Photo credit: Robert Kazandjian
BSCkids recently got the chance to talk with the talented young star of the Fox series “Gotham,” David Mazouz. He spoke with us about playing the iconic character in a new way as well as his previous role and what he has learned from them.
At only 13 years old, David has already had an incredible career with a diverse resume of film and television projects. David starred on the Fox series “Touch”, alongside Kiefer Sutherland who played his father. He has also shown versatility in films such as Sanitarium, Dear Dumb Diary, and the Disney film The Game Makers, in which he had a leading role. David also recently shot the film, INCARNATE, alongside Aaron Eckhart. Not to mention you can see him every week as iconic childhood Bruce Wayne in “Gotham!”
BSCkids: David Mazouz
Were you a fan of Batman and the comic series growing up?
Well first of all, I’m still growing up but Batman was always my favorite superhero so yes. I have seen all the movies as well as the TV show with Adam West and they all brought something different and authentic to the role and loved them. I did get more into it and began researching the comics; stories and characters after I got the role.
What was the auditioning process for the role like?
The audition process was LONG, actually it was shorter than the series Touch that I did, but longer than anyone thought it would be. My first audition, I met with the casting Director and the Exec producer and creator, Bruno Heller who I really liked immediately because he’s so warm and open. Then, just a few days later I was told that they wanted me to test for the role. After the Xmas holidays I tested opposite another actor and then another actor and then the 3rd time I went in they made a screen test tape for execs after cutting my hair and suggesting the appropriate Bruce Wayne attire so I was already Bruce. We waited a couple of weeks and then I found out My audition sides were fake so I didn’t really know what the young Bruce would be doing or what part he would play but of course I was familiar with his known history so it was really cool !
Are you drawing any inspiration from any of the famous film portrayals of Batman and Bruce Wayne such as Michael Keaton or Christian Bale?
All the Batmans have been awesome In their own way but I primarily draw my inspiration from Christian Bale’s interpretation because this show is really about Gotham and how dark it is and he played a very dark and severe batman so he is really someone who inspires me because of the depth and he’s so severe and layered. I admire him because he’s one of the rare child actors to become an adult actor and I am inspired by him anyway. I also like to imitate how he says “I am Batman”
What is your favorite Batman movie?
I guess I just answered question 4 right ?
You have worked with some famous co-stars, what is the most important lesson you have learned from them?
Well first I have worked with some amazing actors. My closest relationship has been with Kiefer Sutherland of course because he played my dad on Touch and he really was like a dad to me in a lot of ways. He taught me to always be prepared and he also told me I had good instincts and should listen to them. I love Kiefer. He took really good care of me and I respected him but we also had some great laughs together. He also taught me how a well run production feels like because he expected the set to respect its actors process and the hard work of the crew without who, you can’t do anything. I’ve learned something from every actor I’ve worked with even my guest star roles; like how to have a laugh and break up tension with Billy Gardell and from Kevin Bacon and Joe Fiennes, a quiet and professional calm. I’ve had awesome dads as an actor; everyone so far in fact and they’ve all been fun and kind to me. I’m really lucky !!
What is the next project we can see you in and what can you tell us about it?
I did a movie for Disney in 3D in Argentina called the Gamesmaker with another awesome dad who’s on The Flash, Tom Cavanagh, which is a beautiful family film and next year I hope two other movies I did will be in theatres, one with Aaron Eckhart where I play a possessed creepy scary kid which was really fun and different and another scary movie from Blumhoise with the BEST family called 6 Miranda with Kevin Bacon, Radha Mitchell and Lucy Fry– which you should also see sometime next year.
Are there any actors you would love to work with that you haven’t had the chance yet? Why?
Good question !!!! So many !! I would LOVE to work with Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Downey Jr, Christian Bale, Brad Pitt, Lukas Haas (who I worked with on Touch) and Angelina Jolie because they were all child actors and they’ve transitioned into adulthood as well as well as Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett and on the comedy side all the people I worked with on The Office, Tina Fey other SNL alums because I did second city improv and for some reason I never really do comedy but it’s so fun ! And of course Ben Affleck, the next Batman!!!
What has been your favorite project to work on so far?
I think Bruce Wayne is my favorite character but I loved Jake too and that was my first real experience working every day and I had such an intimate relationship with Kiefer that I think I will feel like that was my life changing moment. It’s probably like falling in love for the first time or going to Disneyland. that’s magical !! There are now a lot of people to appreciate around me and a lot of new favorite things !
What are your hobbies outside of acting?
10) I do regular things when I’m not working when I’m home and I would say that my dogs and hanging out and skateboarding around the neighborhood with my friends (my possee) is my hobby. I love taking classes with my sister too who’s really funny & into improv. I also LOVE Krav Maga !! And writing songs to play on my guitar Kiefer gave me.
How do you balance acting and going to school and doing normal kid things?
Balancing school and work was a lot easier when I worked near my school because I went to school on all the days I wasn’t working. Being so far away from my school has been difficult but my teachers at home are awesome and give my studio teacher, who’s really smart and loves to teach, my work and for the most part I’m keeping up and will go back whenever I’m off and after this season. So It will be in a regular normal routine again with my teachers and friends and I will graduate this year from middle school.
If you could offer advice to younger kids or teenagers trying to get into acting, what would it be?
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