Hollywood star Gerard Butler arrives in Belgrade - ‘I’ve been working in gym for this part’

http://english.blic.rs/Culture-Showbiz/6323/Ive-been-working-in-gym-for-this-part

Culture&Showbiz...Hollywood star Gerard Butler arrives in Belgrade
‘I’ve been working in gym for this part’

Popular Scottish actor Gerard Butler arrived yesterday morning in Belgrade, while today he will join the crew of Coriolanus, a film in which he stars opposite Ralph Fiennes. Butler’s arrival had been planned for an earlier time, but had been delayed a few times due to the air traffic chaos caused by the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud.

After changing flights twice, Butler has managed to find his way through to Belgrade, where the filming of Fiennes’ directorial debut has been under way for a month.


During his stay, Butler will reside in Belgrade’s Hyatt Hotel, in a luxurious, fully-equipped penthouse. The actor is scheduled to stay in Serbia until the end of the week, shooting his scenes from Coriolanus, and playing the role of Tullus Aufidius, the commander of the Volscian army and sworn enemy of main character Coriolanus, portrayed by director Ralph Fiennes himself.
Butler began his acting career at an audition in a London theatre for the role of Coriolanus, in an adaptation of famous Shakespeare’s play.



- “This is a brilliant adaptation and for me this is a great honour to play alongside Fiennes, Vanessa Redgrave and Brian Cox. Ralph is a wonderful man and a genius with a great passion for what he does and for this whole project. Given he plays Coriolanus, and I play his arch-rival Tullus Aufidius, Ralph has been calling me Tullus,” says Butler, who has recently revealed he has had to work out in the gym on a daily basis in order to prepare for the role.


- “Tullus is fearless and I’m getting back in shape and working out really hard. Of course, warfare is no fun, but I’m looking forward to working with Ralph,” said Butler.


Ralph Fiennes, the director of the film, says Butler instantly loved the idea of portraying his character.


- “The male rivalry is of key significance for Coriolanus’ character, and Gerard is perfect for the immense threat that looms over the main character,” explained Fiennes.