Getting to know Hades

MANILA, Philippines - There’s more to gods and goddesses in the biggest family-adventure Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, as newbie Logan Lerman plays demigod (half-human) Percy who is fathered by Poseidon, god of the sea.

It is based on the book by Rick Riordan whose main inspiration is to write stories for his son. Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief stumbles upon a brewing war between god brothers Poseidon, Zeus and Hades where a demigod (half-mortal), Percy is sought by his father Poseidon to find a most precious bolt to clear his name against the suspicions of Zeus. It is believed that the precious bolt was stolen by Hades, god of the underworld.

Playing Hades is Steve Coogan, in his original interpretation of the god of the underworld living in a decadent mansion located right below the Hollywood sign Coogan’s interpretation of Hades is hilarious and quite unique. We see him looking like a faded rock star, in a loveless marriage to Persephone played by Rosario Dawson.

Excerpts from Coogan’s interview:

How do you approach an iconic character like this?

When I come to a part like this I think, “What have I seen before? What can I do that’s different with the role?” With Hades, I feel like I’ve seen one dimensional, evil people. There’s no explanation for why they’re bad and you don’t see any depth in their evilness. The role of being god of the underworld has been forced upon him.

Can you explain a little more about that conflict?

The conflict allows you to show his insecurity and discontent with the role he’s playing. It is almost like Hades is pretending to be god of the underworld, and so he’s not entirely comfortable with this role that’s been bestowed upon him. That’s what helps me play him. He is being evil but he’s not entirely convinced by his own performance and that allows you the opportunity for comedy.

And that creates the comedy?

Yes, those moments for some reason are extremely funny. When you see someone try to create an effect and then they trip up, it makes people laugh and it’s consistent with the character. So really for me the important thing was to have the comedy occur naturally. Then in trying to think about that, I find the key to the character, “I understand now why he lacks conviction.” He is impotent which helps with the humor. That’s always a great motivator. He is trying to conceal that; he’s taking it out on the rest of the world because you know — he’s got problems in the bedroom (laughs).

Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief opens tomorrow, Feb. 12 in theaters.