Headline : 10 Questions for Alexander Ludwig (Oct 5, 2007)
By : Vickie An @ TFK

How would you feel if the world’s fate rested in your hands? Actor Alexander Ludwig, 15, knows the answer to that. He plays teenager Will Stanton in The Seeker: The Dark is Rising, in theaters today. The film is based on author Susan Cooper’s award-winning novel. In the movie, Will learns on his fourteenth birthday that he has super powers because he is the last member of an ancient line of warriors of the Light. These warriors are devoted to fighting the evil forces of the Dark. As the final Seeker for the Light, Will uses his new abilities to journey through time and recover six signs. Once reunited, the signs have the power to destroy the Dark forever.

TFK chatted with Alexander about his exciting new role and asked him what super powers he would wish for in real life.

TFK:What is the background of the story?

Alexander:The story is that 1000 years ago, there was a battle between the Light and Dark. The Light won but the Dark was never destroyed. So the power of the Light was placed in six different signs and hidden throughout time to protect it from the Dark. The signs are guarded by warriors of the Light. But through the years the Dark began rising.

TFK:What’s your character, Will, like?

Alexander:Will is the last of these warriors. He’s the Seeker. When he comes of age, Will begins to be able to seek the signs. He’s the only one in the entire universe who can find them. And he has powers. He can light stuff on fire and move objects with his mind. He can summon great strength and travel through time.

TFK:Will learns that he is the Seeker when he turns 14. That’s pretty heavy stuff for a kid!

Alexander:It is! But Will is also pretty much like any normal kid. The story speaks to every 14-year-old who’s growing. That’s what makes it so cool.

TFK:How would you react if someone said only you could save the world?

Alexander:I’d go insane! Ever since I was little, I always wanted to have super powers. Will is so much like me. The way he reacted to getting these powers is exactly how I think I would have reacted. At the start, he thought that it was a big joke. Then, he starts to play with his powers and thinks it’s really cool. But he eventually realizes this is serious stuff and that he actually has to save the world. That’s a lot of pressure on one teenager’s shoulders.

TFK:What kind of super powers would you want?

Alexander:If I could have any, it would be to have every super power. But if I could have just one, then I’d definitely want to fly. Who wouldn’t want to fly? It’s the absolute coolest thing. Traveling through time is also pretty cool, but I’d be afraid I’d do something wrong and mix up the future.

TFK:What was the most challenging thing about filming?

Alexander:It was definitely challenging to juggle school while filming. My school wasn’t used to it, and I wasn’t used to it. It was the most amazing experience, but it was really hard.

TFK:What was one of your favorite scenes in the movie?

Alexander:There are so many . . . I had a big, emotional-breakdown scene. I really loved doing that scene because I was able to explore another side of me, as an actor, that I never knew before. It was a great experience.

TFK:Why did you go into acting?

Alexander:Everyone has always told me that I have a big imagination. I love performing. I started acting when I was 9. I begged my parents for months, and they kept saying no. They were worried that young kids who start in the business can get sucked into a life that isn’t reality. But they finally let me do it. They’ve been so supportive. Doing a film is a dream come true.

TFK:What would you tell kids who want to go into acting?

Alexander:My advice – and I don’t say this to be cheesy – is just to follow your dreams. Don’t let anyone say anything that stops you from getting there. Even if you get rejected for a couple of parts, it doesn’t matter. There’s always going to be the next one. I hope I can continue as an actor. My goal is to do this for the rest of my life.

TFK:What’s up next for you?

Alexander:I don’t know yet. I’m just trying to get back to my life and settle back in with school. When you get back after filming, it’s such a weird feeling. I am so lucky to have my friends and family behind me. And I’m so pumped for the movie!