The release of Max Payne Retribution is becoming more and more imminent. In just four days the fan film will finally be available for all to see. I know many of you are eager to watch it and so do the cast and crew. Actor Joan James Muixi (IMDB Page), who plays Max Payne in Retribution, has reached out to PayneReactor to setup an interview. I thought it would be interesting to keep the interview as personal as possible. What did Muixi all do to prepare for the role of Max Payne? How did he end up being cast as Max Payne? If you’re looking to know the answers to these questions, keep on reading. All will be revealed. And much, much more!
Patrick: Were you familiar with the Max Payne videogames before the project?
Joan: Sure I was. I played the first Max Payne over and over in my teens when it came out, then later I also played and completed Max Payne 2 and Max Payne 3.
Patrick: Are you a fan of videogames / videogame culture at all?
Joan: You bet, especially growing up, I always enjoyed and appreciated great games, specifically the ones that are movie-esque with heroic, and anti-hero characters with a high moral code, strong values and backbone, a cinematic story and action. You know the Max Payne’s, Red Dead Redemption and I always been particularly obsessed with all the Metal Gear Solid games from Hideo Kojima, the first one had a great impact on me.
“I always been particularly obsessed with all the Metal Gear Solid games from Hideo Kojima, the first one had a great impact on me.”
Patrick: How did you end up cast as Max Payne in Max Payne Retribution?
Joan: It was pretty straightforward actually,I saw the job , I knew it had to be mine so I sent a self tape of a monologue of Max Payne Retribution to Leroy Kincaide (director) and Chloe Chudasama (producer) and then they offered me the role.
Patrick: What have you done to prepare for the role of Max Payne?
Joan: I did whatever helped me believe it more, so from working with the script , to reading the scripts of Sam Lake over and over and watching the Graphic Novels online. Building Max’s background, memories and all those things while always bringing myself to the role.
Patrick: What was the most challenging about bringing the character of Max Payne to life?
Joan: Well nobody was digging ditches but the most challenging about bringing Max to life would be to be in the very dark mental estate that Max Payne lives in 24/7.
Not mentioning to take out of my head the great cool classic voice of James McCaffrey, since he’s the voice we think of when we think of Max Payne, to put it on the side at the start of prepping was a challenge. He did a fantastic job.
Patrick: If there’s one thing about the production that you’re most proud of, what would it be?
Joan: As a fan of the games, when I saw the hotel scene of the film , I saw a great tribute to the games and the soul of Max Payne when he is behind closed doors.
Patrick: What will the audience be thinking after they’ve seen this film?
Joan: Fist I want them to be entertained and to enjoy it, after all that’s what movies are for. Then see a different but truthful representation that makes justice to the Max Payne legacy and its characters.
Patrick: How is this production brining anything new to the Max Payne universe?
Joan: Leroy, the director and writer of the script had a very fresh vision and take of Max Payne, and while you’ll definitely see homage to the games, there are moments where is the first time in live action where you will get the essence of Max Payne as far as his inner life and emotional baggage.You’ll see as well more developed characters like Jack Lupino and new additions like Jon Campling’s Curtis Draven.
Patrick: How is this character like you? Different?
Joan: We have a few things in common, such as we are both loners and no bs kind of guys, and among others a difference we have is the drinking, I don’t drink.
“The thing I like the most about him [Max Payne] is that while far from perfect he is essentially a righteous man..”
Patrick: What do you love about the Max Payne character?
Joan: Max Payne is a great character. The thing I like the most about him is that while far from perfect he is essentially a righteous man, although he doesn’t see himself as a hero at all,even despises himself at some points, he never gives up and ends up doing the right thing . Even after solving the puzzle behind the death of his family he keeps punishing himself and doesn’t want to move on as that could be being disloyal to Michelle, that can be seen also when he is around Mona.
I also love the dark witty sense of humor you see in the games.
Patrick: Who must see this production and why? Call someone out by name.
Joan: I think it’s an absolute necessity that anybody with internet access watches this film,The fans of Max Payne for sure, this project was made for them, I am aware of the support given to the project by the fans and online platforms like yours Patrick and we are very grateful for it and hope you all enjoy the film and that it even surpasses your expectations.
It’s also targeted to fans of the genre in video games in general as to any lover of action-thriller movies and storytelling. Let’s see if we have the creator and original face of Max Payne, Sam Lake and Remedy Entertainment taking a look at it and also Rockstar. The more the merrier.
Patrick: Besides yourself, what celebrity would you see tackling this role?
Joan: Tom Cruise, I think he is top of the line and it would be very unexpected and interesting to see.
And with that question we wrap up the interview. If you have any questions for Mr. Muixi, feel free to share them with us in the comments. We’ll make sure he’ll receive and answer them. Max Payne Retribution is slated for release on June 24th, 2PM GMT. For more coverage on this fan film and a full written review, keep checking your favorite source for Payne!
