This time around, Cornish castAndy Serkis' talented son,Louis Ashbourne Serkis, as his young lead.
It’s hard to take your eyes off Imrie’s spritely, puckish turn as the shape-shifting wizard.
In sharing the iconic character with Stewart, he rises to the occasion.
I’m certainly not alone in that opinion.
But it was only after having discovered it independently.
So tell me how you were cast as Young Merlin and how Joe discovered you for the role.
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Did you have to read with Louis and Dean and the others?
Imrie: I did.
I remember we had done the scene in the chicken shop -'- that was the first audition scene.
Image via 20th Century Fox
That was the last thing, and I remember going home feeling terrible.
He said “you could keep the crisps,” which I suppose might’ve been a good sign.
He was immediately on board and he was fantastic.
Image via 20th Century Fox
Had you already seenAttack the Blockbefore you were cast?
Were you aware of the magnitude of being cast in Joe Cornish’s follow-up to that beloved movie?
Imrie: I had no idea.
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Were those movements something you developed with Joe, or did he have that in mind already?
He’s not in with the norms of contemporary society.
We had this narrative that he pops up at certain moments in history when he’s really needed.
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But he can kind of disappear into the ether, and then he can reappear through Stonehenge.
Therefore, his physical language and the way that he moves has to be very free.
They’re very much married to the specific thing he’s trying to achieve.
Image via 20th Century Fox
What’s the biggest difference between this film and all of those other takes?
Imrie: I think putting it in a modern context is just a stroke of genius.
The story of Arthur, the legend of Arthur… there’s a reason that these stories get retold.
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and a legend that seemed so long ago is suddenly brought into your own life as a viewer.
Did you pick up any tips from watching him work, or have any funny interactions with him?
It was such a privilege to share a part with him.
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He’s an absolute gentleman, and just the most superb actor.
He’s just such a gracious gentleman.
It was like he was at a matinee.
And that was quite scary to have to perform the character we were both sharing to Patrick Stewart.
But he was very gracious and really, really lovely.
Are there any actors you admire, or whose careers you’d like to emulate?
Imrie: There are several.
Mark Rylance is one of my great heroes.
Any directors you’re eager to work with?
What has been the biggest pinch-me moment of your career thus far?
I really loved that moment, it just got me very excited for the day that was to come.
What can we expect from your role in the Starz seriesThe Spanish Princess?
It’s generally from the King’s perspective or whatever.
Since they were both children.
It should be really good, I hope.
What was your favorite film of last year?
Imrie: The one that springs out isPaddington 2.
I absolutely loved that film, and I hadn’t seen the first one.
I saw the first one after and I think this was better.
Imrie: It may well be.
Let’s see what happens with the film.
We’ll keep our fingers crossed and see what happens.
What’s next for you, Angus?
It’s her sitcom in the U.K. and I’m really excited about that.
