Alexander Skarsgard is manning the loincloth for the latest big screen adaptation of Tarzan, which has swung out of the trees and into cinemas.
The True Blood and Battleship star, born in Sweden, says he's been a fan of the character since he was a child.
"In a way he's almost like the original superhero, written over a hundred years ago. At the time, there was something about the noble savage, returning to the wild, it was the end of the industrial revolution and there was a desire to find your inner animal in a way," says Skarsgard.
"I just thought he was so bad ass. The fact he's a superhero, but with no mutation, no gadgets, no cape - he's just a man that grew up with apes, so in order to survive he had to tap into something no other human being ever tapped into, which made him far superior to everyone else. I just loved that."
The Legend of Tarzan is far from an original story. Originally appearing in 1912 publication Tarzan of the Apes, there are over 200 films with Tarzan in the title as well as comics, radio plays, Broadway productions, videogames and other products featuring the character.
"When I was sent the script I was curious as it's a story that has been told so many times, so in what way was this iteration different. I was so surprised when I read it. I thought it was such a smart introduction to the character. When it opens, it's not the 'Me Tarzan You Jane', it's a very sophisticated British aristocratic drinking tea with the Prime Minister," says Skarsgard.
"It's almost the opposite of the novel or the old movies, where it's this man who has to acclimate to modern society. This is the other journey, someone who has already perfected that, but has to come to terms with who he really is, deep down inside. Then when they return to the jungle, the Tarzan we all know comes out, which I thought was really interesting."
Skarsgard emphasises strongly the importance of Tarzan's relationship with Jane, played in the new film by Australian Margot Robbie.
"It was incredibly important. The drive of the movie is for John and Jane to get back together," says Skarsgard.
"It's so crucial that you feel that chemistry at the beginning of the movie, because if the audience isn't invested in their love, the movie won't work, because who cares if they get back together."
Robbie's Jane is no classic damsel in distress, however.
"We didn't want it to feel dated or archaic. It was important to make her strong and independent, it's more interesting if John needed Jane as much as she needed him," says Skarsgard.
"As soon as Margot's name came up, I met her in LA and it took three seconds for me realise she was perfect for it. She is so strong, independent, tough and smart and would give it that gravitas that it needed."
Whatever people think of how good the latest Tarzan film is, there's no denying the huge impressiveness of Skarsgard's physical appearance.
"It was more than just eating chicken breast and lifting weights. I got to work with Wayne McGregor, one of the best choreographers in the world and has his own ballet company and travels the world and works with the greatest ballerinas in the world. So it was quite a challenge for him to work with me, a guy who can't touch his toes," says Skarsgard.
"It was an amazing experience, for eight months Wayne and I worked together on the physicality of Tarzan, or John. Everything from his posture, as the buttoned-up aristocrat, to when he's Tarzan of the jungle."
Despite his bulbous abs in the film, Skarsgard says he worked hard to make sure his Tarzan wasn't just an incredible hulk.
"It was important to be nimble and agile when he's back in the jungle, I didn't want to look like a bodybuilder trying to run through the jungle. You need to feel that he belongs there. Animals don't have muscle mass, everything has to be there for a reason and have a purpose."
The Legend of Tarzan opened in New Zealand cinemas on Thursday.
Newshub.
