What attracted you to “The Wide West”?
Alexander: I had breakfast with my longtime friend Andrew Freund in February 2024, and I presented him a DVD of my first Western “Gunfight at Rio Bravo.” Andrew is the director of USA SUMO, and he told me that it could be cool to see sumo stars in a Western one day. After that, he told me the real story of the great Hitychiama’s trip to America in 1907. I was amazed, and we decided to make a movie together. That’s how “The Wide West” was born.
What was it like working with Sumo champions Ichi and Hiroki Sumi?
Alexander: I knew that they were both great champions and very strong athletes, but I didn’t know that they’re as stoic as samurais. We shot our film in the Californian desert, and it was really hot, but Ichi and Hiroki never complained. They worked long days and also performed many takes of actual fight scenes. Also, they are both talented actors, so it was a joy working with them.
Are there things you’ve done with your character Max that you feel like you’ve never done before?
Alexander: Yes, Max was an interesting character for me. Usually, I play ultimate heroes, and you don’t have to ask them twice to fight evil or protect others. But Max is different. He’s a gambler, not an action hero. He has a gun (probably for protection), but he doesn’t want to risk his life. But later, he decides to do it anyway. So I had to “turn down” my inner hero when I was playing Max, and it wasn’t easy.
Is it fair to say “The Wide West” was at least partially inspired by Terence Young’s “Red Sun”?
Alexander: Absolutely. I’m a big fan of “Red Sun.” To be honest with you, Charles Bronson’s character was an inspiration for me when I was getting ready for the role of Max. And the idea of combining East and West (pairing a gunslinger with a samurai) was just executed brilliantly in “Red Sun.”
Where was “The Wide West” made?
Alexander: As I mentioned before, we shot it in California, at WhiteHorse Ranch. Director Joe Cornet made three Westerns there already, so he knew all the locations very well. It was a good experience for me and also an interesting change after shooting “Gunfight at Rio Bravo” and “Taken from Rio Bravo” in Arizona.
Have you ever been in Japan?
Alexander: Not yet. Almost all my movies were released in Japan (starting with “Moscow Heat”), but I’ve never been there for some reason. I hope I’ll be in Tokyo soon for “The Wide West” premiere!
How was working with Nick Baillie, Tatiana Neva and Joe Cornet?
Alexander: Our team was amazing! Nick Baillie is a great actor, and he was always prepared and helpful. Tatiana Neva is so talented and beautiful, and she also did a great job styling all of her character’s wardrobe. We had a lot of big and strong guys in “The Wide West,” but thanks to Tatiana, we also had a stunning lady. Joe Cornet and I made three movies before, and we always had fun. But this time he played a bad guy, and I think he had even more fun doing it.
Do you prefer acting or producing more?
Alexander: I love both. Plus, it’s super easy for me as a producer to work and cooperate with myself as an actor. 🙂
How do you keep in shape during production?
Alexander: I just work out every day. Every night, to be precise. I’d go to the hotel’s gym after we were done with shooting, and it doesn’t matter how late it is. That way, I stay in shape and also know my lines better (because I have extra time to study while doing cardio).
What are your favorite martial arts movies?
Alexander: “Enter the Dragon” with Bruce Lee and almost all of JCVD’s movies from the ’80s and ’90s.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Alexander: My friends and idols Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ralf Moeller told me a long time ago (in 2000) that I have to work hard in Hollywood, but I also have to have fun every day. And I’m doing exactly that all these years!
Would you like to direct again?
Alexander: For sure. I think I’ll do it soon. My directorial debut “Black Rose,” was very successful all around the world, and it was my first film which was bought by Netflix for release in North America. I know it’s time for me to return to the director’s chair.
What can you tell us about your next project?
Alexander: I’m getting ready to complete the Rio Bravo trilogy. I think that “Last Heroes of Rio Bravo” will be my next project. I’ll keep you posted!