Showbiz Today Star of Tomorrow

Colin Farrell: An 'Outlaw' with buzz

By Lori Blackman
Showbiz Today Reports


"I'm not too busy to go to the pub for a pint, I'm not too busy to hang with the lads and just do the work," says rising star Colin Farrell. "I'm not famous, so nobody knows who I am."

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Colin Farrell became the name on moguls' lips when his star-turning performance in "Tigerland" hit theaters last year. Now, five -- yes, five -- films later, the Dublin, Ireland-born Farrell, 25, is still busy.

Another Farrell film, "American Outlaws," in which Farrell plays Jesse James, opened last week. He's also just signed on to star opposite Al Pacino in "The Farm," a thriller that begins shooting in November.

His salary has jumped accordingly with each new film. For "The Farm," he'll receive $5 million, more than double what he got for "American Outlaws." But, Farrell notes, despite all the hubbub, he's not famous yet -- and that's fine with him.

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In fact, life in general seems to be fine with Farrell, this week's "Showbiz Today Star of Tomorrow." The 25-year-old actor recently spoke with "Showbiz Today Reports" correspondent Lori Blackman.

CNN: When "Tigerland" came out, you were the "It Guy" overnight. How much has your life changed in the last year?


Farrell says his experience playing Jesse James in "American Outlaws" was "just like a paid holiday."

Colin Farrell: Not as much as you might think. I mean, I haven't been home as much as I'd like to be in the last year-and-a-half. But ... I'm not too busy to go to the pub for a pint, I'm not too busy to hang with the lads and just do the work. I'm not famous, so nobody knows who I am. ... I haven't had to deal with any of that crap yet.

CNN:What did you make of all the hoopla surrounding you when "Tigerland" was released?

Farrell: It wasn't expected at all. ... We just had such a blast doing it that we never had to think, "Oh well, we hope it's a success," because ... we had such a good time doing it. It was a welcome surprise.

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CNN's Lori Blackman talks with Farrell (August 22)

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CNN: Now you're starring as Jesse James. Kind of funny, an Irish lad playing Jesse James.

Farrell:I thought it was kind of funny when they offered me the part.

CNN: Did you know about him growing up in Ireland?

Farrell: Yeah, I knew Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Wild Bill Hickok -- there were a few legendary outlaw names that I knew of. And I used to play cowboys and Indians in the backyard with my cap gun. I was well aware of who Jesse James was when I got the part, and the idea of doing a Western -- I jumped at it. It was such a blast.

CNN: Did you did your own stunts for this film?

Farrell: I did as many as they'd let me. There were a few they wouldn't let me.

CNN: People say that this film is "loosely" based on the Jesse James legend. How loosely?

Farrell: Very. I think the only fact was that his name was Jesse James. I think that was the only thing (accurate), because it was just such a romanticized version of what went on back in the day.

You know, there wasn't much truth to it at all, because the characters that were portrayed in the film were (in real life) much more nasty and were cold-blooded killers. ...So this is a completely romanticized version.

CNN: You have three movies coming out in the coming year: "Hart's War," "Minority Report" and "Phone Booth."

Farrell: Yeah. "Minority Report" is directed by (Steven) Spielberg, starring Tom Cruise and Samantha Morton and Max von Sydow. It's an amazing cast, a science fiction film where I get to play a young, cocky agent. And there is a bit of conflict with Cruise, so that was a blast to shoot.

CNN: Can you pick a favorite role that you've had?

Farrell: "Tigerland" was really special for me, and probably always will be. I was kind of spoiled ... by having that job and the people I worked with. And I just find the Vietnam War fascinating.

CNN:What is the appeal of acting for you?

Farrell: I find it really challenging, I really do. I was bad in school, I didn't finish. And then I did a workshop when I was 17 years old and I loved it. I had a blast and found it hard and a bit confusing. You know, I found myself thinking about it a lot and decided to give it a go.

I mean, I really enjoy my work, and playing different characters. But I'm not doing it to ... find any answers.

CNN: What would you like to do with your career?

Farrell: I think I just want to work, work for a long time. I want to do things that I can be proud of, and things that will affect people -- all those are cheesy sentiments, but I really do: things that my family will look at and I can be proud of.