J-14 Magazine recently spoke with 17 year-old actor Brandon Soo Hoo, who plays Fly Molo in Ender’s Game. Here’s an excerpt from their exclusive interview:
J-14: How would you describe your character in ‘Ender’s Game?’ How are you like him? How are you different than him?
Brandon Soo Hoo: My character, Fly Molo, is a veteran soldier in Battle School. At first, he is introduced as Bonzo’s lackey, but he eventually comes to recognize Ender as the superior commander. I can definitely relate to Fly’s second-in-command role. A leader will always feel the majority of the pressure in a high-stakes situation, whereas the lieutenant is usually allowed to function below the radar. However, I’d say that unlike Fly, I would have a bit of trouble putting up with Bonzo. I have mild authority issues.
J-14: What was the most challenging scene for you to film? Why?
Brandon: The most difficult to film was probably the zero grav close up shots. Core body strength is the key to appearing weightless and I don’t think I had enough of it. Imagine flexing every inch of your body for five-minute intervals while wearing several layers of motorcycles attire. Now, rep that around twenty times. Now put a camera on your face, say some lines, and try not to look like you’re dying.
J-14: What drew you to this movie?
Brandon: When I was 11, my teacher gave me my own copy of ‘Ender’s Game‘ (thanks, Laura). It is still among my top five favorite books of all time. It’s funny because when I was reading the book, I was thinking, “If this book is ever made into film, I hope I can work in it.” I was thinking Han Tzu, but Fly Molo works too!
With there being no Han Tzu cast, it was safe to assume that Soo Hoo’s character had become Fly Molo and Han Tzu combined, just as others we’ll likely learn about going forward. Still, it’s interesting to hear more about the “new” Fly Molo and how he begins as Bonzo’s wingman.
What do you think about this insight into the movie version of Fly Molo? And yikes, sounds like it was a really tough shoot!
Source: J-14 via Ender News