Justin Chon

So you’re going to play the part of Eric in Twilight. What was the audition process like?
Well when I auditioned, I didn’t know too much about the book. I had read part of it but not a lot. I was aware of quite a few famous young actors auditioning for my role. Anyway I stayed the whole day and did about 3 or 4 auditions, and then I got a call-back where I did some improvisations and also I auditioned with Kristen. Slowly slowly we began auditioning in bigger groups and eventually we auditioned as a large group and it was everyone that got cast for the film. After that, I got offered the role.

So was everyone really close?
Yeah we are all good friends. We’re all young and we get on really great. It’s a great atmosphere.

Who were you closest to?
I think probably Mike because we spent the most time together and after work we would go see movies or go out to eat. He would give me piggy back rides! Ha ha!

So you hadn’t read the books before auditioning?
Well my friend had told me about them so I had read part of the first one. After I got the role, I read all 3.

Which was your favourite?
I think my favourite was the first one to be honest.

What was filming like?
It was really fun but it was quite tough due to the weather! We never knew that kind of weather it would have and so it was quite a hassle to keep trying to film when the weather went crazy since a lot of the scenes were outside. However I think that is what made filming so fun! We were all in it together so it was an adventure.

Did lots of fans visit the set?
Yeah quite a few fans visited the set, mostly because of Kristen, Robert and Taylor. It was crazy though! There were people in trees taking pictures or trying to take videos! I’ve never been in such a high profile film before! I’m used to independent films and smaller projects that it’s quite shocking to see how much attention this is getting!

Do you think the cast managed to portray the characters from the book?
Most definitely! I was aware of Catherine’s work and a fan of it, but I thought she was more of an independent, indie type of director so the way she approached the film was very interesting. I was surprised at the way we shot the film. Most fantasies are very glossy and not at all grounded, yet Twilight is so real. The characters came to life so much more because you believe them. It seems as if this situation can honestly happen.

Which was your favourite scene filmed and why?
Most of the scenes with Mike! We were just messing around and having so much fun! We were a double team!

Tell us about your character, Eric.
Well Eric is a very diplomatic and nice guy, but he’s quite dorky and he tries desperately to fit in. He really tries way too hard. So when Bella comes, it’s Eric’s perfect opportunity to become whoever he wants to be because she doesn’t know him so he can be whoever he wants to. But how long can he keep it up before she figures out what a dork he is? He’s a really good kid with good intentions and all he wants to do is fit in.

Was it hard to become the role of Eric?
Well I want to fit in too. Also Eric is very optimistic and I try to keep positive too. Also, Eric loves food, just like me!

Can you tell us any set secrets?
I guess Robert’s personality. He looks like a brooding, good looking guy...he looks slightly intimidating! He’s a bit too good looking for regular life! His face looks like a sculpture. He’s actually really goofy! He’s so nice and he likes to joke around! He’s very approachable and down to earth! From afar, he doesn’t look like it but when you meet him, he’s so funny and great!

Did you have any embarrassing moments on set?
There was actually! We were about to film the prom scene so we had a dance rehearsal before that. It was really early in the morning and I wasn’t really awake yet, so I could not dance! My body just would not do what it was supposed to and being put on the spot I was so embarrassed! Everyone was laughing at me and telling me I had no rhythm!

So it’s time to confess! Did you have a crush on anyone on set?
I can’t tell you! I can tell you however that every single girl on the cast was very beautiful and desirable!

And now some random questions for fans to get to know you better.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Clumsy. Dazed. Random.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
Right now, I want to go to Portugal, Spain, Southern Italy and every single island in Greece!

What are your hobbies?
I am an Orange County boy! I grew up surfing, snow boarding and skate boarding! I love to play music! I play the guitar, I sing, I play some piano and I play the violin and I love watching movies!

If you were stuck on a desert island with only three things, what would they be?
My guitar, one of my very close friends and a surf board!

Tell me a secret!
I am extremely shy with people I don’t know!

What’s the strangest thing you’ve had in your mouth?
Live octopus...the tentacles were still moving and they stuck to the side of my mouth!

What’s your secret addiction?
I love red wine!!

What irrationally annoys you?
I hate when girls are very coy and fake and say “OMG” all the time...they act like best friends and then diss them behind their backs! I just like real people!

Do you have a myspace?
Yeah I have a myspace and a facebook too! Just search “Justin Chon” and you’ll find me! Feel free to add me! I don’t like facebook as much as myspace though so if you want me to reply to questions etc, it’s too complicated! So myspace is the safest bet! I also have a website, www.justinchon.com where I keep a blog!