George Takei talks ‘Paws of Fury’

Loosely based on Mel Brooks’ ‘Blazing Saddles’, ‘Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank’ makes its way into theaters this Friday, July 15th.

In the animated adventure, a dog named Hank (Michael Cera) finds himself in a town full of cats that need a hero. The town must defend itself from the evil Ika Chu (Ricky Gervais) who plans to destroy the town.

For the film, George Takei lends his voice to Ohga, Ika Chu’s second in command. The legendary actor sat down with BackstagOL’s Dave Morales to discuss the role and how he would help Ohga change his life.

“You know he eats a lot, he’s a big guy and I watch how I look, I work out every day, I watch what I eat and I try to be fit. So I would teach Ohga how to live a better life, a healthier life and to work for a better cause,” remarked Takei.

With such a long and storied career, Takei tells BackstageOL what still drives him and his love for acting and theater. “I love acting, I’ve loved it since I was a child. My mother said when I was born and she heard my centurion yowl she knew that she was saddled with a ham.”

Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank – Ika Chu (Ricky Gervais), Ohga (George Takei)

The Show Must Go On

Takei also goes on to reveal why he loves performing on stage in front of a crowd. “I love theater because it’s an opportunity to tell stories to a large audience, I particularly love the theater stage because there’s that direct human connection when you do and say something.”

“There’s that immediate reaction like a funny line, a punch line and you get a reaction or in a drama and you do a moving speech, you get that sob that you hear,” added Takei.

“And best of all at the end of the play, you come out for the current call and there’s that rousing ovation and they stand up (most of the time) and you get that standing ovation which is a thrilling, fulfilling feeling,” expressed Takei with a smile on his face.

‘Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank’ is out in theaters now. For all of your movie news be sure to follow BackstageOL on Twitter.