With a few days to go until the release of Twilight there is one question on everyone's mind...
Who is the man behind Edward Cullen?
After the insane fan mobbing that Robert Pattinson experienced in Mexico, we decided to investigate the actor's real lowdown. Why are grown women and teenagers across the country smitten over the blood-sucking leading man? We caught-up with the 22-year-old Brit in his dressing room (YEP!) right before hitting-up Mi TRL. Take a peek at the man behind the mayhem, and find out how Robert feels about being admired by millions of women, why he wishes he voted on November 4th, and how he endangered the life of a cast-mate!
Were you familiar with the Twilight books before trying out for the part of Edward Cullen?
No, not at all. I mean I was living in England at the time, I don’t know if it was big there. I am not really into reading young adult books that much [Laughs].
So you had no idea this project was going to have a huge following?
No idea. And it gets bigger and bigger every week. Like for instance, what just happened in Times Square. I just don’t understand why it’s happening [laughs] that would have never happened like even four months ago I don’t think. It’s crazy!
I know you got a lot of backlash coming from the Harry Potter series to now being Edward Cullen. Why do you think you were capable to take on the role?
I didn’t know if I was capable, I still don’t know. I guess time will tell. I liked the story, I liked Kristen and Catherine Hardwicke [director] and just thought, ‘why not?’ I didn’t actually know there would be backlash actually, but backlash is quite funny.
So this is a whole different phenomenon from Harry Potter in that there is sexual tension in Twilight. How does it feel to have millions of grown women in love with you?
Well [laughs], it’s weird because they are in love with the character. So, it’s like they don’t even want to hear you talk or anything. It’s more like 'Just stay there so I can imagine you being Edward Cullen”'so that’s weird. But I always thought there was a lot of sexual tension in Harry Potter actually [laughs]. It was just a little more veiled.
The whole storyline in Twilight revolves around this intense romance between Edward and Bella. So how was the chemistry between you and Kristen? Was it easy to pull off?
Yeah, I mean I got really close with [Kristen] while we were doing it because every single scene is so intense and neither of us knew how to really do it I guess in the beginning. It is such a weird story, it was just very difficult. But we bonded on tons and tons of stuff. I also felt this strong connection with her in the audition so that helped too.
So you guys clicked right from the start then…
Yeah, I guess so.
Any crazy mishaps while shooting you can tell us about?
Quite a few. There was one during the scene when I was supposed to stop the car. It was my first big stunt and I didn’t have my arm in the right place or something and I was holding Kristen’s double and then the car hit my arm and I like smashed the girl into the other car [laughs]. That’s the take they use for the movie as well, they just cut it right before. And I actually just drop her on the floor and she almost broke her coccyx. Then to make it worse, I burst out laughing while she was actually crying. I didn’t know she was crying!
I hear you did two songs for the movie soundtrack, how did that come about?
Yes, well I didn’t do them for the soundtrack per say, they were written a year before. Then Katherine heard them and decided to put them in there, she thought it would be interesting. Then it kind of fit it, I was really surprised how well they fit the movie.
How would you describe your sound as a musician?
I don’t know. I try to do sort of bluesy stuff, I guess. I don’t really know how to describe it.
I know you said you listen to Wu-tang Clan. What other artists influence your music?
I can’t really say Wu-Tang influenced my music [laughs]. I listen to a lot of Van Morrison. I would say Van Morrison and people like John Lee hooker - just all blues people.
What are your personal plans once the Twilight mayhem is over?
Hopefully, go on to another movie. I am kind of in a work mode right now and I haven’t done a job for ages. Hopefully something good will happen.
So no break?
No, I think I’ve got another five years solid left [laughs] I don’t really need to take a vacation.
You aren’t a US citizen are you? Any thoughts on the election that is taking place today?
No, I’m not. I wish I could vote though. I keep forgetting that I’m not a citizen; I’ve been here for such a long time. I was like 'Where do you go to vote?' [Laughs].
Catch more of the sexy Brit when he visits Carlos this week along with Bronx bachateros Xtreme. Tune in to Mi TRL Thursday @ 4pm and 9pm on MTV Tr3s.
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