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Interview: Jeffrey Tambor on Hellboy II

Jeffrey Tambor delves into Agent Manning, the creation of Hellboy 2, and much more.

In the second film your character comes to life even more vibrantly. How do you feel the role evolved?

I just showed up! Guillermo [del Toro] wrote a wonderful part. I think Guillermo really started to like Manning, too. We got along very well, and we understand each other. We just pushed the character a little bit, and that's what fun about making movies.

It must be fun for you because Manning provides a lot of comic relief as well.

Yeah, he's comic because he's ridiculous. He worries about the wrong things, and he gets upset about the wrong things.

It's a traditional character in many ways.

That's right. He's definitely the foil. Manning's an important part of the comic book, too. He's in there.

Is it hard acting up against CGI creatures?

I didn't have to worry about that too much because there was very little green screen. I had a couple of things, but usually there was always something to relate to. You just find something to hold onto and believe in. It doesn't fly away. That's my job. Sometimes it's a little daunting, but usually Guillermo will give me something. He's so great. I had a bike while I was on set. While I was on breaks, I would go all over the set. I would watch them build things everyday and it was amazing.

Was there something that spoke to you personally about the comic book?

I didn't get to spend much time with the comic books. I came on this really fast. There was just something about this project. They sent me three things initially: the comic book, The Devil's Backbone, and the script. I said, "Whoever this is I've got to get involved." This guy's off the charts, or off the hook, as they say. I love that phrase. [Laughs]

Would you like to reprise this role again if the opportunity arises?

Absolutely, I'm there.

—Rick Florino
11.24.08