Dean Cain may be most known for his performance as the most straight-laced and honorable of superheroes, Superman — but his latest role finds him taking on the part of villain.
“2050,” which is in theaters now, examines the blurred lines between technology and reality. The science fiction thriller follows an unsatisfied family man who finds himself gravitating toward a company that offers artificial intelligence that caters to one’s every need — no matter how dark.
Dean Cain stars as Maxwell, the mysterious man who heads up the company.
LifeZette spoke to Cain about the new film and what it says about the growing relationship people have with technology. The actor also spoke about his desire to revisit his role as Clark Kent/Superman — as well as what it’s like to be a conservative in modern Hollywood.
Question: This movie is about a world some would argue could very much exist in the near future. Was that something that was appealing about the project? Had you or the filmmakers done any research into artificial intelligence?
Answer: I think the idea of AI and e-mates, or sexbots, has been around for a very long time, and we’ve seen it played to some degree for decades in films like “The Terminator” or “Blade Runner” or “I, Robot.” What is so different about “2050” is that we are so close to actually making this happen in real life, so it doesn’t seem like sci-fi or fantasy.
Last year a man married a hologram — and a woman married a ghost.
I believe in 2019, someone will marry a robot.
Q: What do you think this movie says about society and where we are heading in terms of the blurring of the lines between humanity and technology? And as a father of a teenager, are you concerned by that?
A: Technology is so prevalent in the western world that many folks actually think they cannot survive without their smartphones or computers — and it’s only a matter of time before they might feel they cannot survive without their e-mates.
As a father, I’m clear with my son when we discuss “real life” versus an “online” persona. As a parent, I hammer that point relentlessly. I believe my son has a clear understanding of the difference.
Q: Is it more fun playing a villain in a movie than a hero?
A: Sometimes it’s much easier to play the villain than the hero. The villain has one goal and any actions that must occur are justifiable. You can do anything, no matter how terrible, to reach your goal. There is something fun about playing such a focused character.
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Q: You have done everything from true crime movies like “Gosnell” to dark action films like “Vendetta” with the Soska Sisters — to family friendly movies on Lifetime. What gets you most excited to step in front of a camera?
A: As an actor, it’s wonderful to play all different kinds of roles. I don’t know a single actor who just wants to play the same types of roles in every film — don’t get me wrong, it happens! But I don’t think anyone wants to keep playing the same character. It’s a business, and we all have to make ends meet. I have been very fortunate to play a wide range of roles, and as I age, there are even more opportunities to branch out. It never ends.
Q: You’ve said many you’d be interested in getting back together with Teri Hatcher to make another season of “Lois and Clark.” There’s obviously a push from fans on social media, and now that DC has its own streaming service, there’s a platform that seems perfect for a revival of the series. Have you had any interest from anyone at DC about the project?
A: I’d love to see where Lois and Clark are after 25 years. I think it would be amazing — and could possibly interest a whole new generation in the original series. I haven’t spoken to anyone at DC directly, but I’d be very interested.
Q: You have always been unafraid to speak about your beliefs even in an industry that often punishes right-leaning artists. It seems like anti-Trump celebrities are getting more and more aggressive and extreme in their rhetoric. Does any of this rhetoric surprise you, or is it expected at this point?
A: I’m glad people want to be involved in politics because I think an educated citizenry is so important to our constitutional republic. Unfortunately, there has been such harsh rhetoric employed in the last few years that people are having trouble having conversations about differences.
Many are getting violent. Some are faking hate crimes. It’s not a good trend. I believe there are probably 10 percent on the far Right and percent on the far Left that are making all the noise — while the remaining 80 percent of Americans are somewhere in the middle. I appeal to those 80 percent to have discussions with one another about things they might not readily agree upon. They might find they’re not so far apart.
To find theaters where “2050” is playing, go here.
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