Scott Adkins Talks ‘Diablo’, John Wick 4, and the Future of Action Cinema -

Jeff: Hey, Scott. How are you?

Scott Adkins: I’m good, Jeff. How are you?

Jeff: I’m doing well, man. It’s great to have you back. Feels like it’s been a while

Scott: what was the last film we talked about?

Jeff: Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday, I think.

Scott: Oh, right! Yeah, a couple of years ago, maybe three?

Jeff: Yeah, about that, Before we go on—I have to ask: Where’s Accident Man 3?

Scott: It’s stuck in development hell at the moment. Still working on it.

Jeff: Hopefully it doesn’t end up like Ninja or Undisputed.

Scott: Well, I’d say Undisputed had a solid ending. Yeah, I’ll give you that. Ninja, we could always bring back. And Mike Fallon—he should return. So… watch this space.

Jeff: It’s been a minute. I missed the press tour for Take Cover—the last one released here in the UK.

Scott: Nothing to do with me, mate. I’d have gladly had you.

Jeff: I’m glad to finally catch you again. Gotta say—Diablo was amazing.

Scott: Thanks, man. Appreciate it.

Jeff: And, seriously—what’s going on with you? What are you drinking? You’re not aging at all.

Scott: Oh, I am aging. Trust me. You know who’s not aging? Marco Zaror. That guy is impossible to keep up with—so fast, so strong, so tall… and annoyingly good-looking.

Jeff: [laughs] You had to shave that wild haircut just to even the odds!

Scott: Exactly! [laughs]

Jeff: But really—Diablo was everything a fan could hope for. That trailer hit hard, and the movie delivered even more. It’s one of those throwback films—no wasted time, just straight into action. I think I wrote in my review: from the moment your feet hit the ground out of the back of that van, it goes. Relentless.

Scott: That’s what we were aiming for.

Jeff: Usually I’d ask, “How do you prepare for these films?” But I already know your answer.

Scott: Always be ready.

Jeff: Exactly.

Scott: I know I’ll be doing another action film soon. That’s just what I do—so I better not get too fat. Gotta stay ready.

Jeff: Speaking of fat—your fat suit in John Wick 4 was insane!

Scott: [laughs] Yeah! Underneath that suit, I was still ripped and ready.

Jeff: I watched John Wick 4 with my wife—I spotted you instantly. She didn’t believe it was you.

Scott: That was the plan! Disguise successful.

Jeff: Let’s talk Diablo. You got a story credit—what inspired you and Marco to put this together?

Scott: Honestly, just hanging out on the John Wick 4 set. We spent a lot of time together—we’re good mates. We were in Berlin, having dinner, and started brainstorming. What could we come up with that lets us both go full throttle?

We brought in Ernesto, who directed a lot of Marco’s Chilean films, and then Matt Sampson helped shape the script. My manager, Craig Baumgarten, also produces films, so I took it to him, and we were off to the races.

Jeff: It’s so full-on. What was the hardest scene for you to film?

Scott: The action, always. It’s the toughest part, hands down. Takes a serious toll on the body. I’ve got some lingering injuries from past films, and I’m not getting younger. My lower back acts up a lot now.

When you’re filming three fight scenes in one week, by the end, you’re wrecked. And keeping up with Marco? Forget it. That guy is next level. But it’s worth it when you see the end result.

Jeff: Are the challenges still the same? Tight budgets, shorter schedules?

Scott: Yeah, if anything, they’re worse. But I always push for more action. That’s what people want. I might come across as a bit of an asshole to the crew—I’m constantly shouting, “Move faster! Let’s go! We’re losing light!”—but I care. This isn’t just a job to me.

Some crew members just see a paycheck, which I get. But for me and Marco, this is everything. We’ve got two days to nail a fight scene? We go full throttle. You either push hard and make something great, or take it easy and end up with a mediocre film. I know which one I choose.

Jeff: In a nutshell, Diablo is you vs. a near-unstoppable terminator. What do you want audiences to take away?

Scott: Entertainment, plain and simple. I want them to think, “If I want to watch a proper action movie, I know Scott Adkins will deliver.” I try my best, and I think most of the time, it pays off.

You’ve got two elite martial artists on screen going at it like they’re trying to take each other’s faces off—because we kinda are! [laughs] But beyond that, Diablo has a solid story and real heart.

I just want people to shut their brains off for 90 minutes and enjoy the ride.

Jeff: It’s brilliant. Honestly, it’s a great kickoff for your return to Action Reloaded, and having you back, this is the perfect way to do it. Thanks so much for your time, man.

Scott: Pleasure’s mine, mate. Appreciate the support. On to the next one.