"2 Fast 2 Furious" marks the first time recording artist Ludacris portrays anyone other than himself on film. Ludacris got hooked up with the sequel after director John Singleton watched a few of his music videos and asked him to try out for the role of 'Tej.'
LUDACRIS ('Tej')
How does it feel to be at your first big premiere of a movie you star in?
I'm happy to be here today. I'm very excited. The fans are making a lot of noise. People are going to see something different than just Ludacris. It's about acting today and it's about movies. This is my first real big time and it's been great.
Will you give up music for acting?
Music's still my number one love. As a matter of fact, we did the soundtrack to this movie; we executive produced [it]. So, make sure you go get it. It's in stores now.
Was it easy to transition to acting?
No. It's challenging but you know you have to take something like that serious. It takes a lot of time, a lot of effort and, you know, it's something that you have to ease into. You can't just jump into it and think you are the bomb right when you start. It's a gradual process and that's something I'm definitely wanting to develop as time goes on.
Do you collect muscle cars?
Old school cars. I have a '71 Cutlass Supreme right now and I'm definitely trying to get some more cars, like an Impala or something like that.
How fast do you like to drive?
As far as they'll go. As fast as they go. Over 100.
What was your experience like working with director John Singleton?
My first experience working with him, he's just real down to earth, a real cool person. Anybody who's going to do their first movie would be a little nervous, so just to be able to come to him and ask him about certain things - when you have a problem or something in the script - and for him to be so down to earth, it was real comfortable and it was a great experience.
Were you comfortable acting?
Yeah. It took a minute, I came in there a little nervous but after the first time, I was comfortable with it. It's just about being prepared and I really prepared myself for the role and that's what's important.
Did you talk to your "2 Fast 2 Furious" costar, Tyrese, about acting?
No. I asked all the very experienced actors about acting and they kind of gave me their advice, like just be comfortable with it because the most important part is being comfortable in front of the camera, and just being prepared. And I did what they told [me]. [They also said to] know as much about the character as possible. That's important.
Cole Hauser at the World Premiere of "2 Fast 2 Furious"
Photo ©Rebecca Murray. All Rights Reserved.
COLE HAUSER ('Carter Verone')
Why do you think it was significant to have this movie take place in Miami, which is a major change from the first film?
It's a lot more beautiful. It's better looking than the Valley. You've got South Beach, the Keys - it's all beautiful down there. It's photogenic.
How was it reuniting with your "Higher Learning" director, John Singleton?
It was great. It makes it a lot easier because the thing is, the first time you work with somebody, you're kind of just getting to know each other. The second time around it was like he knows me, I know him. He let me go and do my thing and get out there. I had a wonderful time.
How does he run a set?
It's lax. Actually, "Higher Learning" was a little bit different in the sense that I think he was still.. He'd done "Boyz N the Hood" and "Poetic Justice," and "Higher Learning" was his third film. He's done so many films now that he creates kind of a vibe around the set where it's like when you're doing your thing, he makes you as comfortable as possible. He instills confidence in you. He's just a wonderful guy like that.
I enjoyed the sh*t out of it. We had a great time down in Miami. I'm having a great time right now. It's been a pleasure - all of it.
I interviewed you at the premiere of "White Oleander" right after you'd signed on for this movie and you said your character isn't a bad guy. Are you willing to admit you're the bad guy now?
No, no (laughing). It all depends on what you think a bad guy is.
That's how you answered it before!
That's how it is (laughing).
And keeping with the theme of the movie, do you personally like to drive fast?
I've gone really fast on motorcycles but I actually kind of like to take my time in cars. It should be the opposite but I'm just a little bit off in that way. I like to go really fast on motorcycles.
Do you collect cars?
I wish I had the money to be that, but not yet. I will. My favorite car is a Camaro SS - 69 or 68.
