You were working on all these huge films at around the same time, so was there ever any instances of people trying to dig information out of you while on set. I mean, did Shane Black ever come up to you and be like “So what’s going on with The Lone Ranger?”
James Badge Dale: [laughs] No, it’s a bit of small world actually. Everyone kind of knows each other. You work with the same crews over and over again and everyone is really supportive. Besides, I don’t think anyone working on Iron Man 3 was worried about anyone else. [laughs] Let’s be honest.
You made your name in huge shows like 24 and The Pacific, so are you still taken aback when you step onto a huge set like The Lone Ranger?
James Badge Dale: Yeah, of course. You want to hold onto that, treat every job like your first and treat it like your last. The Lone Ranger is a special film. If I only get one western, this is the one I get and I’m very proud of it.
Do you ever see yourself going back to television?
James Badge Dale: It depends on the story and it depends on the character. I like stories that end though. The struggle in television is that it keeps going on and on, if you’re successful, so where’s the ending? The great thing about film is that you get the story and this is it. You have the beginning, the middle and the climax and the end, and everything drives towards that. And that’s the way you are taught to tell stories, no matter what you do. But that being said, I don’t have any problem returning to television.
Do you have a dream character that you want to get to play?
James Badge Dale: Well there is one film, but you can’t remake it! I have a Scottish background and I walked Scotland a few years ago and I will admit, when I was by myself, just walking around, I may have re-enacted Braveheart. [laughs] It’s possible. [laughs] That’s one of my favorite films, it’s such a beautiful movie. No one should ever touch it though.
When you were talking about Scotland I thought you were going to say Highlander.
James Badge Dale: That’s a good one too! I shouldn’t step on anyone’s feet but I know that they’re still looking for a male lead for the remake. [laughs]
Our fingers are crossed for you.
James Badge Dale: Thank you! [laughs] I’d do it in a second. The original Highlander was such a great film, I loved it.
That concludes our interview but we’d like to thank James Badge Dale for talking with us. Be sure to check out The Lone Ranger when it rides into theatres this week.