Christopher Heyerdahl reveals New Moon role and hints at future

CHRISTOPHER HEYERDAHL, who plays vampire Marcus in upcoming Twilight sequel New Moon, has spoken of the amazing impact of the series, comparing it with Beatlemania.

Heyerdahl is already well known to sci-fi fans from his roles in Sanctuary (as Bigfoot and also as and time-travelling John Druit, pictured below), Supernatural, Smallville (as Clark's uncle and Supergirl's father Zor-El, see above) and Stargate: Atlantis, as well as film credits in Blade Trinity and The Chronicles of Riddick.

Speaking about his New Moon role, he told Sci Fi Wire: "This guy, poor old Marcus, is a 3,000-odd-year-old vampire who has spent at least the last 2,000 of it with a broken heart.

"Really, one of the main reasons to play that character and have anything to do with that series is my niece, who is absolutely obsessed with this series of books. To see how it has had such an effect on the teenage female community throughout the world is amazing.

"I have friends of friends who send me e-mails and call me from all over the world. Every one of these young women feel that this story is about them. It's absolutely remarkable to be a part of something so widespread. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

He added: "We went out for a cast dinner while we were shooting, and it was fascinating to see the masses of people trying to sneak their way into the restaurant or find where everyone would be leaving from. To be a part of something that has been compared to Beatlemania, which comes close to a good way of describing it, it's pretty incredible."

Heyerdahl's character is a member of the Volturi, a coven of vampires based in Volterra, Italy, with Michael Sheen and Dakota Fanning playing other members.

He said: "Director Chris Weitz's version for this piece is like a Renaissance painting. The images were absolutely beautiful, and the character is such a tragic old fellow."

Explaining his role - spoilers ahead - the actor added: "Here's how I approach him. When Marcus is brought in, he's there against his will. He and his love tried to leave an awfully long time ago. Through a series of tragic circumstances, the love of his life was killed, and he's now being forced to stay and use his powers for the betterment of the Volturi.

"When Edward and Bella come walking in, his ability to sense the power of their connection is something that wakes him up, brings him back from the boredom of that eternal life and sparks something in him that brings Marcus as close to excitement as he can get.

"Marcus is pretty darn excited by this love that he witnesses. At the same time, it causes him great pain with the memory of what he had and lost. It was very complex to play, especially when you are doing it with so few lines. It will be interesting to see how it is cut together."

Confirming the future of his character and the franchise in general, he revealed he has already signed on for the final film, Breaking Dawn, in which Marcus has an important role. It's good news for the fans to hear he is already on board for the fourth movie. But he says he hasn't yet read the novel.

"I have left that book alone," he said. "I want to leave it until we get closer to the movie. I was talking to Stephenie about it, and she asked if I had read the final book. I said 'Nope, I don't want to read it yet. I want to leave it alone until we get there.' 'Oh, just you wait. You'll love it.'

"I do know generally what happens, since it is impossible not to find out. And, yes, I've been contracted for the final chapter."

The Twilight Saga: New Moon is set for release on November 20.