Sir Michael Caine, now in his late seventies, is rather famous for not turning roles down, even if the role is, well, terrible.
In fact, one of his most infamous roles is the lead in Jaws IV: The Revenge (he would later reportedly remark, “I have never seen it, but by all accounts it is terrible. However, I have seen the house that it built, and it is terrific!”).
So while his appearance in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island won’t win him his third Oscar, Caine explains to the Chicago Sun-Times that he took the role not only because he simply loves acting, but also so his grandchildren could finally know what their grandfather does for a living.
Caine has one reason for his constant appearances in movies: he loves to act. He explains that his amateur roots paved the way for feeling like he has spent decades in his dream job, saying, “I’m lucky that I started out as an amateur actor. Amateur means you do something because you love it. I’ve been doing something and getting well paid for it for decades, and it’s something I used to do for pleasure.” Showing his wit, he adds, “Wait, I’m making myself sound like a hooker.”
The grandfather admits that the main reason he decided to star in Journey 2 was so that his grandchildren could see one of his movies. He explains, “I don’t make any films the children can go see until this Journey 2. I did the same thing for their mother. When she was 6 or 7, I made Muppets Christmas Carol for her. Now, my grandchildren will be able to say, ‘I have a grandfather and he rides around on the back of a giant bumblebee with The Rock. What does your grandfather do?'”
Nonetheless, the adventure film was quite physical for Caine. Though he says, “For a 78-year-old, I get around,” he admits that in the past his ego — inflated by his acting ability — lead him to take some silly risks. “I’m the world’s worst horseman. But in one movie I led a charge of horses. If I had fallen off, I would have been trampled to death. It’s funny because actors are so full of themselves. They think they can do any bloody thing.”
As for the future, Caine comments on a possible Journey sequel, which may take place in a colder climate. The endearing actor says, “I’m not worried. I’ll only be 81 shooting in the ice and tundra.”
Let’s hope that we all have that energy and enthusiasm when we are “only” 81.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is now playing in theaters.
