Your the main
man in this sequel. How does it feel to be the center of
attention?
It feels great.
I think we have a really good product this time around. It's
always good to get an opportunity to showcase talent so
people can embrace it.
You've been
in a few horror movies in your career. What is it about the
genre that keeps you going back for more?
Well, I'm not
seeking them out really. I just couldn't seem to get away
from this one. But it's great. The story is well written
which is what draws me in. The clever twists and turns, I
think, is a great way to tell stories, which is why I'm
still here.
What scares you?
Needles. I don't
like needles. Just the thought makes me unease. Just
thinking about that thin metal needle piercing the skin.
It's the whole idea of needles.
What do you
think when people categorize films like the "Saw" franchise
and other films like "Hostel" under "torture porn?"
I just hear that
term before a couple of days ago. I think some people can
handle some things and others can't. If anything is going to
far [in terms of violence in movies], I think it's other
filmmakers trying to live up to the expectation of "Saw." I
think "Saw" is totally justified in everything that they do
because they're not using that factor as the selling point.
If you were to take away the blood and the gore of "Saw,"
you would still have a fabulous story. In [other films] I
can't say the same because they go for the gore and the
disgusting factor. When you take that away the story is very
weak.
I read that a
Canadian magazine named you one of the biggest up-and-coming
actors in Canada. Does that put pressure on you as an actor
or do you like getting that attention?
No pressure. I
really believe in myself. I'm confident enough to be an
actor. I don't need the positive reinforcement to move
forward or feel validated. It's nice when I get them. It's
great to know that I am being recognized by my own peers. As
long as I'm working, that's the validation for me. That
means that I have something that someone wants for their
projects. I'll continue to get it because I'm not selfish
with it.
Are you ready to
move on from the horror genre?
Yes. I'm ready
to move on with my career. While the franchise will continue
to grow and get bigger and stronger, I have to grow and get
bigger and stronger as an actor. The only way to do that is
put yourself in a different situation. There are other
things I want to do. I'm definitely looking for other
material.
So, it would be
safe to say that if there was a "Saw V," which I'm sure
there will be, you won't be part of it?
It would be safe
to say that. If I had it my way, that's the way I would go.
I want to do other things right now.
Tell me about
your name, Lyriq. You birth name?
It's my
birthname, but it's actually my middle name and I'm not
going to tell you my first name. (Laughing) I decided
to use it for acting because people like it. People call me
that and it works in the industry.
And do you have
any musical talent?
Uh, no.
(Laughing) I'm trying though. I'm trying to learn how to
sing!
