James Cosmo: interviews

The Movie Cafe: James Cosmo

Janice Forsyth presents a very special conversation with one of Scotland's best loved film actors.
James Cosmo has been a larger than life presence on our big screens since his movie debut in The Battle Of Britain in 1969 alongside Michael Caine and Christopher Plummer. Since then he's played a hairy clansmen in Highlander, a drug addict's father in Trainspotting, William Wallace's right hand man in Braveheart and is currently dominating screens as part of the Game Of Thrones TV series.
In this in-depth interview he discusses how he was considered for the role of James Bond, his involvement in plans for a Scottish Film Studio and how Mel Gibson interrupted a Saturday night at home with news that would change his life.
Listen to the interview at BBC Radio Scotland

Game of Thrones
James Cosmo On Playing Mormont
James Cosmo reveals where 'Game of Thrones' Season 3 picks back up for Mormont!
MTV

Meet the Scots stars of Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones has proved to be a huge success and has catapulted its Scots stars to the attention of audiences worldwide.
Here are the Scottish actors making it big on the fantasy TV show, and to get you back into the world of Westeros, here's the season 3 trailer.

Richard Madden (Robb Stark) 26 year old Richard Madden, from Elderslie in Renfrewshire, graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 2007. He began his career with theatre roles at the Arches and the Citizens Theatre, and in London he played Romeo at the Globe’s production of Romeo and Juliet.

He’s had parts in TV series Hope Springs and last year’s BBC adaptation of Birdsong. He’s currently dating the new Doctor Who assistant Jenna-Louise Coleman, he has been named Most Stylish Male at the Scottish Style Awards and in 2010 made the cut for Esquire’s Hottest Stars.

Rose Leslie (Ygritte) Aberdeen-born Rose Leslie has some strong ancestral blood: she is the daughter of the chieftain of Clan Leslie, Sebastian Arbuthnot-Leslie, and grew up in the 15th century Lickleyhead Castle. Rose won a Scottish BAFTA for Best New Talent for her debut role in the Scottish film New Town in 2009. The 26 year old will also be recognisable to Downton Abbey fans, playing Gwen in series 1 – the maid with ambitions to become a secretary.

Emun Elliott (Marillion) Emun Elliott was born and raised by Edinburgh’s seaside, Portobello, and has Iranian ancestry on his father’s side. The 29 year old toured the world as Squaddie Private Fraser on stage in Black Watch, and had parts in Scottish TV series’ Monarch of the Glen and Lip Service. In 2009 film magazine Screen International named him as ‘one to watch’ – a prestigious platform for an up and coming actor. He played flight engineer Chance in Ridley Scott’s Prometheus and last year he also had roles in successful shows including sitcom Threesome, and the BBC drama The Paradise.

Kate Dickie (Lady Lysa Arryn) The East Kilbride native is most known for her part in the film Red Road, winning a Scottish BAFTA and a British Independent film award. Making her TV debut playing ‘young girl’ in an episode of Rab C Nesbitt, Kate Dickie has gone on to appear in Prometheus, along with Emun Elliot, as well as having parts in Taggart, Tinseltown and Still Game. She lives in Kelvinbridge with partner Kenny and daughter Molly.

Iain Glen (Jorah Mormont) 51 year old Iain Glen, from Edinburgh, is a former Edinburgh Academy pupil and he honed his craft at RADA. He is brother to Hamish Glen, once the artistic director of the Dundee Repertory Theatre. Iain has had a wide-ranging career that has included the Resident Evil series, the BBC’s Ripper Street, Spooks and Doctor Who. He also played Sir Richard Carlisle in Downton Abbey – the newspaper tycoon who tries to woo Lady Mary.

Ron Donachie (Ser Rodrik Cassel) Ron Donachie is originally from Dundee and studied at Glasgow University. The 56 year old has had supporting roles in Titanic and The Jungle Book, as well as parts many major british TV series over the years, including Heartbeat, Doctor Who, Rebus, The Bill and Waterloo Road.

Rory McCann (Sandor Clegane)) Rory McCann is probably most recognised as the Porridge man in a vest and kilt in the advert for Scott’s Porage Oats. The 43 year old actor, who is 6ft 6, was a painter on the Forth Road Bridge before winning acclaim for his role in the 2002 Scottish TV series the Book Club. He made his film debut in Oliver Stone’s Alexander and has also had parts in Hot Fuzz and Clash of the Titans.

James Cosmo (Jeor Mormont) The 64 year old actor from Clydebank is son of actor James Copeland. He has been a mainstay of British TV since the 1970s, as well as a stint on Take the High Road, and is recognisable in grizzly roles in films including Highlander, Braveheart, Trainspotting and Troy, and a softer role as Father Christmas in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Source (including photos): Herald Scotland 

Season 3 trailer:

Source: YouTube

CTPost also have a 'Meet the Stars' feature here

James Cosmo: interview at the Glasgow Film Festival

James Cosmo talks Citadel, Game of Thrones, his career and Scottish film
From STV:

James Cosmo has appeared in some of the country’s best known films including Braveheart, Trainspotting and Highlander, and received considerable acclaim throughout his career including a recent Scottish Bafta for Donkeys.

Speaking at the Glasgow Film Festival, where he had appeared to talk about his career, the 64-year-old Scottish actor revealed to STV about what he thinks set those films apart.
He said that Highlander director Russell Mulcahy had “brought something new to the business”, while having worked with Trainspotting director Danny Boyle on TV before he knew “the quality that Danny would bring to the game”.

Meanwhile Cosmo explained how Braveheart had come at exactly the right time for him, while he was going through a rough patch getting enough work to look after his wife and baby.

Of new film Citadel, an Irish/Scottish co-production by Bl!nder Films and Scotland’s Sigma Films, he spoke effusively about writer-director Ciaran Foy.
After revealing that he chose to work on Citadel because of its “terrific script”, of its claustrophobic nature he added: “It was great fun to do, really good – and by goodness it makes you jump.”

He has also appeared in two of the most acclaimed US TV shows of recent years – Sons of Anarchy and most recently in Game of Thrones, and explained to us how it was to work on those much loved series.

Read much more, and watch the video, at STV

James Cosmo

Magnet to distribute 'Hammer of the Gods'
The Wagner/Cuban Company’s Magnet Releasing, genre arm of Magnolia Pictures, announced today they have acquired US rights to Hammer of the Gods, a Viking epic from Vertigo Films and Protagonist Pictures. The feature film début of Farren Blackburn, Hammer of the Gods is described as being a visceral, intense action film starring Charlie Bewley (The Twilight Saga, Like Crazy) and James Cosmo (Braveheart, "Game of Thrones"), produced by Rupert Preston and Hubi Von Liel.

Set in the violent world of Viking Britain in 871 AD, Hammer of the Gods is the story of a young Viking warrior, Steinar (Bewley), sent by his father the King (Cosmo) on a quest to find his estranged brother, who was banished from the kingdom many years before. Steinar’s epic journey across hostile territory gradually sees him emerge as the man his father wants him to be – the ruthless and unforgiving successor to his throne.

Magnet will release the film in 2013 through its Ultra VOD program, where it has previously had considerable success with period action films, including Centurion, Black Death and 13 Assassins.

“'Hammer of the Gods' has all the makings of a tremendously thrilling and stylish action film,” said Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles. “We are very happy to be in business again with the wonderful people at Vertigo Films.”

"We are all excited to be working again with the team at Magnolia Pictures who were such a strong US partner on Monsters and Bronson. Their excitement and enthusiasm for 'Hammer of the Gods' was apparent from the start, and we look forward to another successful collaboration," said the film's producer and Vertigo partner Preston.
Source: Coming Soon
Also reported by Chicago Tribune

Scottish BAFTA nominations

Scottish BAFTAs 2012 nominations revealed, with Edith Bowman set to host
Radio presenter Edith Bowman will host this next month's Scottish BAFTAs ceremony, with Ken Loach acclaimed film The Angels' Share leading the way in the nominations.
The film, which saw Loach receive the Jury Prize at the Cannes festival earlier this year, is up for four awards. The winners will be announced in Glasgow on Sunday November 18.
The Angels' Share is up for best feature film, with Paul Laverty nominated for best writer. Meanwhile Paul Brannigan – who hosted Born To Lose? for the STV Appeal – and Siobhan Reilly are up for best actor and actress respectively.
Meanwhile Antiques Road Trip, which is made by STV Productions, is nominated in the features/factual entertainment category.
Fife-born Bowman said: "The event is a brilliant showcase of the moving image industries and highlights the wealth of talent here in Scotland.
"Over the past year Scotland has cemented its reputation as a leading player in film, TV and game production. So much fantastic work has been produced and I'm very excited to see who wins from the list of nominees."
Kevin Bridges's show What's The Story? is among those nominated for best comedy/entertainment programme, while the funny man is also up for best writer for the series.
There may be some marital strife as Gregor Fisher and Elaine C Smith go head to head in the best television actor/actress category. They’re nominated for their husband/wife roles in Rab C Nesbitt.
Jude MacLaverty, director of Bafta in Scotland, said: "The British Academy Scotland Awards is all about rewarding excellence in the industry, and this year's nominations reflect the sheer breadth of talent, creativity, and originality here in Scotland."
Source: STV

The acting nominees are...
ACTOR/ACTRESS FILM

• Paul Brannigan: The Angels’ Share
• James Cosmo: Citadel
• Siobhan Reilly: The Angels’ Share

ACTOR/ACTRESS - TELEVISION

• Iain De Caestecker: Young James Herriot
• Gregor Fisher: Rab C Nesbitt
• Elaine C Smith: Rab C Nesbitt

Also reported (with full nominations list) by Scotsman  BBC Scotland and Daily Record

Photo of Edith Bowman: Scotsman

James Cosmo: interview on Trainspotting and acting advice

Trainspotting & acting advice - James Cosmo interview

Published on Oct 11, 2012 by RedCarpetNewsTV
Source: YouTube

James Cosmo: Game of Thrones interview

Game Of Thrones Jeor Mormont - James Cosmo interview
Published on Oct 11, 2012 by RedCarpetNewsTV
 

Source: YouTube

James Cosmo: convention appearances

Entertainment Media Show: latest guest announcement - JAMES COSMO

We are pleased to announce that JAMES COSMO is now able to join us at EMS next weekend.

James will be appearing on Sunday. Photo shoot tickets are now available on the online shop.

Jeor Mormont - Game of Thrones
Father Kellan Ashby - Sons of Anarchy
Finn Rourke - Castle
Hengist - Merlin
Galder Weatherwax - The Colour of Magic
Mr. Renton - Trainspotting
Campbell - Braveheart
Angus McLeod - Highlander

Read more at Showmasters

   

LOG Report from Wales Comic Con
Local sci-fi fans turn out in force for Wrexham’s celebrity-packed event, reports Kyle Percival

CON REPORT: Wales Comic Con, 23 September 2012, Glyndwr University, Wrexham

They’re coming outta of the goddamn walls! Science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts flooded the campus of Wrexham’s Glyndwr University to get some face time with their favourite stars in this year’s Wales Comic Con.

Famous faces from television and film were in attendance along with voice actors, authors and comic  artists. Among their number were Jeremy Bullock, Andy Secombe and Warwick Davies of Star Wars fame, Julian Glover, Jerome Flynn, James Cosmo (below right, with Kyle), James Addy, Gemma Whelan, Finn Jones and Gethin Anthony flying the flag for Game Of Thrones and Anthony Head, Craig Parker and Thomas Ian Nicholas adding some sheer awesome to the proceedings. All of the guest stars were approachable, friendly and happy to sign autographs or pose for the odd picture.

The hall was packed to the rafters with visitors, many of them styled in the image of their favourite characters, and stalls selling collectibles old and new, including artwork, prints, autographs, models and clothing.

Read more at SFX

James Cosmo: CITADEL theatrical movie trailer première

Ciaran Foy's Citadel horror movie has made its theatrical trailer première with a cast including James Cosmo, Aneurin Barnard, Wunmi Mosaku and Amy Shiels. 

The film which has some pretty slick looking posters, won the 2012 SXSW Film Festival's Midnighter Audience Award. 

Citadel brings a fresh take to classic horror by raising the question: How can you protect your family from evil when you’re afraid of everything? 

Foy directs and scripts the story which tells of Tommy Cowley (Aneurin Barnard) who lives a quiet life in a decaying apartment complex with his highly pregnant wife. The couple is attacked one day by a group of hooded young thugs, and after a shocking act of violence, Tommy is left to raise his newborn daughter alone. 

So shaken by the events that he’s developed extreme agoraphobia, Tommy alternates days hiding out indoors in his new flat from imagined threats and intense therapy sessions aimed at bringing him back to normalcy. 

When the same hooded gang, seemingly intent on kidnapping his daughter, begins terrorizing his life again, he’s torn between his paralysing fear and protective parental instinct. With the help of a vigilante priest who has uncovered the genesis of this ruthless, potentially supernatural gang, Tommy must overcome his fears and venture into the heart of the abandoned tower block known as the Citadel to save his family. 

Citadel Theatrical Movie Trailer:

Source: Upcoming Movies

James Cosmo: Citadel — Teaser Trailer

How can a severely agoraphobic father protect his baby daughter from the evils of the world? 

It's a fascinating concept that was thought of by Ciaran Foy, the writer-director of the stylized psychological horror, Citadel, which stars Aneurin Barnard (Elfie Hopkins) and James Cosmo (Braveheart). And it seems after having its World Première at this year's SXSW Film Festival (where it earned a Midnighter Audience Award), the UK/Irish produced feature will be arriving in the States very soon. In fact, it will open in select theatres starting on October 26th. 

Until then, you can check out the US teaser trailer, which has been released online.

Read more at The Movie Box 

The Runway: review and trailer

The Runway: Film Review

Demian Bichir delivers a soulful turn as a Colombian pilot stranded in a remote Irish village in Ian Power's comedy.

If you ever find yourself in trouble it’s probably best to make your way to a remote Irish village, where the quirky residents are bound to be all too happy to help you in your plight. This narrative staple of Irish films reappears yet again in The Runway, director/screenwriter Ian Power’s mild but likeable début feature starring Demian Bichir. Opening in Arizona for a limited release, the film could well score on VOD and cable thanks to its Oscar nominated (A Better Life) leading man’s newly high profile.

Apparently inspired by a true-life incident, the film, which reveals no small influence by E.T., concerns a Columbian pilot, Ernesto, whose plane crash lands in the small village of Drumalee in County Cork. Speaking not a word of English, Ernesto finds a chief ally in nine-year-old Paco (Jamie Kierans), the only resident who speaks any Spanish. It seems that the lad has learned the language in the hope of someday reconnecting with his long-absent father, who according to his mother Grace (Kerry Condon) is a Spaniard.

Providing exactly the sort of mistranslation designed to encourage the townspeople to come to aid of the otherwise shady pilot, Paco quickly begins looking at his new friend as a father figure, with Ernesto helping things along by taking a romantic interest in his comely mother. Meanwhile, prodded by a no-nonsense local engineer (an entertaining James Cosmo), the villagers set about trying to help Ernesto repair his plane and construct a make-shift runway from which he can take flight.

The formulaic but amusing goings-on, which include the late arrival of a fellow Columbian on Ernesto’s tail (played by Bichir’s brother Bruno), are thankfully elevated by the central performances. Young Kierans is effortlessly natural in his film début; Kondon is charming as the wary but lonely single mom, and Bichir uses his smouldering good looks and natural charisma to excellent effect. The talented Mexican actor, so effective as the villainous crime boss in Weeds, displays the sort of soulful presence that renders the improbable plotline reasonably believable.

Opens July 20 (Tribeca Film)

Source: TheHollywood Reporter 

The Runway Official Trailer 2012

Source: YouTube

IG Extended: Exclusive Darksiders II Interview w/ James Cosmo

From THQ, the upcoming "Darksiders II" is nearing release. Join Adam Kovic in an interview with actor and voice over talent for the game, James Cosmo.  

Source: YouTube 

James Cosmo: No Saints for Sinners (2012) HD Trailer

28 May 2012 release date for No Saints For Sinners DVD   

Source: YouTube

‘Songs for Amy’ screening cancelled in Cannes

An Irish film due to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival was pulled at the last minute due to technical difficulties. The very first screening of Irish movie Songs for Amy which stars Sean Maguire (you might remember him from Eastenders), James Cosmo and Patrick Bergin, was cancelled at the last minute at the prestigious Cannes film festival last night.

Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, writer and producer of the film, Fiona Graham said that the festival organisers apologised for the error, but said they had lost a crucial opportunity to screen Songs for Amy to potential buyers.

Graham said that a lot of time had been spent marketing the film in advance of its planned screening yesterday at The Market Cinema.

Despite the fact that a test showing of the film had been successfully carried out in the cinema the day before, Ms Graham says they were told the screening had to be cancelled due to technical difficulties.

She said: "We had a huge crowd outside the cinema and we had to turn everybody away."

"There were no other cinemas they could use. 500 films screen here and they had no space for us to be able to re-schedule the film at short notice. And to re-schedule it the following day wasn't an option as most of the sales agents and distributors would be leaving today.

"It's a great blow because we had key cast that had flown in from all over the world, we had Kevin Ryan who flew in from Toronto.

"We'd been promoting the film for months for the showing here at Cannes and we were out here for a week, we had the musicians playing the sound track all over town, generally creating a great buzz for the film.

"Our whole purpose of being here was obviously for the screening at Cannes and that would have been our European Premiere and unfortunately that didn't happen."

The film will now have its Irish and European Premiere in Galway on the 11th July.

Source: RTE Ten

 

Game Of Thrones actor James Cosmo teams up with Kevin McKidd for new Scottish movie

Veteran actor James Cosmo has revealed he is producing a new Scottish movie starring Grey’s Anatomy heart-throb Kevin McKidd.

This will be the fourth time the pair have worked together, having already appeared in Trainspotting, The Last Legion and One Night In Emergency.

James, 63, who can be seen in BBC1’s Silent Witness and fantasy drama Game Of Thrones this week, is going behind the camera for new film Stone Of The Spring.

He said: “I’ve just come back from a month in America and had a meeting with my good friend Kevin so hopefully he will be with us on it.

“It is not a huge movie but hopefully we will be able to attract some good names from Scotland and abroad.

“I will also have a minor role but I’m looking forward to working on the other side of the camera.

“I always feel very positive about filming in Scotland.

“We have great talent both in front of the camera and behind it.

“It’s a great country and I would just love to see more work being done here.”

Read more at Daily Record

Also reported by Wet Paint and Sky Living 

Scottish actors cast in HBO's 'Game of Thrones'

HBO released a fact sheet for its upcoming series Game of Thrones complete with casting details. Sweet on Sigma Films parsed through the cast list and reports that Jamie Sives (who plays Jory Cassel) will begin working on the show this week in Belfast. Other Scottish cast members include James Cosmo, who was recently cast as Jeor Mormont, Emun Elliot who will make a guest appearance as Marillion, and Rory McCann (as Sandor Clegane), Richard Madden (as Rob Stark), and Iain Glen (as Ser Jorah Mormont) have all been cast as series regulars.

Game of Thrones is based on George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series. The first season will be made up of 10 episodes with principal photography set to start on July 26 in Belfast, Northern Ireland and Malta. A synopsis is below:

“Game of Thrones” is a new original HBO series based on George R.R. Martin’s best-selling novels. In a world where summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime, the Westeros crown comes with a price. Betrayal, lust, intrigue and supernatural forces shake the four corners of the Kingdom, from the scheming south and the savage eastern lands, to the frozen north and the ancient Wall that protects the realm from the darkness beyond. Kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars and noble men vie for power in the bloody struggle for the Iron Throne.

You can head on over to ONTD! for a look at photos of the entire cast.

'One Night in Emergency' gets an official air date

One Night in Emergency is set to air at 9pm on January 4, 2010 on BBC One Scotland. A synopsis is below:

...Kevin McKidd (Grey's Anatomy, Trainspotting, Rome) leads an all-star cast in One Night In Emergency, a unique and distinctive drama written by award-winning Black Watch playwright Gregory Burke for BBC One Scotland...

One Night In Emergency also stars Michelle Ryan (The Bionic Woman, Doctor Who, EastEnders), Igal Naor (Green Zone, House of Saddam), James Cosmo (Braveheart, Trainspotting), Ewen Bremner (Black Hawk Down, Trainspotting), David Hayman (Trial & Retribution, My Name Is Joe), Gary Lewis (Billy Elliot, My Name Is Joe), Jamie Sives (Valhalla Rising, The Passion), Sanjeev Kohli (Hope Springs, Still Game) and Tam Dean Burn (River City, Wedding Belles), and charts one man's other-worldly journey through the wards of an over-run, inner-city hospital as he desperately searches for his sick wife.

McKidd plays the lead role of Peter who is slowly drawn into a surreal, parallel world as he ventures deep into the labyrinthine building, encountering strange characters along the way while Michelle Ryan takes on the role of Peter's wife, Penny. [Scottish Screen]

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'One Night in Emergency' to air in January

One Night in Emergency which stars Kevin McKidd will reportedly air on BBC in Scotland in the first week of January, 2010. It was originally set to air in December, but the air date has been moved.

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'One Night in Emergency' and 'Valhalla Rising' to screen at the Iverness Film Festival

One Night in Emergency starring Kevin McKidd, Jamie Sives, and Ewen Bremner and Valhalla Rising starring Jamie Sives will both screen at the Iverness Film Festival which runs from November 11 to November 15. One Night in Emergency screens on Friday, November 13. Valhalla Rising screens on closing night, Sunday, November 15.



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Photos from 'One Night in Emergency' + the 'Percy Jackson' poster

Kevin McKidd Online points us to some photos from One Night in Emergency. You can go here to read the article and there's a synopsis of the show below:

...Kevin McKidd (Grey's Anatomy, Trainspotting, Rome) leads an all-star cast in One Night In Emergency, a unique and distinctive drama written by award-winning Black Watch playwright Gregory Burke for BBC One Scotland...

One Night In Emergency also stars Michelle Ryan (The Bionic Woman, Doctor Who, EastEnders), Igal Naor (Green Zone, House of Saddam), James Cosmo (Braveheart, Trainspotting), Ewen Bremner (Black Hawk Down, Trainspotting), David Hayman (Trial & Retribution, My Name Is Joe), Gary Lewis (Billy Elliot, My Name Is Joe), Jamie Sives (Valhalla Rising, The Passion), Sanjeev Kohli (Hope Springs, Still Game) and Tam Dean Burn (River City, Wedding Belles), and charts one man's other-worldly journey through the wards of an over-run, inner-city hospital as he desperately searches for his sick wife.

McKidd plays the lead role of Peter who is slowly drawn into a surreal, parallel world as he ventures deep into the labyrinthine building, encountering strange characters along the way while Michelle Ryan takes on the role of Peter's wife, Penny. [Scottish Screen]

The new teaser poster for Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief has arrived:



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