Opening tomorrow is the action comedy Novocaine (review here), from directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen. If you were making a superhero origin story, this would be one of the most insane. The Boys star Jack Quaid, kind of having a moment right now, plays Nathan Caine, a mild-mannered bank assistant manager who can’t feel pain. It sounds pretty awesome, and maybe it is, but Nate takes an insane amount of punishment while attempting to save the girl of his dreams, played by Prey‘s Amber Midthunder. The film offers a different take on the action movie formula, because having a hero with no pain receptors fundamentally changes everything. It’s also hilariously funny and violent as Hell.
I got to spend time talking with Novocaine stars Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder about all of the crazy sh*t that happens in this film. Quaid talks about his recent roles as sketchy figures and why it’s cool to be back playing a true hero again. Midthunder talked about playing the love interest in a movie for the first time and what that was like, while also discussing the many layers to her character. They seem to get along famously.
I also got to talk with co-stars Jacob Batalon and Ray Nicholson. Batalon, who most will know as Ned from Marvel’s Spider-Man movies, talked about playing the best bud to Nate and his favorite scenes in the film. Nicholson, whose creepy smile was all over Smile 2, said he’s a fan of playing villains more than good guys and I agree with him! They’re just more fun.
Finally, directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen spoke about the challenge and the freedom in constructing action scenes for someone who is painless. I mentioned how Novocaine felt like it was inspired by the film Upgrade and they both admitted that it was a definite influence.
Novocaine opens in theaters on March 14th.
