According to an interview with Forbes, Dan Stevens, portraying the character Trapper in “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” details the influences behind his role. Citing a ‘man-child’ archetype as the foundation, Stevens combines the eccentricities of Ace Ventura, the animal-friendly charm of Dr. Doolittle, and the adventurous spirit of Bear Grylls.
“A man-child was a big touchstone. There’s a sprinkling of Ace Ventura in there, a bit of Dr. Doolittle and Bear Grylls is probably in there, too. There are a lot of fun characters in the mix.”
Trapper’s dual function as Kong’s dentist and the provider of a new high-tech gauntlet resonates with the peculiar yet caring attributes akin to Ace Ventura and Dr. Doolittle. The Bear Grylls influence comes alive with Trapper’s fearless pursuit through Hollow Earth alongside his former love interest, Dr. Ilene Andrews (played by Rebecca Hall).
Dan Stevens also sheds light on Trapper’s backstory, hinting at a cosmopolitan essence and resilient cheerfulness, and shares details from a segment that was omitted from the theatrical release:
“I liked the idea of this very optimistic Brit because we’re not always known for our optimism. Trapper is a reasonably international character. He probably left the UK when he was quite young. We definitely had a scene where he told a story about his time in Africa, which didn’t make the movie’s final cut, but it gave us some context. He’s been to the jungles and the desert; he’s an adventurer and has that element of being pretty chipper in the face of enormous peril.”
FAQ Section
Who is Trapper in “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire”?
Trapper is a character played by Dan Stevens, which embodies an adventurous and spirited ‘man-child’ in the film.
Which characters inspired Dan Stevens for his role as Trapper?
Stevens was inspired by Ace Ventura, Dr. Doolittle, and Bear Grylls for his performance as Trapper.
What aspects of these characters are evident in Trapper’s character?
Trapper’s antics and care for Kong parallel the zaniness of Ace Ventura and the animal rapport of Dr. Doolittle, while his adventurous drive mirrors Bear Grylls’ enthusiasm.
Was there any part of Trapper’s background story that did not make it into the final film?
Yes, a scene revealing Trapper’s past experiences in Africa was cut from the final version of the movie.
Conclusion
Dan Stevens’ character Trapper in “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” presents a blend of cinematic nostalgia and modern heroism, drawing from three distinctive cultural icons. The character’s on-screen persona is a testament to the integrative approach to character development, leaving an imprint by mixing elements of whimsical animal advocates and intrepid explorers. Stevens’ insights reveal a deeper narrative submerged beneath Trapper’s surface, rooting the character in a rich, yet partly untold, global background that endears him to adventure-loving audiences everywhere.