Interview with Wolverine VS Predator star Jonathan Carroll

On Wednesday, August 7th, Bat in the Sun productions released their highly anticipated fan film, Wolverine VS Predator. I had a chance to talk to the films star, Jonathan Carroll who plays the role of Wolverine. Jonathan talked about filming the intense fight scenes, filming on location in California, how he landed the part and more!

Victoria: How did you land in role of Wolverine in Wolverine VS Predator?

Jonathan: I was actually offered the role of Wolverine by Aaron Schoenke, director of Bat in the Sun productions, and referred by a friend of mine. Theyd both seen my 90s production of the character and with the amazing cowl sculpt by Reevz FX. They contacted me asking if Id be interested. I honestly couldnt say yes fast enough!

Victoria: You are in fact a professional fitness trainer and in insane shape. Did you change your workout or diet to prep for the role?

Jonathan: Theres an old adage about spandex and cameras... Theyre both unforgiving. haha! When I received the shoot schedule, I almost immediately changed my training and diet, adding more endurance and stretching to my routine in order to be able to preform some of the stunts youll see, without getting hurt. The diet wasnt too bad, however. Im used to a harsher diet, so when I heard, "stay big, but get as ripped as possible" I knew that I had to eat really lean, but still consume enough calories to keep my muscles from shrinking.

Victoria: Your costume is better than anything Ive seen onscreen for Logan. Can you tell me about the construction of the costume?

Jonathan: The costume design was all produced by Bat in the Sun with a Reevz FX cowl and belt buckle. The lead tech for Bat in the Sun, Sean Schoenke is a genius when it comes to making a costume, repairing things that I managed to destroy during production (sorry Sean!!!). The costume was really comfortable, until I was at hour 14 in 45 degree water... then it offered very little to no help with heat. haha!

Victoria: How long did filming take?

Jonathan: Filming took roughly 5 days, squeezing every hour of sunlight out of the day that we could, because the cast and crew wanted to deliver the best we could.

Victoria: What location was the movie filmed at?

Jonathan: We filmed at three locations, in California. The first day was a 2 mile hike, in costume, to location. The next 2 days were spent in waist deep water that seemed to get colder as the day went on, and site 3 was part of a state park... that was on fire. Luckily though, Gene, who built the predator suit, was an experienced fire fighter. He told us when he started running, we should probably follow.

Victoria: How long does it generally take to film a battle sequence/ fight scene?

Jonathan: A fight sequence can take anywhere from a few hours, if the actors are spot on, which is extremely rare, to a few days to make the hits look more intense, tighter and faster, all while keeping the actors as safe as possible.

Victoria: Will you be wearing your Wolverine costume to any upcoming conventions or events?

Jonathan: The costume used in the shoot is still in California... for the time being.

Victoria: Will there be a squeal?

Jonathan: Itd be a lot of fun! I had a blast doing it. Im very open to the idea of reprising the role.

Victoria: What other acting and costume projects do you have in store?

Jonathan: Currently, Im trying to sink my claws into several different roles, that because of lawyers and such, I cant talk about too much. But if things pan out, theres going to be some big things in store for comic book fans.

Victoria: What are your thoughts on the recent film, The Wolverine?

Jonathan: It was a fun film, and I thought they did a great job of making it enjoyable to fans and people unfamiliar with the history of the characters.

Victoria: Where can people contact you and view a portfolio of your work?

Jonathan: You can keep track of me on my like page at
https://www.facebook.com/actorjonathancarroll

my fitness page

https://www.facebook.com/BuildingASuperhero

as well as my twitter @monkeyofsteel

Be sure to follow Bat in the Sun, too, on facebook, twitter and youtube for all the upcoming Super Power Beat Downs!

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Cosplay should be encouraged not discouraged among peers

 Im often asked why I decided to dive into the wonderful world of cosplay and my answer is always the same: "Because it looked like fun". And it is! The imaginative world of costuming allows us to literally become our favorite characters. It is a creative process, a form of self expression and we have the freedom to decide which character to choose, what variant and add in any personal touches. The more, the merrier right? So why are some people getting their spandex in a bunch?
Apparently some individuals get offended when they see a fellow costumer dressed as the same character as they are. Their reasons are everything from admitting low self esteem to feeling that there should be only one character per convention or event. I was even told of an incident where someone asked a fellow cosplayer not to dress up as a certain character because it was something she wanted to do. Since when was it okay to behave like this among peers? Why are some people discouraging others instead of encouraging them? Unity has seemed to have gone out of the window and an attempt at dictatorship has taken its place.




This isnt taking place everywhere in the world of cosplay but among a small circle. Among some of the best cosplayers in the United States (also known as "Elite Cosplayers"), it is encouraged to cosplay any character you choose and some of them even act as mentors for aspiring cosplayers. The Superman portrait (seen above) taken at the 2011 DragonCon is a perfect example of unity among cosplayers who share the love of the same character. Each respective cosplayer is portraying a different version of the Man of Steel and the result is nothing short of stunning. Recently I was at a charity event and was one of two Wonder Woman cosplayers in attendance. We were two different variants; I was the traditional version and the other was the New 52 pants version. I learned a few months later (indirectly) that this was apparently a problem although I was told I could wear whatever I wanted. Now if four grown men can cosplay Earths Greatest Hero in glory, why cant the same be done between two grown women? I certainly didnt have a problem with it. I actually make it a point to approach a cosplayer who is dressed as the same character as I am because clearly we have something in common. I love taking pictures with these women and marveling at their version of the character, asking questions and telling them they did a great job. Some people however have become competitive about it. True, there are some cosplayers whom I feel are the best version of Supergirl or Wonder Woman that I have ever seen but I dont compare myself to them. I am satisfied with my version of those characters. I dont sit there thinking how can I "beat" someone like Margie Cox. Its not about beating someone, its about being the best Wonder Woman I can be.

Cosplayer Jonathan Carroll is one of the best in the country and acts as a mentor to people wanting to cosplay Superman, one of his signature characters. Says Jonathan:

"I think its very important to encourage any cosplayer, whether or not theyre portraying the same character. We can all learn something from one another. You go to a con, and see things on other costumes that you may not have thought about, like "oh! i like his boots, that guys cape is great! or i really like the way his symbol looks", and from that you grow, change, and evolve. Were all there to represent our favorite character, in our own way, the best way we can. And its up to the veteran costumers, whove been on the scene for a while, to help those that are just beginning. Be it in the actual costume, the work out and diet, or the product we use on our hair to give it the perfect quaff, I believe, we should help one another, so that this culture survives and grows into something even greater than it is today."


Jonathans brother and fellow cosplayer Danny Kelley concurs with Jonathans views and digs deeper on why we cosplay in the first place and all the hard work that goes into practicing our craft.

"I am very honored that people come to me with questions about fitness and costumes. It makes me feel like I am doing justice to this craft that I love. I think everyone no matter what size or shape, color or origin should be able to for a few times in their life, become those characters that they love. Most grownups have forgotten what it was like to be a kid and dream. We in the cosplay world never have and never will."  

 Iggy Cosplay (the Joker pictured on the left) is best known for his portrayal as the Clown Prince of Crime. I asked Iggy if he felt competitive towards other Joker cosplayers and he had this to say:

"I am far from competitive about it and I certainly encourage it. The only reason why Im still doing this is because another Joker cosplayer encouraged me to keep going. Ive become good friends with other Jokers through cons as well. You cant have one definitive version. Its fun to see where each cosplayer takes the character in their own imaginative way."  



I often read articles and say to myself  "Well, that was pointless!" I want to avoid that with this article and make my point clear. Cosplayers should be encouraging each other not discouraging one another. I am by no means saying that someone does not have the right to express their opinion if they are feeling hurt or insecure about their cosplay. However when you start making unrealistic demands and are becoming competitive amongst your friends, clearly you have crossed a line. You are not cosplaying for the right reasons. You are cosplaying for the wrong reasons. Cosplay is suppose to be fun. Personally I feel it boils down to a certain level of maturity and of course, insecurity. If you have issues with your image whither it be the quality of your costumes or your body, you need to address and take care of those issues but please dont rain on everyone elses parade. Learn to accept yourself, be proud of your accomplishments and count your blessings. There are times you will be the only Harley Quinn at an event, at others you may run into a dozen. Theres nothing wrong with that. Its a positive thing. Its love. A dark attitude will leave you trapped in a hobby you no longer enjoy and the possibility of loosing your friends in the process.

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Cosplay Spotlight Jonathan Carroll

Cosplay is an art form that I greatly respect and truly enjoy. Although I am a cosplayer myself, I get just as excited as every other fan girl when my eyes rests upon a cosplayer who literally look as if they stepped out of the pages of a comic book. One of my personal favorite cosplayers is Jonathan Carroll.
Not only does he cosplay two of my favorite characters (Batman and Superman) with striking detail and stunning accuracy but hes also one of the nicest people Ive had the pleasure of conversing with online. Jonathan proved to be every bit the southern gentlemen and granted me an interview. Many thanks to him for taking the time to give my readers and I an insight of his craft, his thoughts on the new Superman Suit for the upcoming Zack Synder film, psychical fitness and his bride-to-be (sorry ladies). Also be sure to check out his fan page: http://www.facebook.com/MonkeyOfSteelFanPage

Victoria:  I have to say you were a pleasant discovery online! Your cosplay is most impressive and youre easily one of the best cosplayers Ive ever seen. How long have you been cosplaying?

Jonathan: Oh gosh! You’re gonna make me blush! Haha! I’ve been cosplaying/costuming for 11 years now… uh-oh… I just started feeling REALLY old!

Victoria: Haha! What other costumes do you own and what can we look forward to in the future?

Jonathan: I’m working on a few right now, but really, just perfecting a few of the ones I have. I want to do the new Superman costume, a set of the COG armor from Gears of War, and I’m trying to think of a few new heroes to throw into my line up for my work with Heroes Alliance.

Victoria: Tell me about your Facebook page "Building a Superhero".

Jonathan: HOORAY! A shameless plug appears! My brother and I were getting so many request from people to get workout advice as well as dietary, and one day, I just realized, it’s easier for people to have a place to turn to, so they don’t have to search.  The page is mainly geared towards cosplayers and costumers, but has attracted the attention of a lot of those outside that realm. The entire project has become an ever changing, ever evolving thing, but in the end, we’re just happy we can help people improve their health.

http://www.facebook.com/BuildingASuperhero

Victoria:  What do you do personally to stay in such great shape?

Jonathan: I typically train twice a day, 6 times a week, resulting in about 4 hours a day. The split is between weight training and light cardio, as well as abdominal work. My diet is a huge part too. Typically I consume between 5,000 and 10,000 calories a day when I’m not on a lean cycle. This is just to gain more muscle mass, so when I start to cut back, I don’t become too small.

Victoria:  You look nearly identical to Mike Turners Superman. Not just the costume but your face. Do people tell you that often?

Jonathan: HAHA! I hear it every now and then, but I love it every time I do. Michael Turner had a brilliant art style. One that I’ve tried with my own art to duplicate several times, though VERY unsuccessfully. His Superman style is my ideal goal in physique, so when I hear that compliment, it’s a huge compliment to me.

Victoria:  You also run a company "Supernova Costuming and Design" with your fiancée. Can you give me the details on what thats all about?

Jonathan: SuperNova Costuming and Design comes from a collaboration of both my fiancée and myself, in a joint effort to produce quality costumes for people. She handles a lot of the sewing, I handle a lot of the props (though for some things, we outsource to Wild Wood Studios), and we both do research until we feel like we know the costume backwards and forwards before we begin construction. http://www.facebook.com/supernovago

Victoria: Whats it like having someone (your future wife) to cosplay with?

Jonathan: Oh, it’s amazing. She’s so much fun. We laugh because a lot of times, some people will drag their significant other into costuming with them, but instead, that’s how we met. She was the best darn Harley Quinn I’d ever seen. In addition to being the greatest costume accessory, she’s also my best friend. And there’s nothing like having a great hobby with your best friend.

Victoria: Your Batman Arkham Asylum cosplay is best described as perfection. How long did it take to put that costume together?

Jonathan: Well, the first run of the suit, proved a bit… problematic. I only kept it on for a few hours during it’s first tour at Dragon Con. By Mega Con it was ready to make it’s reappearance. It took a bit over a year to get everything just right on it, but it’s still being perfected. I’m currently working on a new belt to replace the urethane one, and my Props master, Steven Spellman of Wild Wood Studios, and I are collaborating on building a stronger set of armor for it with high impact plastic and Kevlar… ya know… just in case. But the crown of the costume has to be the cowl from Shawn Reeves of Reevz666.com fame. The cowl is just… gorgeous.

Victoria: What is your most memorable experience at a convention/show?

Jonathan: Oh gosh, that’s easy. It was my proposal to Jessica Enright in the Hyatt at Dragon Con while all of our friends stood around, watching. I’ll never forget it.

Victoria:  Thats so beautiful! What do you think of Supermans new costume in the comics and the upcoming Zack Snyder film?

Jonathan: I’m not crazy about the actor, but I’m ready to see what he can do. The suit is really nice, though I have NO idea why they used the earth 2 Superman symbol. I’m looking forward to yelling horrible things while I attempt to make it.

Victoria: That sounds like it would be an entertaining You Tube video. Haha. What conventions do you normally attend?

Jonathan: Typically, Mega Con, and Dragon Con. But in 2012, I want to make a huge circuit of cons including San Diego, Chicago, New York and yes… Metropolis.

Victoria:  Any final thoughts or anything you would like to add?

Jonathan: Check out my page at http://www.facebook.com/buildingasuperhero
And remember, if you can dream it, you can be it. That’s the great thing about costuming and that’s the great thing about life.

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