The only thing I can say is that I believe it will be gorgeous, pretty, and classy. This is the response of Fra Fee, a native of Dungannon when questioned about his upcoming role in the high-budget film Rebel Moon.
It was created by renowned Hollywood director Zack Snyder.
The County Tyrone actor stated, “It’s a massive sci-fi epic, and Zack has an incredible vision; he’s created an entire planet, so I’m quite enthusiastic about it.”
Fantastical Netflix science fiction is a far cry from treading the boards in Coalisland’s Craic Theatre and Donaghmore’s Bardic stage.
I was really captivated
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Fee, 35, first became interested in acting after viewing Blood Brothers at his sister’s school.
“It’s my first memory of witnessing stage magic, and I was completely mesmerized,” he explained.
I insisted that my parents take me to every performance of that musical, where I sat front and center with a small bag of chips.
In County Tyrone, Fee’s father was involved in amateur dramatics, and Fee followed in his footsteps.
He remarked,
“When you’re young, Tyrone might feel like ‘dwelling in the sticks,’ and cities with in-house professional theatres, like as Belfast’s Opera House and Lyric, can feel extremely remote.
Seeing my father’s participation in these great plays with outstanding production qualities and all local productions taught me what was possible.
Not quickly, he landed his first role in the Craic Theatre’s production of The Sound of Music, and more leading roles in Belfast play soon followed.
By the time he graduated from high school, he had already resolved to attend the Royal College of Music in London, and a role in Les Mis awaited him on the West End.
“I’m not sure I can pinpoint something as a big break; for me, it’s been a series of minor things that have led to greater audiences,” he added.
“But, in the beginning, all I could think was, ‘Are you kidding me?’ Who will allow me to make a living in this manner?”
His performance in Les Mes drew the attention of Oscar-winning filmmaker Tom Hooper, who was adapting the play for the big screen.
Soon, Fee was rubbing shoulders with Hollywood superstars such as Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman.
“Working with those performers was the most exciting thing in the world because I admire them so much,” he explained.
“I had been watching them on screen for years, but never in my wildest thoughts did I anticipate that I would be there as well, so it was quite special.”
I believed it was a mistake
The native of Tyrone went on to have successful roles on television and on stage in the years that followed, including a prominent role in The Ferry Man, which won the Tony Award.
Recently, he won plaudits for his performance in the most recent West End adaptation of Cabaret.
By joining the Disney+ series Hawkeye in 2021, he became a part of the immensely popular Marvel Cinematic Universe, arguably one of his most prominent roles to date.
Kazimierz “Kazi” Kazimierczak was portrayed by Oscar nominee Jeremy Renner, who portrayed the Marvel Superhero Hawkeye.
Fee stated that he was still attempting to comprehend it.
“I submitted this clip, and when they informed me I got the part, I couldn’t believe it because I’m such a huge fan of these films.
“I honestly believed it was a mistake, that when I arrived on site, the director would say, ‘Oh, we mistook you for Kit Harrington!'”
With further Marvel series in development, is a return to this world likely?
Who can say? If this were to occur, it would be fascinating to observe if my character Kazi became more like his comic book counterpart,” he remarked.
“But, I truly do not know. I suppose we’ll have to see, so I’ll keep my phone on.”
He has appeared in Irish films such as the horror-comedy Boys From the County Hell and the modern Irish western thriller Pixie, so he has not lost his roots.
Fee feels the Irish film industry is riding a wave of success following a slew of Oscar wins this year.
He stated,
“I’m really happy to be from here, but I don’t believe it’s a coincidence or a stroke of luck; the Irish have always been incredible storytellers.
“It’s great to see the local cinema industry recognized in this way, and I hope to continue producing films in Ireland, about Ireland, and with Irish people.”
On March 12 at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre, he will star in a performance of tales and songs from the worlds of theatre and folk, which will be televised live.
“It’s basically just me singing a bunch of my favorite songs and delivering some stories, accompanied by an incredible band and some guest vocalists,” he explained.
“I’ll be up there doing what I love most, surrounded by my favorite people, having a little of craic.”
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