Whether it’s saving the planet in The World Is Not Enough or fighting thousands upon thousands of bugs in Starship Troopers, Denise Richards has been a part of some of the coolest movies in cinematic history! With Liverpool Comic Con and the release of her new reality show ‘Denise Richards and Her Wild Things’ on the horizon, STARBURST talks with the actress herself to nostalgically look back on a superb acting career…
STARBURST: Wild Things went on to become a cult classic; what was John McNaughton like to work with, and what did he initially want to see from Kelly Van Ryan?
Denise Richards: John McNaughton was amazing to work with! Once I was cast, after a few auditions and testing with Neve Campbell, I met John, and I recall him being very surprised that I was also from Illinois and that my dad worked for the phone company, Illinois Bell. I believe he was told I was from a wealthy family. I don’t know who said this to him, but it couldn’t have been further from the truth! I am so grateful to whoever did, I think it helped convince him that I could play Kelly Van Ryan. I think him learning that I was from the Midwest where he was from and lived, helped him see that I could also bring a likeability to the character.
Can you tell us about what it was like to play Carmen Ibanez, and how do you think she compares to the other main characters in Starship Troopers?
I loved playing Carmen Ibanez. She cared so much for Johnny Rico, but was a strong, determined, young woman. She was put in a position of having to make a choice of being with a partner or having a career. She chose having a career.
When you look back, why do you think Starship Troopers has gone on to become so iconic? What makes it stand out?
When I look back at Starship Troopers, of all the movies and TV shows I’ve done, it’s always the one I consider my favourite. I always remember where I was in my life and mostly, what happened off-camera. Starship Troopers is one of my fondest memories working as an actress. We were all so innocent, nobody knew who we were except for Clancy Brown and Michael Ironside, of course. We were so excited to do this big movie that was going to be in theatres, and Paul Verhoeven was directing after he had done Basic Instinct and Total Recall. It was just one of the most memorable times of my career and most of us are still really close friends. I really don’t know why it’s become so iconic, I’m just so grateful that it has and people still enjoy watching it.
How did you get involved in the world of James Bond through The World Is Not Enough as Dr Christmas Jones, and what do you remember the most from when you got the part?
When I auditioned for The World is Not Enough, myself and other actresses had to screen test with Pierce Brosnan in London. I was so excited when I got the part! I was a huge fan of our director, Michael Apted. However, I had never seen a Bond movie. When it was announced on CNN that I was the next Bond Girl, I remember calling my agent asking why is it on the news that I am doing the James Bond movie. He said, “I don’t think you realise how big this movie is.” Well, I quickly did, and I am honoured that I will forever be known as a Bond Girl!
What was the most rewarding scene to work on within The World Is Not Enough, and why?
The most rewarding scene was my very first day on set. I believe I had one or two lines with Dame Judi Dench, and I was terrified to do that scene. I couldn’t sleep the night before, I was so nervous, going over and over and over my one or two lines, which sometimes is harder than doing a full scene. I think she could sense how scared I was and couldn’t have been nicer to me. The most rewarding ‘action’ scene was all of the action sequences in the submarine. It was incredibly difficult to film those scenes, I got very lucky. The stunt coordinator and director was Vic Armstrong, from Starship Troopers, he helped me so much. I felt very vulnerable and insecure, and it was wonderful for me to have a familiar face.
Scary Movie 6 has been announced; looking back on the third instalment, what was this interesting idea like to be involved with, and why do you think the movies go down so well with audiences in general?
I’m so happy about Scary Movie 6, I think there is nothing like movies in the ’90s and early 2000s!
How excited are you for Liverpool Comic Con in May?
It’s brilliant to see so many of Rico’s Roughnecks in one place! I have recently been to Comic Cons and I love them! Without fans, I wouldn’t have a job. It’s so humbling and wonderful to connect with people who take the time to see me. And I always love reconnecting with the actors! We are very blessed.
Find out more about Liverpool Comic Con
Follow Denise Richards on Instagram
Watch her show here: Denise Richards & Her Wild Things
