Science Fiction films have been booming since the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens released in late 2015. With that said, unless one has been living under a moon rock the past couple of years, they have most likely heard of the upcoming space Action film Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter. Similar in tone to the Star Wars series, the Neil Johnson directed film stars Tracey Birdsall as… well, a robot fighter. One of Birdsall’s co-stars in the movie is the newly-crowned Miss Asia USA, Ashley Park. Native to Little Rock, Arkansas, Park currently resides in Los Angeles, CA while she is quickly building a resume as an actress. Recently we caught up with her to discuss her role in Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter, women taking on big roles in Action films, future projects, and more.
CrypticRock.com – Many Sci-Fi fans are looking forward to Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter. First, tell us, who do you play in it?
Ashley Park – I was fortunate enough to be cast to play the role of Rhianna. I would say that she is both a fighter and a survivor, using every tool known to man (and artificial intelligence!) to stay alive in a post-apocalyptic world.
CrypticRock.com – It sounds very interesting. Many are saying it is heard akin to Star Wars. Would you say that is a correct comparison?
Ashley Park – Absolutely, in terms of the locations we shot at, it was filmed on many of the same locations as Star Wars: Episode VI – Return Of The Jedi (1983). Although, the storyline itself stands on its own two feet as an independent script that I am so excited to see come to life! I haven’t seen a plotline quite like this one before, and I think it’s really going to make its mark on the Sci-Fi/Action film world when it’s released early this year.
- Still from Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter
CrypticRock.com – Very exciting, as well as something to look forward to. Have you seen any footage from it yet?
Ashley Park – No, I have not seen any footage from it yet, but I like to be surprised! I’m excited to see it all come together and come to life at the premiere.
CrypticRock.com – That will be pretty great to see it for the first time in that premiere. Out of curiosity, do you have a chance to kick anyone’s butt or fire off any large weapons in the movie?
Ashley Park – I’d say that Tracey Birdsall, the talented actress who plays Sienna, is more of our kick butt woman in the film. Rhianna is definitely a fighter, but I’d say she is more of a survivor. She fights because she has to, and because she needs to survive.
- Still from Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter
CrypticRock.com – Right, well every character does something different for survival. Angelina Jolie recently said she passed on playing a Bond girl but expressed interest in playing Bond. Do you think it is due time more women got to do these big Action roles?
Ashley Park – Yes, of course. I completely agree with Angelina! Who wouldn’t want to see more women taking on major action roles? I am a firm believer in female empowerment, and I believe women have the strength, aptitude, talent, and power to take on leading lady action roles just as well as men. Now if only we could get more Asian American women in these roles as well!
CrypticRock.com – Completely agreed. How was it working with lead actress Tracey Birdsall?
Ashley Park – Tracey is such a delight to work with. She is so talented, professional, and a blast to hang out on set with. I think our cast had such great chemistry, and I can’t wait to see Tracey shine as Sienna when the movie premieres.
- Still from Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter
CrypticRock.com – Fantastic. Besides Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter, what other projects do you have on the horizon in 2016?
Ashley Park – I am preparing to shoot a new Sci-Fi film in late January. I am very excited about this project, and will be taking on one of the leading roles as Kat. As soon as I read the script, I knew I had to get the part. The film is called Trapdoor, and it’s a desert Sci-Fi that blends elements of action, horror, and adventure. Another feature film I was in is being released in early 2016, called Day for Night. It’s a film-noir starring many wonderful actors, including Peter Bogdanovich, Lin Shaye, and Sally Kirkland. I am currently working on multiple projects, and am preparing to shoot three web series in early 2016 as well.
- Pacific Coast Entertainment
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