ComingSoon Editor-in-Chief Tyler Treese spoke with Monster Summer stars Mel Gibson and Mason Thames about the spooky family adventure movie. The duo discussed the Amblin-esque feel, their characters, and more. It arrives in theaters today, October 4, 2024.
“When a mysterious force begins to disrupt their big summer fun, Noah and his friends team up with a retired police detective to embark on a monstrous adventure to save their island,” reads the synopsis.
Tyler Treese: Mel, your role in Monster Summer is very fun early on. You’re kind of the classic strange neighbor that the kids all talk about in hushed tones like he’s a monster. You’re a bit of a local myth. What did you like the most about that initial ambiguity of the character?
Mel Gibson: Well, you know, it’s set up without having to try because it’s what the other characters say about this guy. “He’s burying his wife in the backyard,” and all this kind of caper, you know, so it’s easy then to go from that point and actually disappoint the expectations that have been raised or surprise. So, it’s kind of an opportunity. It’s kind of a gift really.
I liked it. He’s a guy who’s withdrawn from life and he comes into contact with somebody who wants to eat the world and he’s ready to take life on and get started. Together, they have to solve this mystery, and they learn a lot from each other.
Mason, there’s a great Amblin-esque feel to this film. Especially the mystery at play. Is that what attracted you to the project or what really interested you?
Mason Thames: No, most definitely. I feel like, especially as a kid watching Goonies, it was this type of feel watching it that… it’s a special feeling. Reading this script, you really felt that, and hearing Mel was signed on. It was sort of a no-brainer, and after meeting the director and everybody, it was an easy decision.
Mel, you’ve worked with a lot of fresh actors turned directors lately, David Henrie on this, and Nadine Crocker on Desperation Road. As one of the truly great actor-directors yourself, why do you think acting is such a great ideal background for people looking to become a director?
Gibson: Well, I think you have to acquaint yourself with whatever it is that the director is telling you and being a component of his overall vision. So I think you have a lot of empathy for directors because you come into contact with them often, but having directed, you have a lot of empathy with the actor having done that for decades or whatever. However long Mason’s been at it, probably a decade.
I think actors make good directors, and I’ve seen a lot of directors actually do great acting jobs. You remember Sydney Pollack in Tootsie? I mean, he was hilarious.
Mason, what really stood out about working with Mel as a scene partner? Because there’s some really great scenes between you two later on.
Thames: Yeah, gosh. I mean, it’s sort of hard to pick from, but I feel like just watching him was so incredible. He’s such an inspiration for me growing up and going to the movies. Like it’s Mel Gibson, so just getting to work with him, being in the same room as him was an honor, and sharing the screen with him was something I’ll never forget and I’ll cherish forever.
Mel, what really impressed you about just working with Mason?
Gibson: You instantly identify with somebody who wants to do a good job, who’s good at what they do. You can hit off that and chemistry develops. We got it because he’s good at what he does and likewise. It just was pretty natural. It just rolled into it and it’s fun when it gets rolling like that.
Thanks to Mel Gibson and Mason Thames for speaking about Monster Summer.
