) and I started taking scene study classes with foundation coach Kaaren de Zilva. I started in March of 2013 and I never left. I have been there 8 consecutive years and am currently attending Zoom classes due to the pandemic.
NAN: What can you tell us about your roles in ‘Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins’ and the remake of ‘Turner and Hooch?’
DDV: I don’t think I’m allowed to say too much about my role in ‘Snake Eyes,’ but what I can tell you is it’s an exciting part of the movie. It’s definitely going to be as much fun to watch as it was to film. For the remake of ‘Turner & Hooch,’ it’s always fun playing an edgy “bad” guy because no matter what, there are zero consequences for any of the choices you make for your character. It’s so much fun!
NAN: Can you share what your experiences on set was like – working with the other cast and crew?
DDV: Filming for “Snake Eyes” was overwhelming to say the least. This was my first acting job. From working with and meeting director Robert Schwentke to sitting next to Henry Goulding in the make-up trailer, it was all a surreal experience. Set was like my scene study class on steroids. The TAD (training assistant director) on set was one of the directors who hired me for one of my first student films. A PA (production assistant) was a fellow actor from another student film I worked on and there were so many background actors that I knew from doing background myself. It was truly a magical experience. I couldn’t have felt any more at home.
Being on the ‘Turner & Hooch’ set was another amazing experience. To work one-on-one with another high caliber producer like McG was a true honor. He’s a very cool and down-to-earth guy. My scene is with Brandon J Mclaren, Josh Peck, Cara Patterson and Johnson Phan.
I feel truly blessed to have worked with such experienced actors so early in my career. I absorbed every moment on set.
NAN: Did you watch the original movie with Tom Hanks? If so, what do you think fans of the original are going to enjoy most about his remake?
DDV: Yes, I did watch the original movie with Tom Hanks back when you had to go into the video store to rent movies. I remember the comedic relationship between Tom Hanks’ character and this big, unruly, slobbery dog. The slobber scenes have always stuck in my head. It’s classic, iconic, and definitely made its mark in pop culture. I think fans will enjoy the feel-good family fun that Disney is known for. Other than that, everyone will have to wait and see on July 16th.
NAN: Outside of acting, are there any other passion projects you are currently working on?
DDV: I would love to work with Habitat for Humanity. I think they do extraordinary work helping families get on their feet. Vancouver is an almost impossible place to get ahead due to the current housing market. I’m registered to help as a volunteer, but due to the pandemic, it’s been tough to get out there and help.
NAN: Is there anyone you would like to work with that you have not had the opportunity to yet?
DDV: Well definitely my coach and mentor, Kaaren de Zilva. We spend so much time as coach and student, it would be so much fun to actually work with her. Besides that, another person who would be a dream to work with and learn from would be the People’s Champ, Dwayne Johnson. His saying, “Be the hardest worker in the room” resonates with me and I would love nothing more than the opportunity to work with him one day.
We here at Nerd Alert News would like to extend our gratitude to Derrick de Villiers for taking the time to visit with us. Be sure to mark your calendars for those release dates and follow on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for all the latest. One thing is for certain – fans will be seeing a lot more of Derrick de Villiers in the future.
Written by: Melissa Fudge
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