Answers with Byron Mann

Answer 1

Congrats on "Hell on Wheels"... very exciting! What attracted you to the show and made you want to be a part of it?

The writing and the character. The writing is very strong. When I read the script, it felt like I was reading a feature film script. And the character I'm playing is quite a complex and unpredictable character. Certainly it's something I've never played before.

How would you describe your character 'Chang' and what he will bring to the fifth and final season of "Hell on Wheels"?

'Chang' is an extremely intelligent businessman and labor contractor who is vying for power with 'Cullen Bohannan' (Anson Mount) to gain control of the Central Pacific Railroad. 'Chang' controls the 15,000 Chinese workers on the railroad. He suffers no fools and does not hesitate for a second to do whatever is necessary to get what he wants in any situation. You can do the math as to what that means.

Why will season 5 of "Hell on Wheels" be the best season yet?

Audiences will see a "race" between the two railroads -- the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific Railroad. They will also see -- for the first time on screen -- the real life stories behind the 15,000 Chinese workers who helped build the railroads in America. And last but not least, I'm in it. :)

Were you a "Hell on Wheels" fan before you were cast in season 5?

To be honest, I had never seen it before. I don't watch a lot of television to begin with. But now that I've been shooting this show, I'm definitely a fan. It's historically based, it's gripping and the drama that unfolds is very real.

You recently starred in the Lionsgate actioner "Absolution" opposite Steven Seagal and Vinnie Jones. How is "Absolution" different from other action films you've been a part of in the past?

The sheer amount of action I had to do. There was little or no stuntmen to help me. I did most, if not all, of the eight or nine full-on hand-to-hand, fight scenes in the movie. I also worked closely with the director and the action unit director to choreograph the fights such that each fight had a story, arc and sometimes humor to it. I think it really paid off.

Tell us a little bit about your character 'Chi.' Is he essentially John Alexander's (Steven Seagal) right-hand man?

'Chi' is a Hong Kong triad enforcer and a good friend and partner to Seagal's character. The two of them have been on many operations before. You can say that they're "partners in crime."

Your rapport with Steven Seagal really translates on screen in "Absolution." How was it working with Steven again?

Yes, this is our fourth or fifth collaboration together on screen. The fact that we know each other well and have worked together before translates on screen. Steven has interesting ideas that he brings to his work, and I also have my own ideas too. We've developed a nice rapport in our work together.

Would you classify 'Chi' as a good guy or a bad guy?

I think 'Chi' is a good guy who's had to do bad things in a bad world.

Your fighting scenes in "Absolution" are absolutely insane! What did you do to physically train and prepare for these action sequences in the movie?

Lots and lots of stretching. You have to stretch before, and you have to stretch afterwards. I've done a lot of action before. So once I know what the moves are, it's just like a dance. I'm actually amazed I wasn't injured from doing this movie. It's a miracle, really.

I read somewhere that you do most of your stunts in movies, is that true? And what was the craziest or most challenging stunt you had to do for "Absolution"?

I do most of my action. In this film, I had to fight this UFC champion Josh Barnett. Now...when I fought him on screen that day, I had no idea who he was as I don't follow UFC. I just thought he was this big guy who fights. We did a lot of fighting and he kept asking me to hit him harder. He said I'd never hurt him. I kicked him pretty hard on each take, but he just brushed it off. When it was his turn to hit me, it wasn't quite the same. It hurt! After we finished, I went back to my hotel and googled him. I saw tons of footage where he's breaking real fighters' limbs, twisting their arms and legs. Horrific. He was a real life fighter. Had I known, I might have asked my stunt guy to fight him instead.

Fill in the blanks. If you like ________ and ________, you should check out "Absolution" on VOD today or get your very own copy on DVD/Blu-Ray on July 7th!

Steven Seagal and Byron Mann

Action films seem to be your specialty, but are there any other genres that you'd like to tackle in the future?

Yes, romantic comedies. If Hugh Grant is passing on his next film, please let me know.

What's the first action film you remember watching when you were younger? Was there one movie you remember leaving a big impression on you as a kid and peaking your interest in acting?

Yes, I remember watching John Lone in "THE LAST EMPEROR." The movie took my breath away, and I remember thinking if I could do what he does, it would be a dream come true. Well, twenty years later, and here I am. Dreams do come true.

Most of your roles are extremely physically demanding and require a lot of skill. What's a typical workout like for you? Do you have any tricks for staying in such great shape?

I just stretch a lot. I try to work out 4-5 times a week. Nothing hardcore, just some weights and cardio. But I always stretch. A lot of guys just do weights but never stretch. I think stretching gives you both strength and flexibility that's more important than just pumping iron.

You're also set to star in the Adam McKay directed film "The Big Short" with Brad Pitt, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling and Steve Carell. What an all-star cast! How has it been filming with these guys in New Orleans? Are you still filming?

I just finished filming few weeks ago. Most of my scenes are with Steve Carell. It was fun working with him and director Adam McKay. They both like to do improvisations so we had a lot of hilarious takes. I hope some of them make it into the final cut.

The film is an adaptation of Michael Lewis' book The Big Short: Inside The Doomsday Machine. Did you read the book prior to filming?

Yes I did. Which was immensely helpful. I play a real life character portrayed in the book. A bond manager. My brother is also in banking and his client is the character portrayed by Brad Pitt. No joke. My brother (though his name is not identified) is also quoted in the book and in the film. What a coincidence, huh?

What else can Bryon Mann fans expect from you in 2015?

"Hell on Wheels" season five, premiering July 18th on AMC. "The Big Short" either 2015 or 2016. "Absolution" on VOD on iTunes and Amazon and releases to DVD/Blu-Ray on July 7th. And "Jasmine," an independent film I did that has been on the film festival circuit (it world premiered at the 2015 Hong Kong International Film Festival).