Front Row Hugh Grant, Stephen Fry, Hollywood and homosexuality
Nov 8, 2017
Hugh Grant, famed for his charming roles, shares insights into playing the quirky villain Phoenix Buchanan in Paddington 2, reflecting on his theatrical roots. Stephen Fry, a celebrated actor and writer, discusses his latest work Mythos, bringing beloved Greek myths to life and highlighting their enduring allure. They dive into Hollywood's casting controversies, particularly how straight actors often play gay roles, and explore the deeper societal implications behind this trend. Their conversation mingles humor with serious themes, making for a riveting dialogue.
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Repertory Roots Of Phoenix Buchanan
- Hugh Grant drew on his repertory theatre days to shape Phoenix Buchanan's grandiose mannerisms.
- He recounts directors telling him he wore too much make-up and learning to improvise on small sets.
Set Mischief And Midlife Tap Shoes
- Hugh Grant describes heavy ad-libbing on the Paddington 2 set and wrestling Hugh Bonneville on day one.
- He also recalls the struggle and eventual satisfaction of learning a large song-and-dance routine in his mid-50s.
Paddington's Gentle Moral Force
- Grant argues Paddington's core message is tolerance, kindness and good manners drawn from the books.
- He suggests that simple moral clarity makes the films resonate politically without being preachy.
