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Transformers 2's Tyrese Gibson on the pressure to deliver another blockbuster
Tyrese Gibson, who reprises the role of Epps in the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, told SCI FI Wire that he's got more to do than in the original blockbuster and that his character is "bumped up a lot."
The actor-singer-producer-comic-book-creator also revealed that he's completed another genre film, Legion, and said that there's no news of merit to report on the long-gestating film version of Luke Cage.
SCI FI Wire spoke to Gibson by telephone a few weeks ago. The following are edited excerpts from our exclusive interview. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen opens on June 24, and Legion is set for release in 2010.
How happy were you with the way the first Transformers film came together and how your character, Epps, came across?
Gibson: I was really happy with everything, man. I didn't want any more presence or any less presence. I thought it was just enough, so I'd have a quick few moments to help get the film from start to finish.
And what is Epps up to in Revenge of the Fallen?
Gibson: My character has been bumped up a lot in this one. My responsibilities are more intense, and he's under more pressure. I'm now [Chief] Master Sgt. Epps, which is [one of] the the top [enlisted] rank[s] in the Air Force. We've got to keep these bad guys off of us.
Was the sequel an easier shoot because it was the second time around or tougher because of the pressure on director Michael Bay and all involved to top of the first one?
Gibson: There was so much more pressure making this one. The first one, we were in there figuring things out, then hoping we find an audience. The second round, there was more of a responsibility to make it as special as we can make it. The pressure was on, man, because the failure of part two is not even an option. But it is going to live up to the hype and then some.
If there is a Transformers 3, would you want to come back, and, if so, what else would you like to see for Epps?
Gibson: I definitely want to be involved. This is my baby, like it is everybody else's. For me, I just hope that Epps survives the lifetime of this franchise. That's about it for me.
You've got another film in the can called Legion. What's that about, and what do you play?
Gibson: My role is Kyle. It's an apocalypse type of film where these forces are trying to stop the birth of Christ. It's a very heavy type of film. It's with Paul Bettany, Dennis Quaid and Charles Dutton. We were on the set every day, and it was just a heavy film, spiritually, to be dealing with these moments from throughout the Bible. Kyle is a guy who is on his way to court, dealing with some stuff on the personal side. I pull over at this restaurant for some directions and end up getting sucked into the matrix.
And what's the latest on Luke Cage?
Gibson: From what I hear they're still just writing on it and just trying to get it right. They have me in mind, but we'll see. I'm not committed to the project. I'm committed to be a part of the project if it happens. I'm not officially Luke Cage yet, no.
By FantasyFan at 8:34 AM ON 06/10/09
No ofense to Mr gibson but I believe a better candidate to portraye Luke Cage is Michael Jai White he definely can pull it off watch Spawn or better yet Wesley Snipes but with his legals problems there is some concern
By Walt at 10:07 AM ON 06/10/09
No offense, Mr Gibson, but people aren't going to see this movie to catch you trying to act. They'll be in it for the robots in disguise. Just promise me Anthony Anderson wasn't allowed on set for this one. I can't take any more of his "comedy".
By j-dub at 1:44 PM ON 06/10/09
Went from a TSgt to a CMSgt in what, two years? I think not.
By j-dub at 2:07 PM ON 06/10/09
Not to mention making the top enlisted rank in the Air Force (CMSAF that is), I don't think so.
Let me guess, the other guy, the one who played the captain, he's gonna be Chief of Staff of the Army right?
I know, it's a movie, but seriously?
By j-dub at 2:09 PM ON 06/10/09
Plus the rank insignia for the CMSAF isn't even right.
By j-dub at 2:14 PM ON 06/10/09
AND there is no way, absolutely no way that there would be a 30yr old CMSAF!
/end rant
By SCI FI Wire at 2:38 PM ON 06/10/09
Between Tyrese's hazy grasp of Air Force ranks and our own, I think we messed it up. Hopefully the fixed version is more accurate. :)
By basilisk at 4:00 PM ON 06/10/09
Guys, it's a movie about giant talking robots, from another planet, and you're complaining that a characters promotion to CMSAF is unrealistic?
By Stumerbeth at 5:42 PM ON 06/10/09
While it doesn't seem feasible for him to have made CMSgt that quickly it is possible, minimum to make CMSgt is 9 years. No where does it say he was CMSgt of the Air Force, he just said "I'm now [Chief] Master Sgt. Epps, which is [one of] the the top [enlisted] rank[s] in the Air Force". It is true since I guess you could make a case that while there aren't any enlisted AF ranks above CMSgt there are Command Chiefs and CMSAF.
and its a movie.
By Stumerbeth at 6:29 PM ON 06/10/09
Ok I looked it up, my memory is bad apparently minimum for CMSgt is 14 years...maybe if he lied about his age :).
By cornea503 at 6:06 PM ON 06/12/09
I always find it comical when people dismiss trivial crap as not being realistic but they accept crap that is way out of the realm of reality such as alien transforming robots. Im still laughing at those complaining about the silent 100ft robot in Salvation. They accept the 100ft robot with a giant cannon as a head but no way that it can be silent.
By j-dub at 7:11 PM ON 06/12/09
@stumerbeth
I was going to say, you should check your facts again, but you've already done that :).
Just so you know I'm not talking out of my ass, I am in the Air Force and have been for the past 7 years. And while yes, it is just a movie, it would be nice to get some facts about promotion in the AF enlisted ranks correct in even the most unrealistic of movies. To further clarify, assuming that Epps made MSgt at the end of the events of this film, he would have two years to wait until he was eligible to test for SMSgt then another two years to be eligible to test for CMSgt. If he made it the first time both times, it would still take another year to put on the stripe after he made rank. (because a "line number" is based upon one's time in service and time in grade so the shorter time you've been in, the longer you have to wait to put on the stripe.) So, that would be at least another six years before he could go from TSgt to CMSgt. On top of that, you dont just arbitrarily get picked to be the CMSAF, you at least have to be a Command Chief else where before being considered.
By j-dub at 7:18 PM ON 06/12/09
Correction: If he MSgt after the events of the previous film.
@SciFi wire
I wouldnt have suspected that you guys got it wrong, I was more inclined to believe that the writers/director of the film was too ignorant to actually do some research on promotion in the AF enlisted ranks.
By j-dub at 7:24 PM ON 06/12/09
@Stumerbeth
In a previous version, that you obviously missed it did say that he was CMSgt of the Air Force. If you refer back to SciFi Wire's comment under my last one, you will see that they edited the posting.
By ktawlks at 1:10 PM ON 06/25/09
J-dub you're almost right, there is no test for CMSgt. Its a board.
By REALAIRFORCE at 4:04 PM ON 06/29/09
J-Dub ok if you have been in for 7 years you REALLY need to learn Airforce promotions. You don't test for CMSgt or SMSgt. Testing stops at MSgt. 7 yrs huh you really should get out. Cause if you don't know that those two ranks are board only then you are prob a 7yr SrA that is on your way out the door.........
By jasonmcclaren at 5:21 AM ON 07/14/09
I noticed this too being a 7 year veteran. They could have been more realistic but I figure since they are part of a super secret NEST unit he probably got a Presidential type promotion to the highest enlisted rank.
By jasonmcclaren at 5:25 AM ON 07/14/09
Rumor from another site......................Okay, I talked to the people at Transformers and I asked them how Tyreese got promoted from Technical Sergeant to Chief Master Sergeant so quickly. They said: "What had happened was: Tyreese had a line number for Master Sergeant when he was in the first Transformers movie but he just did not sew on the stripe yet:-) Then he got step promoted (two times) You, know, for fighting Aliens and stuff:-) There ya go!
By tome at 4:13 PM ON 07/15/09
I just saw this movie and thought the most annoying role was Tyreses's. His comments had no real value to the movie whatsoever other than to have a black person on screen. I don't understand why Hollywood directors continually do this other than to increase attendance or to fend off minority leaders who want to see a more "diverse" movie. Totally embarrassing role.
By 1Sgt945AMXS at 1:55 PM ON 07/16/09
Ahh, Hollywood license. STEP promotion works as an explanation. Could it happen in RL, doubt it highly unless he saved a cadre of CCMs at a seminar or something, or plucked the CSAF from a burning KC-10. Aside from that, just enjoy the movie as "entertainment".
By MSgt DT at 1:57 PM ON 10/12/09
ktawlks and REALAIRFORCE,
You are both incorrect. There is, in fact, a test for SMSgt and CMSgt. I am studying for SMSgt right now. Granted, the test is only worth 100 points out of 795 possible points. The board score is worth between 270-450 points, and TIS, TIG, Decs, and EPR's make up the rest of the possible points. If youtwo guys don't, you really should get out! LOL
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MSgt DT:
ktawlks and REALAIRFORCE, You are both incorrect. There is, in fact, a test for SMSgt and CMSgt. I am studying for...More »