Movies

Stormare Reveals the SHOCKING Reason He Only Plays Bad Guys!

BBG News

Peter Stormare is well-known in Hollywood for his memorable roles as sinister characters. He’s given many impressive performances as the adversary in movies such as “Constantine” and “Minority Report”. Unlike other actors who struggle with typecasting, Stormare seems to thrive in this role. The affable Swedish actor, recognized for his friendly grin and frequently cast as villains with thick accents, has embraced the path his career has chosen and isn’t afraid to express it openly.

In an interview with “The Director”, Stormare discussed his latest project, the action-thriller titled “Stand Your Ground”. In this movie, Stormare portrays Bastion, a ruthless crime lord who clashes with Jack, a soldier turned avenger seeking vengeance for the death of his wife. Reflecting on his role as the antagonist, Stormare pondered about the stereotype and its potential origins.

I arrived in this country, specifically Hollywood, towards the end of the 1980s. To give you a quick background, I had a mentor who once told me, “Peter, remember, in Hollywood, there’s no time, only timing.” This statement and her teachings resonate with me even today because when I arrived, around 1990-1991, minority groups were protesting outside the studios about being portrayed as criminals. When they couldn’t use African Americans or Hispanics, the roles went to Asians, Middle Easterners, and so on, with everyone complaining. So, the studios decided to revert back to casting Germans and Russians.

In my case, it turned out advantageous as none of the producers here spoke any European language. When they inquired if I could speak Serbian, I responded affirmatively. It was fortunate timing, but given my background in theater, I’m always drawn to portraying complex characters. I’d love to play Macbeth or Hamlet who kills six people.

One of Stellan Skarsgård’s initial acting appearances was in Ingmar Bergman’s adaptation of Hamlet, preceded by a small role in Fanny and Alexander. This artistic mentoring laid the foundation for his breakthrough role in the 1996 film, Fargo. A year after that, he portrayed a villain who deserved to be devoured by dinosaurs in The Lost World: Jurassic Park. Additionally, he showcased his problem-solving skills aboard a Russian space station in Armageddon. With an extensive list of roles under his belt, Skarsgård is often the mesmerizing antagonist who leaves an indelible impact on every scene. Interestingly, he has confessed that he finds playing villains more engaging than heroes due to the fun factor: he prefers the challenge they present.

As an actor, you can portray the most eccentric characters without any repercussions on your job; however, in real life, if you behave unpredictably or irrationally, it could cost you your employment. Out of 100 male actors, 99 might opt for a more traditional, dark-skinned role, while one might choose the part of a fair-skinned prince, typically the handsome leading man. You know the drill – he’ll often play Prince White.

You know what I mean? The fairy tale of Snow White is dull, it’s all about the witch with the apple instead of the prince riding in on a white horse to kiss her. That part just seems so ordinary.

The Red Hat in ‘Stand Your Ground’: A Loud Wink to MAGA Culture

In “Stand Your Ground,” Stormare portrays his usual antagonist character, but with an added twist. Instead of just playing the role, he utilizes it to convey a hidden message. The character Bastion is seen wearing a red hat, which unfortunately symbolizes one particular side in America. To affirm this connection, Stormare himself acknowledged it by stating:

In all my actions, I strive to subtly highlight social issues, and while it may not be apparent to everyone, there could be a few who pick up on it, and that’s enough for me. That’s enough because sometimes, just touching one or two people makes a difference. After all, every ripple in the pond has an effect on the whole.

This aspect of our country might not align completely with my personal views. It appears to be deeply rooted in racial biases, leaning heavily towards white supremacy. A town he mentions resembles a biblical settlement, established in the wilderness exclusively for white inhabitants. The town’s main streets are designed like Disneyland, complete with a church, and its residents often have multiple spouses, six or seven. However, they do not welcome strangers.

I aimed to portray an aspect of our nation through this film that highlights the ongoing struggles faced by African-Americans and other minorities. It’s important to acknowledge that our country, which was tragically exploited by European settlers, has a complex history involving the displacement of Native Americans who were forced onto reservations. This is the essence of my perspective.

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2025-05-27 01:35

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