Most South Africans – I know I did – rejoiced when we learnt that Sharlto Copley was to star in yet another Hollywood blockbuster. Having been fans of The A Team television series growing up, and also having enjoyed his quirky and witty humour on the Oscar-nominated District 9, we had no doubt he was the perfect choice to play Captain Murdock in the big screen adaptation of The A Team. Although most of us were kinda disappointed that Mr. T was not going to reprise the role of BA Baracus, we longed to see what martial artist Quinton “Rampage” Jackson would bring to the character as Mr. T‘s replacement.

Sharlto goofing around for my camera at press junket

When I learnt that both these guys were coming to South Africa to promote the film, I jumped with joy and excitement. Having watched the film some time last month, I was very interested in chatting to both about how the experience was for them since they were seen as underdogs. Nerves started kicking in as the days of the press junket drew closer. Not because I was intimidated by Sharlto and Rampage, but because I knew I wouldn’t get enough time to ask them all the questions I wanted to ask. Needless to say, I got my 15 minutes with both of them at the Palazzio Hotel at Montecasino, hours ahead of the official “yellow carpet” premiere on Thursday night.

We had officially met during the photo call session earlier, so when I got the chance for the one-on-ones, it was easier to get to the flow of the conversations. When asked about his reaction to the news that he was cast to play Captain Murdock, Sharlto responded, “I was very pleased. I’m very grateful and was very comfortable with the part”. He relayed a story of the tape he had made and sent to the director because he knew he could pull this role off. Although he had received many offers for other films, he let them go because he was determined to play this role.

Sharlto being interviewed on the yellow carpet

Sharlto shared that he had a lot improvisation on The A Team, possibly more that he did on District 9. He said about this freedom, “The director would come up with a lot of stuff too. Rampage and even Bradley (Cooper) were also great improvisers. Actually, about 70% of the film is the stuff that’s not necessarily on the script”. Comparing his role on The A Team to that on District 9, Sharlto uttered, “I was very comfortable with Murdock. District 9 was very artistic. It was very much Neil‘s vision. This one was much more a commercial process.” He went on to compare A team to an advert and emphasis that they both had their pros and cons.

Although both these films have catapulted him phenomenal stardom, Sharlto was quick to play this down. He said his views on life are that there are two sides to everything. He modestly added, “If you go too high, you will get off the pedestal people put you in. Your character can be larger than life, but you are nothing different from another human being”. This is the very humanity he tried to show in District 9 and proudly succeeded.

Sharlto and Rampage

Sharlto also shared that, interestingly, this was the first promotional tour he did together with Rampage. He continued to describe the relationship that they have established from the time on set to their travelling to Mzansi. With no hesitation, he revealed the lessons he learnt from meeting Rampage. Amongst them, the perceptions he had about U.S. and its hoods were distinctly dispelled. This somehow changed his life, as he noted. He also learned that the heart still wins because of the heart connection they made. This process was reciprocated as Sharlto also shared sincere and innocent conversations about South Africa with Rampage. These included a lot of practical things about his home country as well as how people naturally end up with prejudices.

Getting back to the film, Sharlto wants for the fans of the show to know that the motion picture version of The A Team is a cool, nostalgic journey. He emphasised that they mustn’t expect to see a carbon copy of the show, but a combination of what the characters did then and their take on those characters. Maintaining his modest nature, he ardently quipped that he would hope that he would be at a point in his life when he would have let go enough ego that it doesn’t concern him about his legacy when asked about what he would like to be remembered for in his later years. He added, “I don’t wanna be thinking, I was there. I hope I’m aligned enough to let go enough. My little ego is not significant. Life is bigger than you.”

Sharlto and Rampage posing

Well, that doesn’t take away from the talent Sharlto possesses and the opportunities he’s been afforded to showcase it. It was an honour and pleasure to meet and talk with him. He’s a kind and friendly guy.

On the other extreme end of the hotel was Quinton Jackson, affectionately known as Rampage, doing his rounds of conversations with the media invited to be part of the press junket. The first thought that came to mind was, how the hell did he get the name Rampage? Could it have had to do with his wrestling and martial arts career? He openly explained that he was given this moniker at 8 years old by his cousin. This was partly do to his temper that it took a lot to lose for him because he didn’t know how to control it.

Rampage being interviewed on yellow carpet

Rampage‘s first reaction to the news that he was going to be playing BA Baracus was somewhat different to that of Sharlto‘s. He relayed a story of how he was actually tricked by the director into thinking he didn’t get the part. He was with his manager at the time and the director went on about how he shouldn’t give up, but ended saying that he was the man for the job. Rampage told of how it ate him up not being to tell anybody about the news until it was officially revealed.

When asked if his fighting background helped him with the physical aspect of the the film, he quickly nodded his accompanied with a big YES. Rampage shared that he was out of shape at the time and had to work out and also gain some weight. When asked if he studied what Mr. T to get a feel of the character, he hurriedly defended, “I’m a big fan of Mr. T so the answer to that is no. I didn’t act like Mr. T. I wanted to do my own thing. I didn’t want to disrespect him.”

Rampage and Sharlto playing along for the camera

Rampage also concurred with Sharlto about the freedom they had been given to improvise as much as they did; and how impressed he was with how it resulted. One of the websites I had gone to do some research had mentioned that rampage was a budding rapper who wished to redo his lyrics after converting to Christianity. It seems this statement was untrue as Rampage told me that he was rapping just for fun, but not to make a career out of it. Actually, he relayed a story of how he freestyled as they traveled with some of his friends in Japan on their way back from a fight. He did say though that he has his favourites in the rap world, amongst them Three 6 Mafia and Lil Wayne.

The same question about the lessons they had learnt from each other was posed to rampage. He responded, “I learnt a lot every day. Especially the movie aspect. Sharlto asks a lot of questions. I thought I was a nobody to ask questions, but he taught me to ask questions if I wanted to learn more.” He continued to share how good a friend they have become. He also enlightened how great Liam and Brad, however not close to how Sharlto was.

Rampage on the yellow carpet

Being asked about the legacy he wants to leave behind, Rampage imparted that he wants people to remember him as a great entertainer. He added, “I want to be remembered as a real down to earth guy. It feels good to even be around here now. I want people to know I was a great person.” Before the conversation ended, Rampage boasted how proud his three sons were of their father being part of The A Team. He beamed with joy as he shared how they all loved the film.

Although at times nonchalant with answers, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson was spot on about being a down-to-earth guy. You can even see it from his ever present smile and the jokes he dishes out as he speaks.

That was the only time we had with these two stars of The A Team. Unfortunately I had another gig to attend, so I stayed just for the “yellow” carpet arrivals which Sharlto and Rampage walked to be part of the event put together by MTN.

Sharlto and Rampage pose in Fabiani gear on yellow carpet

As for the film, it’s a great entertainment flick, filled with lots of action. My suggestion would be for the fans of the television show to not expect what they saw on the show. It is 2010 after all, and we have to move with the times.

The A Team opens at Nu Metro cinemas nationwide this coming Friday, 20 August 2010. Go and check it out! If not for nostalgic reasons, to support our very own Sharlto Copley.

Be Sociable, Share!

•