Interview – The new face of Street Fighter's Ken talks to Lazygamer

As we mentioned in a previous post, we have bagged an exclusive interview with South Africa’s DeVille Vannik who will be playing Ken Masters in a new Street Fighter short being made in the US, that is being pitched to Capcom for a remake of the franchise.

The interview reveals some new information of the project as well as its basic plot and location.

Hit the jump for the full interview.

Hey DeVille, thanks for taking some time out to do an interview. So we hear you are working on some Street Fighter promo videos, what can you tell us about the project?

DeVille: Well I can’t say all that much at the moment but it is a promo that will be used by the creators to pitch the idea for a remake to the big shots at Capcom.

Q: Will these videos be used for public viewing, or are they created to try and get more money thrown at a larger project?

DeVille: Yes, the promo will go public and it will also be used to draw some investors to the project.

How many character/actors are involved in the project? Will fans like where it’s going?

DeVille: For this promo its Ken and Chun Li. The storyline is different than what’s been done before so I’m sure fans will enjoy it

Who are you playing in the promo, and what does it entail? Do you have to kick some ass?

DeVille: I play Ken Masters and in the promo and I’ve come to China to find Ryu, he’s last known whereabouts lead me to a dojo where I meet Chun Li. And yes, there will be some ass kickery for sure.

Is this the only project underway? Are more planned in the future?

DeVille: As far as street fighter goes this is the only project I am aware of. But the same director is also working on another project, a thriller called ipsycho that is in pre production.

What does it feel like to play an iconic character that so many people have grown up with?

DeVille: Its an amazing privilege and also a lot of pressure to do it justice. But at the end of the day its a great experience and a lot of fun.

Are you a gamer? If so, were you ever a big fan of Street Fighter?

DeVille: Definitely a gamer and yes, I’ve been a fan of street fighter for ages. Growing up I would play street fighter on the arcade machines at the corner shop whenever I had change in my pocket. Ken was always a favorite character!

So you’re a local bloke from South Africa and now you are living in New York making a mark for yourself, tell us how it all happened.
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DeVille: The Grace of God combined with hard work, good planning and determination. I’ve loved acting since I was a little kid and got more interested and involved in filmmaking as I got older. Was out in the USA a few years back and took some time to research the industry, talked to people who have been working in it for a while and took a look at some acting schools. After I went home to SA I auditioned for the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and got in, next thing I know I’m kicking it in New York City and getting involved in some great projects.

Where to next?

DeVille: I’ve been working on putting together an action reel which has just gone up on my website and I’m keeping an eye open for the next project. Possibly heading to SA for a while around September to take a break and I will be keen to work on something while I’m back home.

Anything else you’d like to mention?

DeVille: Sure, if you’d like to find out a little more about me, log onto devillevannik.com

Thanks for your time DeVille, we wish you the best of luck!

Last Updated: August 17, 2010