Chloe Moretz is proving to be one of the fastest rising stars in Hollywood. Her bubbly personality, heart warming smile and incredible acting talent have landed her major roles in films ranging from Matthew Vaughn’s ‘Kick-Ass’ to Matt Reeves’ ‘Let Me In’ to her name in Martin Scorsese’s upcoming flick ‘The Invention of Hugo Caberet’. Did we mention that she has managed to amass this impressive resume while only just starting her teens! As you can see, we have only seen the tip of the iceberg for Chloe as there seems to be no stopping this wunderkind! Icon Vs. Icon’s Jason Price recently caught up with the multi-faceted actress to discuss her role as Kick-Ass’s loveable yet lethal Hit-Girl, her experiences on the set and what the future holds for this young woman on the move!
How did you decide to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
My brother got into a performing arts high school and I used to run his lines with him just for fun. Basically, I just got bit by the acting bug and went with it from there!
Well, it seems like it is working out just great for you so far!
Yeah! Thank you! I am very blessed!
‘Kickass’ is one of your breakout roles. For those not yet familiar with the film, what can you tell us about your character and how did you originally get involved with the project?
My Mom initially read the script for it and showed it to me. We decided that we really wanted to do the film! So, I went out for the part and read with a couple of “Kick-Asses”. Aaron (Johnson) and I ended up being the ones chosen for the parts and it got rolling from there.
What initially attracted you to the role of Hit-Girl?
She is so strong and so much of a “girl empowerment” character. That is what I wanted to do, a very Angelina Jolie type, leading role character.
The film is loaded with action. What did you to prepare for your role both physically and mentally?
Yeah! I trained for six months in martial arts, ballet and gymnastics in addition to weapons training and all this crazy stuff! That definitely prepared me physically. Emotionally, I went over things with Matthew (Vaughn) and the other actors and just kinda went for it!
Well, they just need to understand that it is just a character, ya know? It’s not Chloe and it’s “Mindy Macready”. If I ever did any of the things that Hit-Girl did in the film, I would definitely be grounded for the rest of my life! [laughs]
Hit-Girl is a larger than life character. I was curious, what parts of your own personality might you, your family and friends see shining through when they watch the film.
I think how fun and innocent Hit-Girl is, is definitely part of me, in addition to how strong she is. I am a strong girl and I know what I want. I don’t take no for an answer, ya know! [laughs] That is kinda how Hit-Girl is and that is how I am as well!
What was the biggest challenge for you in making this film?
The action was pretty hard. That was one of the main challenges. Emotionally, to play a character that I had never done before was a challenge. I had to take the bull by the horns and go with it.
You had a great cast for the film. What was the vibe like on the set?
It was so much fun. We all had a great time on the set. We were always playing around and playing jokes on each other. We became like one big family.
It is interesting that you mention the family aspect. The heart of the movie is really the relationship between Hit-Girl and Nicolas Cage’s character, Big Daddy. How was it working with him? And how did the two of you work on developing that dynamic?
Really, we just let the emotions flow. We didn’t hold anything back and it kinda came naturally. He is such a phenomenal actor. It was great to be a part of that experience together.
As an actor, did you pick up anything from working with him on set?
Just watching him is really a learning experience, just how humble he is. It is amazing to see what a nice guy he is even after being in this business for so long.
We talked to Mark Millar the other day and he is working on ‘Kickass 2: Balls To The Walls’. If you had your way, what would the future hold for Hit-Girl?
Definitely a purple Ducati! [laughs] I would definitely like to explore her psyche and show her as more of an adult and more knowing.
‘Kick-Ass’ is hitting DVD and Blu-Ray this week. Are you going to do anything special to celebrate?
I think we just might have to have a ‘Kick-Ass’ marathon where we watch it back to back a few times and then watch the extras! [laughs]
You have a bunch of new projects coming up. What can you tell us about your role in ‘Let Me In’?
In ‘Let Me In’, I play “Abby” who is a little girl that befriends a boy named “Owen”. It is really about their twisted relationship which I liken to “Romeo and Juliet” in a way.
We are in the midst of a vampire renaissance of sorts with ‘Twilight’, ‘True Blood’ and there is even a new ‘Lost Boys’ film on the way. What will make your film stand out from the pack?
It is deeper, it’s darker and it’s grittier than any other vampire film that you have ever seen before. After you watch ‘Let Me In’, you won’t want to be a vampire. It shows the darker side of vampires and who they really are. I think that makes it unique.
Having seen much of your work, I have to say that you are doing a great job in showing that amazing range as a young actor. Is there a type of role that you haven’t played yet that you might like to tackle in the future?
‘Romeo and Juliet’ would be the main thing that I would like to tackle. I would like to do Juliet at her real age which is 14 or 15. That is what I would really love to do next.
You are currently working on Martin Scorcese’s ‘The Invention of Hugo Cabret’. What has that experience been like for you and what have you learned so far from the legendary director?
He is really an amazing guy and a terrific director. It has been an amazing opportunity to see great actors and how they interact with Marty to discuss a shot or how they help me as an actress get into my character and the scene. In that aspect, it has been an amazing experience on set.
Would you like to direct one day?
I would love to direct at some point in the future.
What other projects do you have coming up that we should keep our eyes peeled for?
Well, like you mentioned, I am shooting a film with Martin Scorcese right now that is called ‘The Invention of Hugo Cabret’. Also, I have a film called ‘The Rut’. That is being directed by Karyn Kusama, who was the director of ‘Jennifer’s Body’. The film is about a girl who must find her father after he goes missing. We hope to start filming on that later this year. Then there is ‘Hick’ with Derick Martini directing it, which is based off of the novel by Andrea Portes. We are also starting up our production company and we have a bunch of stuff in pre-production, which we are very excited for!
Best advice someone has given you so far in regards to your blossoming career?
Definitely to stay humble. My number one thing is that all of this is fake, ya know? Basically, my real life is my family and my friends. Fame can vanish within seconds but you will always have your family and friends by your side. I never lose sight of that.
Sounds like solid advice, Chloe. Thanks for your time and we look forward to talking with you again very soon! Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much!
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Be sure to keep up with Chloe Moretz on Twitter at www.twitter.com/chloegmoretz.
Visit the official site for ‘Kick-Ass’ at www.kickass-themovie.com and pick up a copy when it hits DVD and Blu-Ray on August 3rd. 2010!
Jason Price founded the mighty Icon Vs. Icon more than a decade ago. Along the way, he’s assembled an amazing group of like-minded individuals to spread the word on some of the most unique people and projects on the pop culture landscape.
