Karl Urban: A Survivor on the run

Karl Urban stars as Ghost in the action-adventure piece PATHFINDER directed by Marcus Nispel which tells the story of a Viking child who becomes the lone survivor of a shipwreck, after his marauding Norse clan raids a coastal Native American village for slaves.

Despite his blonde hair and strange language-and concerns that evil will follow the boy wherever he goes-the 10-year-old is adopted by the local Wampanoag Indians, who raise him to become a skilled hunter and warrior.

From his notable supporting role in the hit thriller "The Bourne Supremacy" and in the epic "Lord of the Rings," Urban shares more of his new movie with none of the drawbacks of a blockbuster star.



Q: Is this role something you are into when the offer came?

A: "This is an action-adventure story," but Ghost is also a unique and complex character. He has to face up to his past demons - almost literally - to prove his loyalty and his worth both to himself and to his new people. I was especially attracted to the gritty, primeval nature of the role."



Q: Can you describe the role (Ghost) you're playing in PATHFINDER?

A: "I like that the character is a natural survivor." Throughout the course of the film, Ghost is relentlessly hunted and pursued and he has to make it through this arduous test of his body, will and soul. In the end, the story becomes about how he transforms himself into a true warrior - and a man worthy of his culture."



Q: How did you prepare for the role being primeval and historical?

A: "To go deeper into the role, I did not only familiarize myself with Viking lore but with the early Wampanoag Indian cultures, which fascinated me. This was by far the most grueling, dangerous film I've done. From day one I knew I would be fighting a constant uphill battle against pain and injury the whole time, but like Ghost, I was determined that nothing would stop me from doing my job."



Q: How was it working with Director Marcus?

A: "Marcus works at a blistering pace that I've never encountered before. Overall, it was a very invigorating experience. Visually, Marcus is just incredible. He paints pictures on the screen.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, KARL URBAN (Ghost) is best known for his dynamic role as the Rohan warrior Eomer in Peter Jackson's award-winning trilogy The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Jackson cast Urban after viewing him in a rough cut of the critically acclaimed independent film The Price of Milk, which garnered Urban a Best Actor nomination at the New Zealand Film Awards.

Urban was most recently seen starring in the action/sci-fi feature Doom; The Bourne Supremacy starring opposite Matt Damon; and in The Chronicles of Riddick with Vin Diesel and Dame Judi Dench.

PATHFINDER opens March 14 in theaters nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.