James Cameron says 'Avatar' star Sam Worthington 'had me at 'Uh huh' '
The Dish Rag's intrepid Red Carpet Guerrilla caught up with acclaimed director James Cameron at the Australians in Film awards Friday night.
He talked about his groundbreaking new film, "Avatar," the special effects and the risk of casting Aussie newcomer Sam Worthington, who also stars in "Terminator Salvation."
Cameron was there to present the AIF Breakthrough Award -- fittingly, a yellow boomerang -- to Sam.
Later, he told the audience about the moment he decided to cast Sam.
"We were making a $200 million-plus movie and it's all about the journey of one guy, Jake, and he's in every scene in the film, from beginning to end. It all hangs on that one piece of casting."
Cameron saw hundreds of actors, established and unknowns, but he needed someone who fit the role.
Then he saw Sam's audition tape with a scene in which he has one line, "Uh huh."
"Sam had me at 'Uh huh,' " Cameron told the laughing audience.
"He's an old-school tough guy, and that's what I needed for this film," Cameron said, adding that while he has seen only the trailer of "Terminator Salvation," he's sure that Sam is gonna "blow Christian Bale off the screen."
Let the smackdown begin!
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Video reporting: Sal Morgan
Photo: WireImage
Avatar should be s film worth seeing.l like the hype about Sam W.
What do ypu expect Cameron to say? He's just trying to create buzz for Avatar. Personally, from the trailers I haven't seen anything remarkable from Worthington.
I am sure Sam is a great actor and Avatar will be an amazing movie. I can't wait to see it! I just don't understand why Cameron has to take a pot shot at Christian Bale. So Bale reamed out a lighting guy for being unprofessional. SO WHAT?! People in general have a real problem with their incessant need for gossip and non-news.If the guy wasn't screwing around in the first place it wouldn't have happened. And I bet it won't happen again! Everyone should forget about it and move on lest they throw their own personal moments up on you tube for the world to reflect and opine on...
I saw Terminator this morning, and I fet so sorry for Bale. This movie is Sam's movie. I hate to say it, but this Worthington guy is going to be huge. I kept wanting to see more of him and less of Bale.
I'm sorry Mr. Bale. I really wanted to like your performance, but Sam's is so magnetic. Is it possible to have Sam back in the next one. Oh please pretty please with cherry on top. I would pay 20 bucks to see him. The man can act.