Liam Hemsworth in The Last Song

MANILA, Philippines - Liam Hemsworth is entering a new phase in his career with Touchstone Pictures’ teen drama The Last Song, based on Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling novel of the same title. A budding star in his native Australia, Liam starts over as an actor in Los Angeles. Landing the role of Will Blakelee for his first major role in an American film and opposite Miley Cyrus was a huge leap for him.

“Liam has fantastic charisma on screen and he’s got great energy,” says director Julie Anne Robinson. “He reminds me of one of those old-time movie stars, like Gary Cooper. He has a laconic nature and is relaxed on camera, but there’s a lot going on behind the eyes.”

Like many of Nicholas’ characters, Will has secrets of his own that are weighing him down. “My character is charming and charismatic on the surface,” says Liam. “But his secrets are getting in his way. He acts the part of a cheerful, popular guy, when in reality he’s not happy at all. When he meets Ronnie, Miley’s character, he finds someone equally confused who has lost something important. As the summer goes on, they help each other grow as people. She doesn’t make it easy for him, but in the end, she’s worth it.”

Liam talks about the movie below:

What do you think about Nicholas Sparks and his work?

“I think he is amazing. He can make you feel both happy and sad at the same time. There are so many emotions, one minute it’s sad, then you’re laughing and it’s happy, then there’s romance. It’s all very emotional. I think when people come out of seeing this movie, they’ll probably be crying. Maybe laughing at the same time, but definitely crying. But they’ll be happy tears!”

Your character is an avid beach volleyball player. Are you?

“I learned to play volleyball, which I’d never done before and probably will never do again! When I auditioned they asked me if I could play volleyball and I said, ‘No, but I’ll learn.’ Then the first session, I turn up and the volleyball coach was a really good player, I think he played in the Olympics. We played twice a week, two hours at a time, and that was the longest two hours of my life. It was excruciating! Even when I’d do something good, like I’d get a really good spike or pass, and I’d think I’d really done it well. I’d look at the coach and he’d just say, ‘Yeah, that was okay, do it again.’”

What’s it like working with Miley Cyrus?

“Miley is great! We had a lot of fun, she’s always bright and happy and it’s a pleasure to work with her. We got along really well and became good friends during the shoot.”

Opening soon in theaters, The Last Song is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.