No compensation was received for this post.
Deemed one of the world’s best-known literary characters, Warner Bros.’ latest cinematic iteration of Tarzan had to be epic in order to live up to the legacy originated by author Edgar Rice Burroughs. Set in the 1880s, Warner Bros.’ The Legend of Tarzan tells an original story of the feral child raised by apes, now living in Victorian London as John Clayton III, Lord Greystoke with his wife Jane Porter. Invited back to the Congo to served as a trade emissary of the Parliament, Tarzan unknowingly becomes a pawn in a murderous plot of greed and revenge orchestrated by Belgian, Captain Leon Rom.
To bring the film to life and immerse audiences in a fresh, captivating story, the filmmakers sought the talents of True Blood’s Alexander Skarsgård and The Wolf of Wall Street’s Margot Robbie to depict the iconic duo Tarzan and Jane. We spoke with Skarsgård and Robbie last week in LA about bringing the story of Tarzan and Jane to life in a way that is fresh and meaningful to a new generation, how the character of Jane has evolved, the physical demands of playing a man raised by wild animals and acting in an age of CGI.
With over 200 Tarzan-inspired films listed on IMDB, the question begs…how can this story be told in an inventive way that honors these acclaimed characters and Burroughs’ legacy? For Skarsgård, who took on the role of Tarzan, it is all in the approach. As a longstanding fan of the character, Skarsgård recognized the necessity of an original story. Writer Adam Cozad offers audiences a surprising introduction to Tarzan and Jane. Rather than happening upon Tarzan draped in a loincloth, the two are portrayed as a sophisticated couple in Victorian London. “The trajectory of the story is the opposite of the old novels or old movies” (Skarsgård). Rather than the primitive “Me Tarzan, you Jane” portrayal that’s become synonymous with the legend, audiences are introduced to a Tarzan who’s already acclimated to civilized life and is “forced to go back and reconnect with his roots and his inner animal (Skarsgård).”
Tarzan’s romantic counterpart has also evolved into a confident, intelligent, largely self-sufficient woman. The character of Jane was well thought out, and Robbie collaborated with Director David Yates to approach her iteration in a way that was relatable to a contemporary audience. Rather than the damsel in distress, “he’ll come for me” approach, you’ll often see Jane problem solving and actively trying to change her predicament. Both Tarzan and Jane are each capable and independent while apart, but there is also a mutual dependence on each other that resonates with audiences and reminds them why their love is so compelling and unique. “Where Tarzan’s physically strong, she’s emotionally strong (Robbie).” At the heart of this film is a love story, and while Robbie in no way wanted to downplay that aspect, she wanted to portray a Jane that was very “capable and defiant and intelligent.”
Having been raised in the African jungle by apes, there is a certain physicality expected from Tarzan. To prepare, Skarsgård began by gaining weight through diet and resistance training. “It was important that when he returns to the jungle and he’s back in his natural habitat, you feel that he [was] born and raised there, that it’s natural. And so I worked on agility [in order to] be nimble and flexible” (Skarsgård).”The practical aspects of putting on weight without the semblance of a bodybuilder involved stringent portion control and cardio-based workouts. Skarsgård also worked with choreographer Wayne McGregor to simulate more animalistic movements. “Animals don’t have muscles that don’t serve a purpose because that means they need energy [which would require] hunting more” (Skarsgård). The physical approach was one of efficiency and intention to create a believable Tarzan raised by wild animals in the African jungle.
And speaking of animals, audiences might be surprised to learn that no real animals were used at all in the making of The Legend of Tarzan. Rather, Robbie and Skarsgård acted against a green screen and stunt men dressed as animals. Robbie admits to having little experience with CGI interactive acting and worked to keep her reactions authentic. After seeing the completed film the actors only wished they had done their reactions a little big bigger because of the dramatic effect realized on-screen. “It’s hard to get a grasp of that in-person,” remarks Robbie. In one particular scene, Skarsgård humorously recalls greeting a 25-year-old gangster from South London outfitted in a set of gray pajamas. After shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, the “lion” gets down on all fours” and they start rubbing with Samuel L. Jackson and Margot in the background. “He’s known her since she was a cub,” the Pulp Fiction actor remarks, validating how weird and new the experience was for the actors.
The Legend of Tarzan opens in theaters Friday, July 1st, 2016. You can purchase tickets on Fandango.
And to keep up to date with the film, visit The Legend of Tarzan on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
Leave a Reply