As we talk the new James Bond film (Die Another Day) is just out and seems to be a hit. Did you feel any pressure trying to create a "new Bond" in XXX, and did you intentionally try to pay homage to or avoid any of the elements that has made that series so long-lasting?

My intentions when I made XXX were not to create a new Bond, but to create an original approach to the secret agent genre, the spy genre. The first and foremost different between XXX and all of its predecessors and contemporaries is that he (Xander Cage) doesn't want to be a secret agent. And that's the first characteristic that makes him fascinating, and makes the story fascinating. That this guy is the quintessential reluctant hero.

I felt like that there was more integrity in that approach, a little bit more tangible about that reality, especially in the wake of September 11th.

What sorts of things did you try to focus in on with the character to make it more accessible, more tangible?

I remember when I used to see James Bond movies, the one thing I didn't relate to was that this guy seemed like he probably went to school for 12 years to be a secret agent. I was like, "No, that's not going to be me."

While the Bond films are still popular with a wide audience, XXX seems like it was designed to appeal more directly to the young adult demographic...

It was successful in that demographic, but it was I also found is that when the older audience went to see the film they were tapping into something completely different than the modern cultural influences that were incorporated into the character. They were talking about the characters, the relationships and the storyline. The were intrigued by it , which was cool. I feel like this is a film that entertained, that hopefully anybody that went to it came away entertained.

Did you allow any influence of Bond the character into your portrayal of Cage?

Bond is the father of these movies. We were just taking it one step further and making it current. That was Rob Cohen's objective. But, of course, you can't help but to take the Bond films into account. Look at it, analyze it, and see what they've done. It would be shortsighted not to. Especially the techniques they used to be as successful as they've been. When we were doing XXX, we knew that we were creating a prototype, and that if this wasn't good and we didn't knock this out of the park, then there wouldn't be others.

You actually have a considerable stage background which few probably know about. How much of that experience proves useful for a role like Xander?

I can't do a film like XXX and go, "OK, well this is just an action part so I don't need to act at all." Or, "This isn't Saving Private Ryan or Boiler Room, so I don't have to k pay that much attention to the character." On the contrary. If anything, I've got to kind of play out how much introspectiveness I can put into the character because with all the fast-paced editing, how much of the character I can get through is the trick. If it were up to me, I would tone some of the action scenes down or take some out, and put more backstory into the film.

A project like XXX is obviously a huge physical undertaking. How do you prepare for a role like Xander Cage, both mentally and physically?

Well, despite what people may think, I try not to get too carried away if I'm not shooting because I want to keep the possibilities open. If I had to play a character that was anorexic or obese, going to the gym every day wouldn't help that. (laughs) It really depends on what film I'm doing. Now that I'm getting closer to doing Chronicles of Riddick (Editor: The sequel to the cult hit Pitch Black) I'll have to set out some time in December with a three-month program to kind of "design" his look. It's always character specific. I have to keep the character in mind and break down what his physical attributes would be. And that's how I come up with whatever training I need to go into.

Do you like playing the action hero?

I like playing cool characters. I like that aspect of it. I don't think in terms of the "action hero," ironically, and it is so new. Clint Eastwood wasn't considered an action hero. James Dean did “Rebel Without a Cause,” which is, in many ways, a film similar to “Fast and the Furious” – just 50 years ago – is not considered an action film. “The Wild One” isn't considered an action film, nor Marlon Brando an action hero. But guys like Arnold were the ones that created that new type of character. Years ago, actors weren't considered action heroes; they were acting in movies that had a high action quo.

What was it like working with Asia Argento?

Amazing. She's amazing. Everyone sees the sex appeal, but she's this very intelligent, creative women who is a director in her own right.

Like her father?

Well, I haven't seen much of her father's work. And she'll kill me for saying that. But I haven't seen enough of those horror films ...