Rupert Everett
The actor on emerging from rubble, ‘Jennifer’ moments and Prince Charming.

Rupert Everett sits down with Pure Movies to wax lyrical on emerging from rubble, ‘Jennifer’ moments and Prince Charming.

Rupert, you play what has become a classic screen villain. Antonio Banderas told us earlier that he was getting a spin-off movie. Would you like Prince Charming to have his own movie?

Rupert Everett: No, I prefer to be in the Shrek movies. I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed that the tower that fell on me didn’t finish me off. I did do some dialogue from inside the tower but when I saw the film, freezing cold at Paramount a couple of weeks ago on my own, there was no sound…nothing. So, it’s a mystery but I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Given that situation, I definitely wouldn’t be as ambitious to think of a spin-off.

So, you’re quite happy to emerge from the rubble and plot more dastardly deeds?

RE: Yes, but I was sitting with Jennifer Saunders when both of us were watching Shrek 2 together. She was thinking that Fairy Godmother, you know, “this role has wings and will be going on for years.” As she was zapped at the end she grabbed me and we looked at each other and she said “No…it can’t be” and then the glasses fell to the floor and she said “That’s it…it’s over.” I thought of her when I saw this film on my own because my crown falls down, spins around then lands and I thought “Oh well, that’s my ‘Jennifer’ moment.”

Did you have any input on your character?

RE: Well, the role was kind of written. I identified a lot with the role. Sometimes, I feel that I’m doing dinner theatre when I should be starring in huge movies. So, there’s a lot to identify with but the roles are pretty strictly written. There’s not really room for improvisation much.

What do you think of Prince Charming?

RE: I think he just wants everyone to love him really. He’s from a one-parent family, he’s very spoiled and he’s like a lot of people in that he thinks that looks and ambition are enough and…they are not, that’s all. I think he is quite sweet underneath it all probably.