New film ‘Survive The Game’ starring Bruce Willis, Chad Michael Murray and Swen Temmel is playing in select theaters and available on Apple TV and all the usual streaming platforms now, and will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray October 12.
The synopsis for the movie reads: ‘Bruce Willis (Pulp Fiction) and Chad Michael Murray (“Riverdale”) star in this explosive crime-thriller. When cop David (Willis) is injured in a drug bust gone wrong, his partner, Cal, pursues the two criminals who shot him to a remote farm owned by troubled vet Eric (Murray). As Cal and Eric plot their defense, more of the gang arrives — along with a wounded David — and, outnumbered, the three heroes must use stealth, smarts, and marksmanship to take down the drug-dealing mob.’ PopWrapped caught up with Swen to find out more about the film, his favourite memories from set and his new project.
How did you first hear about ‘Survive The Game’ and what made you want to be a part of it?
Some producer that I have worked with in the past were involved in this project and they thought I would be perfect for the Cal character. They sent me the script and I was immediately drawn to the character because there was definitely some similarities between Cal and myself. I also loved the wide variety of characters and the none stop action throughout the film.
Can you recall your audition?
I had to put myself on tape for the director James Bressack. There were a few specific scenes that he wanted to see. After that we had a few zoom meetings, as we were still in Covid times, and we really clicked. He had a strong vision for what he wanted to do with the film and with the characters. Between both of our ideas the Cal character was born and is what you see in the film.
How would you sum ‘Survive The Game’ up in a few words or a sentence?
It’s a high intensity action film from start to finish with some really wild characters that people will love.
How does the film differ from your past projects, including ‘After’, and how important to you is it that you can and do take on roles and projects that test or push you in some way?
This film is very different from ‘After’ in many ways. This movie has car chases, adrenaline fueled fights, gun battles, and explosions. It’s always fun to push myself and test the boundaries. I certainly have never had this many fight scenes in a movie. I have to give it to our stunt team who were there every-day making sure we knew what we were doing and stayed safe. It was a blast to learn all that choreography and make it look like we were beating the hell out of each other.
Tell me a little, obviously without giving too much away, about the character you play.
Cal is a young detective that’s determined to take down this drug organization. He will do anything to take them down and in this case rush into a situation that he’s no fully prepared for. He accepts the decision he made and follows through until the end.
What was it like working with, among others, Bruce Willis and Chad Michael Murray?
Working with Bruce Willis was great! It’s a dream to be able to work with one of the biggest action legends in the world. He’s a great guy and we certainly had our share of laughs. Chad is incredible. Very humble and down to earth. The whole cast was just amazing. Everyone was there to make the best movie possible and they all give it 110 percent. I think we also had the most badass women on this film. But none of it would have come together as well as it did if it wasn’t for our director James.
What are your favourite memories from the shoot/your time on set?
It was definitely the bond that we all formed during this shoot. We all knew what had to be done and we helped each other out wherever possible. The most fun day was during the fight between Zach Ward and myself when he almost pushes me out of the window that’s 20 feet off the ground. It was terrifying and thrilling at the same time but I think it turned out great. I’ll also never forget the drive to set from the hotel. It was a one lane road that had oncoming traffic in the middle of the jungle with cliffs on both sides. I didn’t need my morning coffee after taking that drive every day.
The movie industry has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic with many films, including this one, opting to release in theaters and on demand at the same time. How, as an actor and film fan, do you feel about that, and do you think we’ll get back to the more just theater focused releases any time soon?
It’s been a rough couple of months for everyone out there so I’m very fortunate to have been doing what I love during the pandemic. It’s unfortunate that many films aren’t going to the movie theatre right now but I’m still excited that they are getting out. There’s nothing like the atmosphere of a movie theatre especially for a film like this but people will still get the thrill of watching it at home. I think once things get back to normal the theatres will come back as strong as before.
Finally then, with ‘Survive The Game’ out and available for the world to watch, are there any upcoming projects you can tease? What’s next for you?
I have a film coming out this month called “American Boogeywoman” starring Payton List. I play a young cocky guy who thinks he owns the world and you’ll have to see how it works out for him.
Check out the trailer for ‘Survive The Game’ above and to keep up to date with Swen Temmel, give his page a like on Facebook or follow him on Instagram.
