6/12: Casting VOID – Darwin Koenig (Christopher Lee)!
In last week’s discussion on villain Apollo Thorne, I made a casual mention of that character being the driver/bodyguard to a man named Darwin Koenig. While Thorne & Koenig (sounds like a law firm) have only made brief appearances so far in the tale of Void, be assured that much more is coming! As our tale unfolds, Koenig will emerge as one of the MAJOR villains, if not THE major villain, in the storyline. At least, he was originally intended to be #1. (Another character has somehow demanded lots more attention to that #1 villain spot than I’d originally planned … more on that when we cast that character in the weeks ahead).
Koenig is confined to a wheelchair, his mangled legs always covered in a blanket. So hideously scarred from disease is his face that it is always covered with a surgical mask. The mask is to protect him from germs and bacteria that would only make his condition worse. At least, that’s what he SAYS it’s for! A native German, Koenig is the leader of the London branch of a cult calling itself the Holy Alliance of Total Expression. He preaches no rules, no government, no guilt … only total freedom to live as you please with no consequences. But there is a reason the letters of this organization spell out H.A.T.E. His agenda … and true identity … are more frightening than mortal man can imagine. What is the link between HA.T.E. and the mysterious demon known as Vasilie? And who is the unnamed leader of the organization? Is it Vasilie … or someone/thing else? Keep reading and we’ll find out together!
The ultimate honor for a British patriot! Lee is knighted by Prince Charles!
It would take an A-list actor to properly portray the evil and villainy of a man like Koenig. And that’s why I can’t imagine anyone to play him but a man who has made a career in playing ultimate evil. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you … Christopher Lee!
Actually, he’s “Sir” Christopher Lee as he was knighted by Charles, Prince of Wales, in 2009. What an amazing life he’s had! Born in England in 1922, Lee is a gifted and extremely intelligent musician and artist. Joining British Intelligence in WWII, he was instrumental in the war against the Nazis. Pursuing acting after the war, he became the “name” actor for England’s Hammer Studios in the 1950s, gaining stardom as the heir to Bela Lugosi and becoming the “face” of Count Dracula to a new generation of fans.
Lee as the menacing Count from Hammer Studios' DRACULA: 1972 A.D.
Lee is still acting in 2012 and shows no signs of slowing down. He’s appeared in a world record 300+ films, mostly applying his grim visage and deep voice as the villain. And we are talking MAJOR LEAGUE villains, appearing as the prime bad guy against James Bond (Man With the Golden Gun), Star Wars, Episode II, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and so many more. In the Void universe, there are no villains more vile than Darwin Koenig. And in the “Bill Cain Universe,” there are no actors better suited to bring him to life onscreen than Sir Christopher Lee!
I don’t play villains. I play people!
Christopher Lee
Coming Next Week: My, Madam, but what sharp teeth you have!
5 Comments
Okay, this is a very scary man. WOW! Guess I can see why you picked him to play this mysterious role. Sends shivers down my spine.
Chris Lee is absolutely the BEST screen villain of all time! I will always regret that I was set to meet him in London at a book signing in 2003 and was too ill to make it! It would have been one of those “never forget it” moments! His portrayal of Koenig would be wonderful, and as you learn more and more about Koenig, you’ll see why he’s considered Void’s #1 enemy in this tale!
From what little has been said already, I don’t much care for him.
Just wait until he removes his surgical mask and the blanket covering his legs! Have I said too much here?
Now you’re really scaring the heck out of me. **SHIVER**