Craig Horner (Эш)

Craig Horner plays the eponymous Seeker, Richard Cypher, in SCI FI's new fantasy series Legend of the Seeker which premieres on Thursday 13th August. Craig took time out from his action packed shooting schedule on the set of Season 2 in New Zealand to let us know what we can expect from the fantastical Legend of the Seeker.

Have you always been a fan of fantasy or was the whole swords and sorcery world new to you?

I was a massive fan of fantasy. I had an older brother who was about thirteen years older than me and he brought me into the world of Conan and star Wars. He had all these movies lying around, he had comic books everywhere; he had lots of the original Star Wars figures. I was easily brought into that world of fantasy. There wasn't a day when I wasn't running around the back yard with swords and killing imaginary orcs.

What's your favourite fantasy film?

I love Conan, but do you know what? I'm one of those weirdoes who likes the sequel to Conan.

Have you read the Terry Goodkind Sword of Truth books?

Yeah, I read the first one and I'm just getting stuck into the second one now. I'm a big fan of the Sword of Truth, I think it's a really good book. I'm also a fan of Legend of the Seeker, I kind of think they're two different entities. The way I can best explain it is that I loved the original Star Wars movies and from then they spawned off and they went and did all these things - TV shows, comic books, cartoons, novels. They took the galaxy if you will - the characters and the mythology - and they expanded it. That's kind of like what we're doing. So I have huge respect for what we're doing and Terry Goodkind's books as well.

You're filming in New Zealand and obviously there are a lot of parallels to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Were you conscious of having to live up to the fantasy benchmark set by those films?

Absolutely. We're so lucky, man, because half the people who worked on the damn films are working for us. So they know about that kind of world, they know what looks great in costume and make-up, and the weaponry, the armoury, all that stuff. This landscape here, this kind of prehistoric, untouched world that New Zealand has really is that extra character for the show, as it was for Lord of the rings. So I definitely knew that we were going to be using New Zealand to its full capacity.

I've read that you enjoy playing the guitar and writing music. Is that something you try to do between filming?

Absolutely. I remember reading that Christian Bale said when he was filming a massive movie you need some kind of hobby, whether it's fixing an old bike or something else where you can just go home and take your mind off it. I guess it's that for me, but also music is just as much of a passion for me as acting. So it's just that little creative outlet; when you're emotionally drained from having a massive day of acting, just silly singing, silly dancing, rocking out man. I just love it.

Tell us what the SCI FI Channel audience can expect from Legend of the Seeker season 1.

I would say in one sentence it's Star Wars meets Lord of the Rings. It's classic fantasy. You want the young hero who goes from a boy to a man; you want a wise teacher to teach him; you want a beautiful princess like woman to guide the hero. You can expect action, fighting, swords and horses, heaps of drama and really good relationships. That's why I think shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer have stood the test of time. You needed something like a Buffy and an Angel; a relationship that was so special, not meant to be, but they wanted it so bad. And that's kind of what me and Kahlan have. So you can expect action, romance, comedy... it's all there.

You're also working with a genuine cult film legend in Bruce Spence. How's it been working with him?

Bruce is an absolute legend. I love Bruce. Gosh, he's like 63 or something and I get along with him so well. We just chill out, talk about old films, books, and go for bush walks. He's really awesome, he's really laid back. He's got a great vibe off set. He's become that cult figure. He had those great appearances in Mad Max, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and he's getting offers now for literally Narnia and The Hobbit. And the great thing is he keeps an element of fun, because we're not really saving lives. It's good to have a bit fun while we're doing it [acting].

Sam Raimi is one of the Producers of the show, has he been quite hands on? Has he spent any time on the set?

I've met Sam twice. When we started season 1 he was directing Drag Me to Hell, so he couldn't really come over [to New Zealand]. But I went over during our hiatus and I went to the Drag Me To Hell set and that's where I got to meet him and have a chat with him. He's a really great guy. I think he's just a young geeky kind of kid and he's really remained true to himself and his passion.

What's on the horizon for Craig Horner?

Well I've got another nine months of season 2. I can't really plan much. All I can do is work on my music and gosh, we'll wait and see. I know that Sam Raimi is doing World of Warcraft, I'm going to try and get in that. I can be a blood elf or something.