5/12: Casting VOID – Apollo Thorne (Ray Stevenson)!
Ray Stevenson
In action films and tales, the strength and valor of the hero is normally gauged directly by the threat of the enemy(ies). If that’s true, then Void must be one hellacious hero because I have some nasty villains lined up to oppose him. The first one we’ll discuss is the powerful bodyguard and protector of Darwin Koenig, Apollo Thorne.
It’s far too early in the story to reveal too much about Thorne’s character. Suffice it to say that, like most others revealed so far, he has a secret that, when revealed beginning with issue #4 (Heart of the Beast) and exposed completely in the explosive finale of issue #12 (If Stars Be Lovers!), you’re gonna be blown away. For now, let’s just describe him as mean, vicious, and a brute who is always eager for a fight. And the man who would be perfect to portray him is action star Ray Stevenson.
Stevenson became well-known to TV audiences as the gladiator slave in the Showtime series, Rome. I first noticed him as one of the knights of the round table (along with previous Void cast-member Ray Winstone) in King Arthur (2004). He played the title character for Marvel Comics’ high-octane vigilante, Frank Castle, in Punisher: War Zone as well as an Apollo Thorne type heavy opposing Denzel Washington in Book of Eli (2010). He returned to his Marvel experience and medieval warrior roots playing heroic Volstagg in the 2011 epic, Thor.
Stevenson brought extreme anger and focus to his portrayal of vigilante Frank Castle in Punisher: War Zone (2009).
As this story unfolds, Deacon Void will clash physically with Apollo Thorne numerous times. Each confrontation will be more violent than the last, culminating in an explosive finale that will, I think, completely shock you. And the man to bring this vicious killer to life, yet make him completely believable and human, is versatile tough-guy Ray Stevenson. But who is the man who commands every move of this powerful killer? Be with us next week for the answer!
Next week: Of wheelchairs and surgical masks!
5 Comments
Not sure I’m familiar with him. So, he’s strong willed enough and will make it without being tricked to go to the other side?
He’s already firmly on the side of the bad guys, Eva. Look for him to physically clash with Void on four different occasions as the story unfolds, one being in the ‘explosive’ series finale!
I’m like Eva. Don’t know this guy either. Hum. Cute though.
Cute? Oy! Well, I’m sure Ray would appreciate the compliment, Tisa, but give this story another issue and you won’t think Apollo Thorne is “cute” at all!!!
THE ACTOR!!! NOT the character!! LOL