EXCLUSIVE: Go inside the world of Boy Kills World with the cast and crew

Prepare to be whisked away into the gritty, post-apocalyptic universe of Boy Kills World, a film that expertly marries action, emotion, and a touch of the surreal. This revenge thriller is headlined by an ensemble cast including Bill Skarsgård, Famke Janssen, Jessica Rothe, Michelle Dockery, Sharlto Copley, Brett Gelman, Isaiah Mustafa, and Andrew Koji, each bringing depth and dynamism to this dark fairy tale.

Bill Skarsgård stars as Boy, a martial arts expert whose life is forever altered when a brutal attack by the villainous Hilda Van Der Koy (Janssen) leaves his family dead and him rendered deaf-mute. Boy's thirst for vengeance drives the narrative. However, this is no ordinary tale of retribution. Boy’s disability transforms him into an unlikely hero whose internal struggles are as daunting as the external battles he faces. Guided by a mysterious shaman (Yayan Ruhian), Boy trains to hone his martial arts skills to near-superhuman levels. As he prepares for his quest for vengeance, he is joined by a motley crew of resistance fighters, each with their own scores to settle against Hilda's tyrannical regime.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Boy Kills World is the innovative way it portrays Boy's internal world. His thoughts are voiced by an inner narrative provided by H. Jon Benjamin, inspired by a video game Boy played in his childhood. This not only adds a layer of quirky humor but also provides insight into Boy's mental and emotional state. Adding to this internal dialogue is the ghost of his younger sister, with whom he constantly bickers.

In anticipation for the new movie, I was able to snag a moment with Famke Janssen, Brett Gelman, Isaiah Mustafa, Andrew Koji, and director Moritz Mohr. Check out our conversations below:

I still can't believe I got to chat with Famke Janssen and Brett Gelman

Famke Janssen, known for her magnetic portrayal of Jean Grey in 2000s-era X-Men movies, dived deep into the psyche of her character, Hilda. "Hilda is a very deranged woman who has done some horrific things," Famke said, painting a picture of a woman battling her demons in solitude. "She’s practically living in a cave, unable to cope anymore."

The role is a stark departure from the kinds of characters she usually plays. In Boy Kills World, Hilda’s story is one of inner turmoil and familial dysfunction set against a history of graphic violence. "It's a very different kind of journey, an inward one."

Brett Gelman, known for his role as Murray in the Netflix hit Stranger Things, shared his unique perspective on his character from Boy Kills World, Gideon van der Koy. When I asked him about what it'd look like if Murray and Gideon met each other, Brett’s imagination took flight and he straight-up murdered both me and Famke with laughter. "They'd be lovers."

Describing a scene straight out of fan fiction, Brett envisioned his character Gideon helping Murray break out of his shell. "Murray could even help heal Gideon's guilt of being a homicidal maniac," Brett joked, half-serious. The potential for a deep, healing friendship formed through shared writings and personal growth sparked laughter and nods. "I'd direct that movie," Brett declared with a grin.

The excitement around Boy Kills World was infectious during our chat. Based on snippets and trailers, the movie promises to deliver an enthralling mix of action, psychological depth, and perhaps a little romance. As the release date approaches, both stars beamed with pride and anticipation.

Meeting the Bash-n-Ben: Isaiah Mustafa and Andrew Koji

Continuing our streak of fabulous chats, I also had the pleasure of speaking with Isaiah Mustafa and Andrew Koji. Let's dive into the banter and behind-the-scenes tales they shared.

Do not go hiking with Andrew Koji

Isaiah Mustafa, who brings his charm and wit to the role of Benny, shared some fun insights into his preparation for the character. "The first thing I did was hit the gym more because Benny needed to be a bit beefier," Isaiah explained with a chuckle. He also developed a peculiar new skill thanks to his co-star, Andrew Koji. "I had to learn the very important skill of tuning him out," he laughed, recounting a hilariously grueling hiking adventure led by Andrew that turned out to be much more than he bargained for. "Never let him take you hiking," Isaiah warned, still amused by the memory of the steep trek that was supposedly mom-approved.

Andrew Koji, who portrays Basho, revealed a deep connection with his character. "There’s a bit of him in me, always trying to come out, and I’ve got to keep him suppressed," Andrew shared.

Isaiah also dished on their synergistic working relationship, particularly when it came to action scenes. Andrew helped Isaiah become more fluid in his movements for their intense action sequences. They also had to navigate some unexpected script changes. "Benny was supposed to have these monologues that made sense, but he couldn’t do it right," Andrew joked about Isaiah's improvisational twist that made it into the film. "We just told him to say stuff, and it worked!"

The camaraderie between Isaiah and Andrew was intoxicating, hinting at the dynamic energy they bring to Boy Kills World. As our conversation wrapped up, they hinted at the potential for more adventures with Benny and Basho. "If you like what you see, maybe dive into a pool of Basho and Benny!" Isaiah quipped, already brainstorming future expansions of their on-screen partnership.

Their infectious enthusiasm for the project promises a movie filled with more than just action; it hinted at a blend of humor, camaraderie, and some good old-fashioned improvisation. As we said our goodbyes, their final words were a perfect teaser: "You’re going to love it — if for nothing more, it will make this whole conversation make more sense!"

Director Moritz Mohr talks directing a "brutal bloody ballet" in Boy Kills World

Wrapping up this series of spirited conversations, I got a chance to sit down with Moritz Mohr, the visionary director of Boy Kills World.

Boy Kills World is a "fucked up fairy tale"

Moritz didn’t hold back when I asked him to describe the essence of Boy Kills World in just three words. He enthusiastically labeled it a "fucked up fairy tale," emphasizing the surreal and brutal nature of the film. "It’s set in a world that is not ours, blending the unreal, fairy tale aspects with brutal action," he explained, perfectly setting the stage for what I, much to his liking, call a "brutal, bloody ballet."

When asked about the unexpected challenges he faced while making the movie, Moritz reflected on the filmmaking process. "Everyone warns you that making a movie is a marathon, not a sprint," he mused. "It took longer than I thought from the first day of shooting to the premiere, but the extra time made the movie better."

Moritz also delved into the inspirations behind the movie, which was the culmination of various elements absorbed over decades. "The story is inspired by seventies Kung Fu movies and classic revenge tropes, but we put our own twist on it," he said. "It’s a combination of everything we loved and consumed."

From the actors’ deep dives into their characters to the director's insights into the creative process, Boy Kills World promises to be a cinematic experience that’s as thrilling as it is unique. Boy Kills World promises to go beyond the typical revenge narrative, offering a complex exploration of themes like resilience, trauma, and the quest for justice in a world that seems devoid of it. With a cast that delivers powerhouse performances and a director who masterfully balances action with emotional depth, this film is set to be a compelling, entertaining, and bloody watch.

Boy Kills World is out in theaters Friday, April 26.

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and Twitter account, sign up for our exclusive newsletter and check out our YouTube channel.