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Cape Town – The highly anticipated film adaption of Stephen King's The Dark Tower opens in South African cinemas on Friday, 8 September.
Directed by Nikolaj Arcel the science fantasy western film stars Idris Elba as Roland Deschain, a gunslinger who has dedicated his life to locating The Dark Tower - which is the nexus of the universe - before evil invades and ends all existence by destroying it.
Academy Award-winner Matthew McConaughey is the villainous Man in Black, Roland's nemesis.
Parts of the film were shot on location in and around South Africa. (Read more here)
But that's not the only South African connection. The film boasts familiar local actors such as Leeanda Reddy, Lemogang Tshipa, Mary Twala and Robert Whitehead.
Reddy who was last seen in the soapie Isidingo needs no introduction. The actress has a host of television and film credits to her name.
In The Dark Tower she plays Dr. Weizak.
In an interview with Channel24, Reddy says her role is a small one.
"I am the doctor attending to Roland Deschain (Elba). She's been doing the usual rounds at the hospital, when she arrives at Mr Deschain's room. She gives him feedback about his test results and advises that he remains in hospital for monitoring and treatment which he ignores."
When it came to preparing for her role Reddy says her main concern was nailing the character's accent.
And with the help of the director's input she was able to fine tune how a doctor would react in the situation she was in with a patient.
ON SET WITH IDRIS ELBA
Working with international stars on home soil who are humble and friendly is always a lovely experience says Reddy, who mostly worked with Elba on set.
"He has such a magnificent presence and is kind and gracious as an actor."
She continues: "The director (international as well) was wonderful. His approach, communication and interaction with me during my brief time on the set was more than I expected. Both of them were complimentary about my performance and I was thrilled to get that acknowledgement."
The highlight of Reddy's experience was that she got to meet Elba.
"I not only go to see Mr. Elba in the flesh but to act with him in a scene. I was on a high for a few days thereafter! I am so grateful for this opportunity."
Just like all the fans, Reddy can’t wait to see the finished product as it hits theatres this weekend.
Watch the trailer here:
