If you’re a fan of The Boys, then Karl Urban’s portrayal of Billy Butcher has likely left a lasting impression. While Urban is known for his roles in prominent franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Star Trek, there are aspects of him that many fans are still unfamiliar with.
Hailing from New Zealand, Karl Urban’s journey to Hollywood followed a unique and unconventional path, distinct from the usual trajectory of American and British actors. From his early days in New Zealand to his rise in Hollywood, Urban’s career has been a fascinating adventure. Unravel the lesser-known side of this immensely talented actor in the untold truth of Karl Urban.
Karl Urban Did A Great Job As Dredd
When the Judge Dredd franchise underwent a revival in the 2010s, Karl Urban stepped into the spotlight as the iconic titular character. His portrayal in 2012’s Dredd received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike, showcasing Urban’s dedication and talent in the role.
Following the disappointing 1995 film Judge Dredd, which failed to resonate with audiences, the reboot’s team understood the importance of delivering what fans truly wanted. Karl Urban’s affinity for the character and his spot-on portrayal in the 2012 film Dredd made his role in the reboot almost inevitable.
Karl Urban, a devoted fan of Dredd since his youth, expressed his concerns about the 1995 movie’s decision to frequently remove Dredd’s iconic helmet, which was uncommon in the comics. He emphasized that, to him, keeping the helmet on is essential to preserving the character’s true essence.
“I’m a longtime fan of ‘Dredd.’ I read it growing up.” When asked about the 1995 movie, Urban took issue with that film’s insistence on taking Dredd’s helmet off — something almost unheard of in the comics. “To me, [the helmet staying on is] essential,” Urban said.
Karl Urban’s deep understanding of the character extended to providing notes to the Dredd screenwriters, ensuring that the portrayal stayed true to the enigmatic essence of the character. Co-writer Alex Garland praised Urban’s clear vision for the role, and how he adjusted lines to fit his performance perfectly.
Karl Urban Is Still Famous Among LOTR Fans
In a heartwarming reunion, director Peter Jackson and the main cast of The Lord of the Rings came together in 2020 for One Zoom to Rule Them All, a special episode of Josh Gad’s Reunited Apart YouTube series. The virtual gathering, organized during the pandemic, became a massive hit, amassing 6.8 million views due to its nostalgic and fan-pleasing moments.
The cast provided delightful moments through scene re-enactments during the reunion. Among the numerous highlights of the reunion, the ultimate treat for Karl Urban fans was witnessing the Kiwi actor reading a scene alongside Miranda Otto (Eowyn). Urban’s passionate delivery of his lines outshined everyone else on the Zoom call, and to add to the excitement, he proudly wore his original Eomer helmet during the memorable moment.
Source: Looper
