Production Companies Fox 2000 Pictures, Davis Entertainment, Dune Entertainment, Ingenious Film Partners, Major Studio Partners, Mid Atlantic Films, Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation
Brom’s and Eragon’s fates are closely tied to the evil King Galbatorix, played by Oscar-nominee John Malkovich. Galbatorix is a central character in the film, one whose presence and menace are felt even when he’s offscreen.
Although Malkovich shares no scenes with Ed Speleers, the young actor and his growing following made a distinct impression on him. “Before leaving for Budapest, a friend of mine told me that he had a bunch of kids who wanted Ed’s autograph,” he recounts. “I hadn’t experienced anything like that since working with Leonardo DiCaprio [in “The Man in the Iron Mask”].
The chief “aide” to Malkovich’s Galbatorix is Durza, a sorcerer possessed with demonic spirits. Durza is tall, handsome and pale, with red hair and maroon eyes. He is lordly in manner, but his refinement masks something unnatural.
BAFTA Award-winner Robert Carlyle, as Durza, made a strong impression on Ed Speleers. “Our first meeting was intense,” says Speleers. “Robert wore a long wig, contact lenses and full-flowing outfit. I didn’t need to get into character to react opposite Robert as Durza,” laughs Speleers. “He was Durza!”
“Robert came in very much wanting to do ERAGON, and his approach to Durza was to not make the character obvious and over-the-top in his villainy,” says Wyck Godfrey. “Durza has an agenda and with his red eyes and hair, and pale skin, there are things visually apparent about the character; you don’t need to work hard to force him to be evil.”
Early in the story, Durza uses his formidable powers to try and stop the female warrior Arya, who’s on a mission to find the next Dragon Rider. “Arya has been entrusted with a dragon egg stolen from Galbatorix, carrying it across Alagaësia looking for its owner,” says Sienna Guillory, who portrays Arya. “Her warrior side uses a Zenlike fighting style. Because she’s an elf, she understands nature – the trees, light and wind – and is capable of seeing danger before it happens.
“It’s great to play a female action role that’s not all ‘hero’ and that’s not rough and unfeminine,” she continues. “I love horses and this was a film where I got to ride a horse and fight with a sword – brilliant!”
Guillory makes special note of the work of costume designer Kym Barrett, whom the actress says “brings a wonderful modernity and edge” to the picture. “Kym’s work reflects the timelessness of the film,” Guillory elaborates. “It’s not about being medieval or going back to another period in the past. Kym’s designs for Arya are about ecology and the environment. Arya is a kind of eco-warrior, who is in tune with nature.
Everything she wears look and feels worn and soft. Kym really works amazingly well with movement.”
Arya and Eragon take a stand against Galbatorix, Durza, and their minions in the final battle of Farthen Dûr. This stronghold of the rebel Varden forces is led by Ajihad, played by Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou. “I was attracted to ERAGON because it is an enormous adventure,” the actor explains. “Everything about it is bigger than life.”
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