Kellan Lutz Doesn’t Mind Nudity or Getting Tasered

In “Java Heat,” Kellan Lutz — of “Twilight” fame — plays an American in Indonesia who teams up with a local cop (Aria Bayu) to stop a terrorist (Mickey Rourke). The film showcases Lutz’s physicality as he gets to shoot guns and run, jump and dive as well as show off his physique. On a break (and admittedly exhausted) from training in Bulgaria for the upcoming “Hercules,” Lutz chatted with us about making the film.

How much of the stunt work did you get to do?
One of the things that drew me to the project was the chance to do my own stunts. There’s a scene of rolling down the stairs in the temple. I wanted to do this, but the stunt guys said they’ve split their head open doing it. So I didn’t, and they did, and I’m glad I didn’t have to do that. I liked getting Tasered, though. I’ve done that in a couple of movies.

What can you say about being an action hero?
Doing action is one of my strengths as an actor. I enjoy being the hero and blowing stuff up. Shooting the gun in the Mexican standoff in “Java Heat” was tough. You don’t want to blink — because it shows weakness — but it’s nature to blink when firing a gun. I couldn’t do it without blinking.

There are a lot of opportunities for you to show off your body.
It’s another strength I’ve been given. If nudity is called for, and what people want to see, I’m fine doing it. But I don’t walk down the street with my shirt tucked in my pants or run on the beach with my shirt off to [attract attention]. I think it helped to be a model — shooting Calvin Klein made me more comfortable and free with my body.

What part of your role ­— an ex-Marine turned FBI/cop posing as a college TA — did you identify with most?
I have to say the Marine. I really enjoy armed forces projects. My brother is in the Army, and I was close to joining the Navy to become a Navy Seal. I have a passion for the military — they were the heroes I had growing up. I played with Ninja Turtles and He-Man and Hercules and Power Rangers. I didn’t watch movies. For me, it was army shows and the Marines in their fatigues that were really cool.

Your character in the film is told to listen and not talk. Are you the strong, silent type?
In life, I see myself as an extrovert. But people are now calling me quiet and reserved. I don’t open up to many people, but I am outgoing. I am always pondering. I try to be in the moment fully. Usually, I’m the opposite of Jake — not a bull in a china shop, but more like a chess player thinking three steps ahead.

Source: Metro