After a couple of technical difficulties, we were finally able to get this interview under way between me, Jamaal Finkley, and the Merry Men as they are called in their new movie Robin Hood. In this interview you will see what they all have in common, and they show an appreciation for Glee. Concomitant to the legend of Robin Hood is the story of his Merry Men, here a band of fellows disil- lusioned with life under the newly anointed King John. Fellow yeomen in Richards war, they accom- pany Robin back to England after the death of Richard allows them to escape the conflicts. irrepressible sense of humor. Its been a great benefit to me and to Ridley, and no doubt the movie, that weve had guys like this playing these roles. Crowe notes that each of the men brings a talent to their parts that mirrors their on-screen characters. Scotts an incredible singer, he commends. Kevin has the coordination of a ballet dancer, yet the physi- cality of an ice hockey player; he is 6 feet 7 and 235 pounds. He also has a great singing voice. Then theres Alan, who has never acted. Hes a folk singer from Newfoundland, and he knows how to play the lute. I said to Ridley, If youre going to have a guy playing the troubadour, lets have a guy who knows how to play the lute. That way, if you dont like a particular tune, you can change it then and there. He also has a wonderful singing voice. Thats a key element with the Merry Men. Portraying the troupe are Kevin Durand as Robins right hand and muscle, Little John; Scott Grimes as the youngest of the gang, Will Scarlet; and acting newcomer Alan Doyle as minstrel Allan ADayle. Says Crowe: The core thing with these guys is that they are all athletes, and they all have a physical side to what they do in the film. Added to that, they are all intelligent, so they can learn new skills quickly. They also have an the news of Sir Robert Loxleys (played by DOUGLAS HODGE) sudden death to Sir Walter. A beekeeper and reluctant servant of the crown, Tuck all too readily becomes part of Robins band of usurpers. Canadian-born KEVIN DURAND (Little John) has developed a versatile background, beginning in comedy and Broadway, then transitioning into television andf ilm,illustratinghis ability to captivate a wide range of audiences. In 2009, Durand was nominated for a Saturn Award for his recurring character, Martin Keamy, on the popular series Lost. Durand was also a series regular on Touching Evil and the James Cameron hit series Dark Angel. Recently, Durand was seen in Legion, with Dennis Quaid and Paul Bettany, and the box-office smash X-Men Origins: Wolverine, alongside Hugh Jackman. Before his film career, Durand was voted one of Canadas funniest new comedians. In addition, he originated the role of Injun Joe in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer on Broadway. Durand is best known for his roles in James Mangolds 3:10 to Yuma, with Russell Crowe and Christian Bale; Joe Carnahans Smokin Aces, oppo- site Ben Affleck and Jeremy Piven; and Walt Beckers Wild Hogs, with John Travolta, Tim Allen and Martin Lawrence. Durands other credits include The Butterfly Effect, opposite Ashton Kutcher; Jay Roachs Mystery, Alaska, with Russell Crowe; Columbia Pictures Winged Creatures, opposite Forest Whitaker and Dakota Fanning; and Vertigo Entertainments The Echo. He currently resides in Los Angeles. SCOTT GRIMES (Will Scarlet) is familiar to tele- vision audiences as Dr. Archie Morris, the stringent chief resi- dent on the hit drama ER. Once a recurring actor, Grimes joined the cast in the 12th season as a series regular. He is also well known for his role as Sgt. Donald Malarkey in the critically acclaimed Band of Brothers, the World War II miniseries. His voice is recognizable to animation fans from his series regular gig as Steve Smith on FOXs American Dad. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, Grimes launched his entertainment career in 1980 as a child in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Nine. He performed with Bob Hope, The Carpenters and Merv Griffin, to name a few, and his music has been heard on the Golden Globe Award-winning show Party of Five. Before he became an actor, Grimes considered a career as a professional hockey player, and he continues to play in celebrity charity events. Even as a young child in the small Newfoundland f ishingvillageofPettyHar- bour, ALAN DOYLE (Allan ADayle) was holding up a sign that said Look at Me. Petty Harbour is a small f ishingvillage,locateddeep amidst the rugged shoreline of Canadas most isolated prov- ince. Known worldwide for its stunning beauty and unique dialect, Newfoundland is a place that holds tight to its traditional culture. When Doyle was a boy, his home village was small and close-knit, with only one small winding road connecting it to the world. The Atlantic Ocean was the towns front yard and playground.R A BlackTree Media Production Thank you for watching!

• published: 03 May 2010
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