At
6’2” and 230 pounds its hard not chuckle when Kevin Grevioux tells you
that he’s really into science and comics. A graduate of Howard
University, Grevioux studied microbiology and found himself drawn to
popular books like “The Hulk” and “Fantastic Four” because their
central characters were scientists.
In fact, as
the co-creator and star of the “Underworld” film franchise Grevioux
admits it can be hard for most comic lovers to be taken seriously. “I
think the biggest misconceptions when it comes to the guys who are
involved in comics are that they’re nerds, that they’re geeks – they
wear glasses,” Grevioux says. “I think comic book creators and comic
book fans can be cool and they have been for quite some time.”
These days no one is arguing with the Chicago-born filmmaker’s hipness.
Along with writing partner Len Wiseman, Grevioux has successfully
created a $200 million horror franchise with “Underworld.” The
action-filled flicks which pits vampires and werewolves in a
centuries-old war was a surprise hit when the first installment hit
theaters in 2003. Recently, the latest installment, “Underworld: Rise
of the Lycans,” opened with $21.6 million, looking to continue the box
office triumphs of the first two films.
While a lot of viewers and fans will praise the great visual effects
and storyline as the main draw, Grevioux argues it’s the film’s ability
to address real issues that have made it a success. “I think Underworld
became a hit because we were dealing with contemporary things – race
relations, … interracial couples, wars … and the differences
[between] people,” he says. “I think that’s why everyone really
[caught] on to the ideas that were really in the film.”
In the final chapter of the trilogy, “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans,”
Grevioux reprises his role as Raze, lieutenant to the Lycan leader,
Lucian. With throngs of fans – both black and white – Underworld and
its co-creator have helped dispel the notion that African Americans and
comics don’t mix.
–gavin philip godfrey
Check out the exclusive video interview with Kevin Grevioux.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans is in theaters now.