Though American actor William Fichtner was long believed to be playing the role of Shredder in the Michael Bay produced reboot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Tohoru Masamune was revealed to be playing the true Shredder with the film’s release. We had the chance to talk to Masamune as he discusses the production process, Michael Bay’s involvement, and the secrecy surrounding his casting.
Interview: Michael Nelson . Photo(s): Bjoern Kommerell & Paramount Pictures
It initially seemed like Shredder was going to be played by William Fichtner, who actually plays another antagonist, Eric Sachs. How did you ultimately end up getting the role?
I was not privy to how the role evolved into its final incarnation. I was not offered or until after I had heard William Fichtner was slated to play the Shredder. Oddly enough, I was actually offered the role without an audition. Simply got that proverbial phone call while I was hiking on Bell Rock in Sedona. I guess 24 years of slugging away in this business finally paid off.
Did you experience any complications, as an actor, with you coming in a bit later in the production process?
Well, it is always a little tricky coming into a process late, but everyone was so nice and operating at such a world-class level that the process went quite smoothly. The main challenge was that on the movie at that point, there was so much going on at such a rapid pace. It was clear that it was up to me to get up to speed while not slowing down anything or anyone in the overall process. For me, it was an exercise in focusing only on just I what I needed to execute my particular task, and delivering. I had to completely go with the flow, and trust everyone around me. In a sense, that’s how it should be all the time. It’s a fantastic way to create. The end result is often more authentic. I’m glad I was not afforded the luxury of being indulgent. It can be stressful, but at the end of the day, I like working that way.
Were you familiar with the TMNT series before playing Shredder?
Yes, absolutely. My family is from Massachusetts, and I originally perceived it as a local phenomenon. I clearly remember being in New England and first hearing that title TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES. I knew it was something I had to check out. I am a big fan of the original B & W Mirage comic book series with the TCRI, Honeycutt the Fugitoid, Triceratons etc. I love the current IDW incarnation. Loved the 80’s cartoons. The current Nickelodeon cartoon series is awesome too. I was directed by one of the executive producers of this Nick TMNT cartoon series – Peter Hastings – on an episode of KUNG FU PANDA – LEGENDS OF AWESOMESNESS (played a villain clam). Of course, like everyone else I thrilled to watch the 1990 TMNT movie. Rather coincidentally, one of my friends and acting classmates for 7 years was Judith Hoag, who played April O’ Neil. TMNT just seems to follow me around!
Did you undergo martial arts training or any other special preparation for the role?
Oddly enough, I drew from classical Japanese theater (Noh & Kyogen), a form in which I trained and performed extensively throughout my early years as an actor. As I was working on this role, I resumed this type of intense, deep vocal and physical training. I felt it was good way for me to start my descent into the Shredder zone.
Some scenes feature a CGI Shredder. Were you involved in a motion capture process?
I have a background in samurai sword, bo-staff and tactical firearms fighting choreography, but I was not involved with the motion capture process. Thankfully world-class stunt people did all the motion capture for Shredder in the armor. The work I did for this was from the voice-over booth. That part of the process was essentially an animation gig for me.
What was your experience like working with Michael Bay?
I can’t speak for anyone else, but I personally did not have much interaction with Michael Bay. I worked almost entirely with the director Jonathan Liebesman and all the creative team around set. Of course I worked closely with post-production team in ADR. In our final session, just when I thought we were just finishing up, a bunch of people entered the booth and I was informed we had to re-do a speech at a higher bit rate. Apparently Michael Bay just watched the most recent cut, and thought it could be better. I was concerned because I was really happy with what we had previously recorded, but when I watched the movie he definitely made the right call!
Since its original publication in the 80’s, TMNT has continued to be an enduring part of pop culture. What do you think makes the series so popular?
As I said, I distinctly remember the first time I heard that name – TEENAGE. NINJA. MUTANT. TURTLES. It made me laugh, and I knew I had to check it out. This crazy name, the irony of the outlandish premise, the humor, and the martial arts fighting (I in particular have a soft spot for the weaponry – bo-staff, nunchaku, katana, sai) all created a singular gestalt. They are 4 brothers who need each other to survive, yet all maintain all the boyish charm, mischief and bravado of any group of teenage brothers as they grow up in the world. TMNT balances danger and bad-ass action with innocence, family and heart. I believe this all drives its enduring popularity.
Do you have a favorite turtle?
Jeez, that’s a tough one. Michelangelo is so damn funny. Raphael is such a bad-ass. Donatello speaks to my deeply nerdy side, Leo holds them all together. I guess the short answer is my favorite turtle is whomever I just watched!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 has already been confirmed you see yourself reprising Shredder for the sequel?
Well, we all saw Shredder’s fingers dipping into the mutagen at the end (Let me tell you, I was one psyched actor was to see that!), so we know Shredder’s coming back. As for me reprising the role, I’ve been in this business long enough to not assume anything. I do not have a 3-picture deal, nor has anyone approached me yet about the sequel. I certainly seemed to work well with the team though. A wonderful moment for me was when we were celebrating at the premiere after-party. I was having a great conversation with one of the producers, Andrew Form, about the experience of being a late-comer to this project. When we finished up the conversation he said, “Well, not anymore, you’re part of the family now. You’re Shredder!” We’ll see though. If it all ended right here, I’d still be the happiest actor in Hollywood. If I get that phone-call a few months from for now, you’ll definitely hear me screaming and dancing in the streets.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was released August 8th, 2014 and stars Megan Fox, Will Arnett, William Fichtner, Alan Ritchson, Noel Fisher, Pete Ploszek,Johnny Knoxville, Jeremy Howard. The film is directed by Jonathan Liebesman.
Twitter: @tohorumasamune