Doug Jones

FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER’S DOUG JONES

Rumored for months, to the point of where an announcement would be anti-climatic, Doug Jones will be playing the Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, currently in production in Vancouver.

Jones, who will likely be reprising his role of Abe Sapien in Hellboy 2: The Golden Army, finally broke his studio-induced silence on the role on Friday in a short question-and-answer with The Continuum.

The Continuum: OK, finally, what are your feelings about playing Silver Surfer?

Jones: I am thrilled out of my mind. It has been so difficult for me to sit on this developing news, with all the casting speculation happening on the web. As my research into this character continues, I am falling more and more in love with him ... his valiance, his nobility, his stance for truth, hope, faith, and his history of self-sacrifice.

So I fully understand why his fans are talking so much about his introduction appearance in this sequel, and why they would be concerned with who plays him.

The Continuum: How will the character be presented? CGI? Motion capture?

Jones: As for the technical aspects of this character, I can’t give away the secrets of how it will all come together right now. Will it be exactly like Gollum from Lord Of The Rings? Not "exactly." Will I be completely camera-ready when I step onto the set? Not "exactly." Can I get more specific? Not "exactly."

I’d rather you go see the movie and let this character dazzle your imagination when you see him in all of his cutting edge, other-worldly technology for the first time. You have to trust me that it will be worth the short wait.

What I can tell you is that 20th Century Fox has spared no expense in this collaborative effort to bring together the absolute best in visual and practical effects that will make your jaw drop. The Silver Surfer will truly look like "The restless, streaking stranger from the farthest reach of space ... this glistening, gleaming seeker of truth."

The Continuum: What’s happening now?

Jones: Well for now, I try to stay in tip-top shape as we rehearse and film with each new scene. Just as with my portrayal of Abe Sapien in Hellboy, my one biggest concern is to play Silver Surfer in such a way that the fans will be satisfied and proud of my part in this collaboration.

I honestly hope I can do this role justice, and I promise I will give my all. Wish me well, and the rest of the cast, too! We need you rooting for us!