Patrick explains how he became a 'Starship Trooper.'
Tani asks: Hi Patrick welcome online! I love 'Starship Troopers.' You were great. Can you share some funny moments while filming?Patrick says:
I guess the funniest or the strangest thing was the director. He has so much energy it was fun taking direction from him. He's from Holland. Sometimes he was difficult to understand sometimes he would impersonate the bugs as we were shooting. He definitely made shooting interesting.Tammy asks: Patrick what was it like the first time you saw yourself on the bigscreen fighting the bugs? The movie was so cool!
Patrick says:
Thank you very much glad you enjoyed it. I was really really nervous to see it for the first time It was strange. I was cringing as soon as the audience started watching. The second time it was a lot easier to see the performance. I don't like watching myself especially on a 30ft screen. Its scary!Sandy asks: 'Troopers' was the best movie I've seen all year! Where did you shoot the film?
Patrick says:
I'm glad you dug the movie. We shot mostly in Los Angeles on the Sony lot. We spent a month in Wyoming for some of the MI scenes and a little bit in South Dakota.Jill asks: What was the audition like for 'StarshipTroopers'?
Patrick says:
The audition for me went like this: I walked into the room and Denise Richards (Carmen) was there. My auditions were all with her. We did a few different scenes a few different ways. I waited for a few weeks and then I lucked out enough to get the part. I was really excited about it.
Keith asks: I really like the soundtrack to the movie. Did you? What kind of music do you like?Patrick says:
Yes I did. I liked the soundtrack very much. I think it always helps to punctuate the important parts of the movie. The love story parts would get all stringy and cute. Personally I like a lot of alternative rock. I just got back from San Francisco where I saw Pearl Jam open up for the Rolling Stones. It was awesome.Meno asks: What kind of role would you like to do that you haven't had the opportunity to play yet?
Patrick says:
Ummm. I'm really not sure. The thing I would like to do with my career is play as many different parts and characters as I can but I'd like to play them all. That's the fun of acting for me to get into a lot of different skins.A fan from New Jersey asks:
Do you enjoy making motion pictures more than working on daytime television? I just
wanted you to know that as a "Days" fan I still miss you as Austin, but I hope you are doing well and will see more of you in the future no matter what you decide to do.Patrick says:
That's very nice... thanks. At times I do miss "Days of Our Lives" and some of the
people that work there. The thing I like about movies is that we have a lot more
time to prepare 'Starship Troopers' We shot 100 pages in one day. I paid my dues on "Days of our Lives" and am enjoying the longer breaks with movies. Keep watching "Day's" its great!Lion Fire asks: Just wanted to say that this movie rocked! I wanted to know if there is going to be a sequel?
Patrick says:
There are a lot of rumors about a sequel. Nothing definite yet. The movie was left wide open for a sequel. I don't know how much more of a part I'm going to play since I've had my brains sucked out in this one.Stuart asks: What was it like acting out the scene where you get your brain sucked out?
Patrick says:
It took us a long time to shoot that scene. When we shot it none of the bugs were there except the "Brain Bug." The sucker from the Brain Bug goes up in the air and then comes back down in the scene. I had to move quickly before it came back down on me. They then put in a dummy to have its skull caved in. The dummy was robotics so its eyes and stuff moved. The stunt people teased me with the dummy. It was strange.Cyber asks: Dear Patrick, during the battle scenes with the bugs was it hard pretending to fight something that was not there?
Patrick says:
I don't know how hard it was but it was odd and different. You have to picture it in your head what the bugs looked like. When I look out into the abyss where they were I would imagine the faces of people that I didn't like and shoot at them. You really played games with yourself.MarkC asks: How did you start your career in acting? 'Starship Troopers' was so fun, I loved it! Kudos!
Patrick says:
Right on! Thanks for seeing the movie. I started my career pretty much the regular way got acting classes and after the first scene knew that was what I wanted to do with my life and I've stuck to it ever since.Drew F. asks: How long did it take to make this awesome movie?
Patrick says:
The movie took 7 months to make and from the time I finally saw the movie it was a
year and 7 months. From the time I started and actually saw the movie it was weird because I hadn't seen the bugs at all. The special effects with the bugs really blew me away.Tracie says:
At that time did you have any idea how popular it was going to be?Patrick says:
When you're shooting nobody knows how it will be received. We knew the effects would be cool we had Mr. Verhoeven who directed 'Total Recall' so the effects would be cool. Luckily there were lots of elements that were there that I didn't realize were there. Nobody knew how funny the movie was going to be.Sarah asks: Did you enjoy working with Neil Patrick Harris during filming of 'Starship Troopers'?
Patrick says:
I enjoyed Neal a lot. He has one of the dryest senses of humor. He's very talented. I'm looking forward to seeing him in "Rent" the play. I hear he's doing a good job.Billy Vick asks: Is your fan club still active? I sent a check in for membership, but it was never cashed and I never received any information from it. Thanks.
Patrick says:
Since I left "Day's of our Lives" the fan club got all confused. I don't know what's going on with it at this point. Sorry about your check. I'm trying to re-assemble one with some friends of mine. They are trying to help me put something together over the Internet.Van asks: I am interested in acting. What do I do to get started and how did you get started?
Patrick says:
It depends on where you live. The best schools for acting are in New York and Los Angeles. No matter where you live, the most important thing is to get in there and do it. Get into local theater. Keep practicing your art. When you feel ready start auditioning and go back to acting class then audition some more then get a job then go back to acting class.Mike asks: I heard you and Casper got into a thumb war after the fight scene. Who won? Does Carmen (Denise) have a boyfriend?
Patrick says:
I don't believe Denise has a boyfriend right now. I don't remember who won the thumb wars since there were about sixty takes in that scene. There were probably lots of wins and losses, nobody kept score.Tommi asks: I read that the cast had to go to "boot camp" to get in the mood. Did you have to go and if so, what was it like?
Patrick says:
I wasn't allowed to go to the camp. Zander (my character) is in the fleet. The fleet was not allowed to mix with the mobile infantry. I asked our military advisor Capt. Dale Die if I could go to camp and he said, "No you are an officer."JonF asks: Patrick I loved the movie, especially your character Zander. What appealed to you most about the role?
Patrick says:
I liked the semi-antagonist role played to the relationship of Carmen and Johnnie but he wasn't a bad guy. Carmen is very hot and he simply wanted a relationship with her. And Johnny was in the way. He's a very heroic character. An ace pilot and is great at killing bugsChris asks: Did you audition for any other parts in the movie?
Patrick says:
I just auditioned for Zander.Gooley asks: Patrick, I know you used to play for us Trojans! Are you psyched about the game against UCLA? Who do you think will win?
Patrick says:
Hmmmm....who do I think will win? Who do I want to win ? Ummm. I'd really like to see the Trojans spoil the Bruins Rose Bowl plans, but I'm upset that we don't have Rose Bowl plans of our own. Fight on!KarimHamasni asks: Those guns on 'Starship Troopers' looked so real when being fired. Did they shoot fake bullets or something?
Patrick says:
They just shot blanks. They discharged shells out of the side, so you had to watch to make sure nobody was standing next to you. A lot of the troopers got hit with hot shells, luckily they were wearing helmets. The guns were a lot of fun.Melissa asks: Patrick what's your favorite "sci-fi" movie? (Loved the movie!)
Patrick says:
Other than 'Starship Troopers' it was definitely 'Star Wars.' I think its one of the greatest stories ever told as far as sci-fi goes. I was a real 'Star Wars' head when I was a little kid.Chris asks: What is Jake Bussey like off camera?
Patrick says:
Jake off camera is a very very funny person. We did a movie called 'Black Cat Run' after "Troopers" He kept me laughing through the entire shoot. I really liked working with him in both movies.Tracie says:
When is that 'Black Cat Run' coming out?Patrick says
I'm sorry, I don't know when Black Cat Run is coming out. It is scheduled for sometime next year.KarimHamasni asks: I'm under age and I had to sneak in cause I had to see it. What do you think about its rating?
Patrick says:
I think it definitely had to be "R." You're a bad bad girl. And I won't tell your Mom. I hope that you enjoyed it. I think the movie wouldn't' have been as funny without the over the top violence.
JD asks: How did you like acting with two beautiful women? If you were stuck on a island for the rest of your life with one of them which would you choose?Patrick says:
I won't answer that question :). but I'll say that they are both beautiful and it made shooting a lot easier when you can look over your shoulder and see such hotties.Mike asks: Hey what's up Patrick? I went to go see 'Starship Troopers' and it was the bomb!
Patrick says:
Thanks for seeing the movie. Glad you dug it!Shawn asks: What is Casper like off camera?
Patrick says:
Casper was very funny off camera. He's high energy and made me laugh a lot.Chi asks: You have such a great body! How do you keep in shape?
Patrick says:
Thanks for the compliment. I try to stay away from fast foods which is really hard to do because I think one of God's greatest gifts to man is fast food.Tony G. asks: Are you really answering questions?
Patrick says:
Yes its really me. Hi how are you ?? At least I think its me!jd asks: What was "Melrose Place" like to work on?
Patrick says:
I loved working on "Melrose Place." I met a lot of cool people who I'm still friends with. It was great to be a part of such an insane TV show.Erik asks: What was the part that you most enjoyed doing?
Patrick says:
I liked the physical parts of the movie. Especially when the ship was exploding. We had to run in and out of flame throwers and shaking stages and stuff. You don't get to do that too often in real life. Luckily.Wendy asks: If you had one wish, what would it be?
Patrick says:
Not sure what that would be that's a tough one. I guess peace on earth, good will to all men. That USC beats UCLA this weekend. And that I'm not getting a parking ticket outside right now.Laurie asks: Are you single?
Patrick says:
Yes, I am very single.Kevin asks: What is your favorite movie of all time?
Patrick says:
I don't just have one! 'Street Car Named Desire,' 'Raging Bull,' 'Repo Man,' 'Oceans Eleven' and 'Cannon Ball Run.'
Stuart asks: Have you read Heinlein's novel, 'Starship Troopers'?
Patrick says:
Yes, I have read the novel. I think its brilliant! Its also very intense. I kept reading it and looking for the character of Zander, and it never showed up.Collin asks: Can you elaborate on your upcoming movie with Busey?
Patrick says:
It takes place in Texas. I play a poor guy who works at a gas station who is in love with a girl who gets taken away from me. I have to go and track her down with the help of old Jake Bussey. I'm excited about the movie. I think it turned out well. Its written by the same guy who wrote 'Shawshank Redemption.'John Wehr asks: Loved the movie! It was great! What is your favorite scene in 'Starship Troopers'?
Patrick says:
When all the bugs come over the hill to attack the Whisky outpost. Its got to be one of the best special effects shots ever!
Melissa asks: Patrick while making this movie did you ever think "what have I gotten myself into?"Patrick says:
You ask yourself that question on every project! Making movies is never easy. But luckily it turned out for the better.Melissa asks: Patrick what was your most difficult scene?
Patrick says:
It was the scene when the ship gets blown apart because the fire was real. And the spaceship was really moving. It was on a "gimble" so there were times when Denise Richards and I felt like we were really running for our lives!Lerina asks: Do you prefer playing an "evil" character like Richard on Melrose or playing a more likeable character like Austin on "Days"?
Patrick says:
I think we've all got both sides in us. Whether we like to say it we've the good side and the bad side. I like to mix them up. I think I would prefer a more heroic character than the jerk.Vicki asks: What is the most memorable thing a fan has ever done for you?
Patrick says:
A fan sent me a bunch of my favorite comic books. The "X-Men" I always keep them close.Mike asks: Do you enjoy this internet stuff?
Patrick says:
I like doing Internet chats. I like the Internet, I just want to get better at messing around with my computer. I'm not highly computer literate yet. But I'm trying.jd asks: Very nice talking to you and hope to see you in more sci-fi.
Patrick says:
Thanks a lot.Susan asks: I saw you at Islands Restaurant in Burbank about 4 years ago. We were sitting at the bar just like you were. Everyone was watching a very important football game. You were with the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. Whatever happened to her?
Patrick says:
Gee, I don't remember what happened to her. Now that you mention it, I think I'll give her a call.Amy asks: Did anyone tell you, you look like Tom Cruise?
Patrick says:
No, nobody has ever said that but thanks! Its definitely a compliment.Michael asks: With you being single and Carmen single, did you hit on her?
Patrick says:
Yeah and then she hit me back!MarkC asks: Your a funny guy! :) Any plans for comedy roles?
Patrick says:
I would love to do a comedy. You're right.. I am extremely funny.Mike asks: Do you know if it was difficult for the other actors/actress to film the scene in the shower room?
Patrick says:
I've heard it was very difficult. People were stressing about that scene. Everybody in the scene was working out daily trying to get ready for that scene. The guys were hoping for warm water in that scene instead of cold.KarimHamasni asks: Do you think some theme park should make a 'Starship Troopers' "The Ride"?
Patrick says:
I think its a great idea hopefully they won't suck everybody's brains out at the end of the ride.Michael asks: Are those pictures up at the top left of you taken recently?
Patrick says:
Yes, they were taken right before we started the chat.Becky asks: I've been a fan since you were on "Days." What do you think of the Austin/Carrie/Sami storyline now?
Patrick says:
I think that Sami has gotten even more insane. I think Austin has to make up his mind. Hopefully he's beaten up Lucas by now.Nico asks: Are you currently working on any projects?
Patrick says:
No, I just finished 'Black Cat Run.' Not doing anything until after the first of the year and not sure what that is going to be yet.David asks: I'm from Toronto Canada. Where are you originally from?
Patrick says:
I'm from San Pedro, California. Its located at the Los Angeles waterfront.Debbie asks: Why did you leave "Days" and would you ever return to another soap opera or consider a television series?
Patrick says:
I'd consider doing anything as long as the writing is good.Herc asks: Do you ever miss working on "Days of Our Lives"? And do you still keep in touch with any of the cast?
Patrick says:
Yes I keep in touch with a lot of them Christy, Clark, Jason Brooks, Thyme, Louis and Lisa Renna.Melissa asks: Patrick I met you a few years ago at a "Days" signing session, did you enjoy those moments of fandom?
Patrick says:
I eat it up. Its good for my ego.Melanie asks: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Patrick says:
My spare time I like to stress out about acting. Wonder about where my next job is going to be. I also like to write music.Vicki asks: Would you ever consider doing a horror movie like 'I know What You Did Last Summer,' 'Scream,' or something else written by Kevin Williamson?
Patrick says:
Yeah, I'd love to do something like that. I had the script for 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' and I missed the audition because I was working on something else. That's too bad it was an excellent movie.Joel Gordon asks: Can you please give us your address for sending letters? Thanks.
Patrick says:
In the next couple of months, I should have a website going that you can find by using a search engine and putting in my name. It'll have pictures and other cool stuff for you guys to check out. It will also have an e-mail address for sending any letters.MarkC asks: What is Denise like off-camera?
Patrick says:
Denise is a very sweet girl. She is unaffected and beautiful as the day is long.Ryan asks: How old is Denise Richards?
Patrick says:
You'll have to ask her that!
Chris asks:
Did you prefer playing a Fleet officer or would you have liked a Mobile Infantry Role?Patrick says:
The Mobile Infantry are a bunch of "grunts" who were too stupid to get into the Fleet.Melanie asks: Who are some of your favorite actors and actresses?
Patrick says:
Marlon Brando, Anthony Hopkins, Sir Alec Guinness, Peter O'Toole and Bill Murray to name a few.Ryan asks: When did you decide that you wanted to become an actor?
Patrick says:
I didn't know it was a possibility until later in my life. In San Pedro where I grew up there are no acting schools. I don't think its really something that guys in our town think about when they're growing up.
Samantha asks: What made you want to act? How long did you have the desire before you got your first role?Patrick says:
I thought about it for about two years. After that job, I think I waited another two years.Melissa asks: Patrick do you believe in UFO's?
Patrick says:
I think there is definitely life on other planets the universe is just too big for there not to be. But bugs I don't know.Joel Gordon asks: Would you like to get into directing?
Patrick says:
Yeah, I'd love to get into directing but that is a long way off because there is soo much to know. Its like being a quarter back on a football field you have to know how to do everybody's job.Melissa asks: Patrick do you enjoy this forum of "fan interviews"?
Patrick says:
I like it. I think its a good way see how your work is being received. Its nice to have good communication with the fans who are supporting what you're doing.Thomas asks: Have you ever had the chance to make it up to the Carmel area? If not what are some of you favorite vacation spots?
Patrick says:
It used to be Las Vegas but I've just lost too much money there. I don't know where my favorite spot is now. I need to find a new vacation spot. Maybe Reno?Melanie asks: Do you watch a lot of TV? If so, what are your favorites?
Patrick says:
"Melrose Place" of course of course of course. I also like "South Park"!Alex asks: Why did you have to die???
Patrick says:
Zander dies so that Carmen can live. But she better stay away from Johnny.Stuart asks: What is Michael Ironside like off camera ?
Patrick says:
He's a nice guy... It was nice to have a real pro amongst all of us rookies.MarkC asks: "South Park." Yes! You should do a guest voice. By the way, the Thanksgiving special is on tonight!
Patrick:
Yeah. I have to get home. I have to watch "South Park" at 10pm. I'd like to thank everyone for chatting with me. Thank you so much for supporting the movie and see ya next time! Until then KILL BUGS!