Christopher Don Talks Richard Grieco's Minutes to Midnight Character

Last week, I talked with Minutes to Midnight writer/producer Christopher Don about Richard Grieco's role in the upcoming thriller.

In case you're just hearing about the film, here's the short description:

On the countdown to the New Year, seven friends and a mysterious backpacker form an alliance at a desolate mountain ski lodge where they are methodically hunted down by ruthless, sadistic masked men with an unknown agenda.

I had some questions about Richard's character, Sheriff Wyatt. The married, long-time Sheriff described in the original script didn't exactly bring Grieco springing to my mind. He's said many times that he accepts roles based on interest in the character AND he's repeatedly asserted over the past couple of years that he's pulling back form acting to focus on his artwork...so, what was he doing in this part?

Don cleared up all of those doubts for me in minutes. First, when I asked him what had brought Grieco to mind for this part, he said, "Richard is the ultimate badass. He knows how to be tough but also show an emotional side."

I'm no wrestling fan, but there's no
denying that this guy is pretty.

He went on to say that the character had evolved a bit since Richard had come on board: Wyatt is no longer married and is "not purely good." Ah, a character with personal demons that we'll uncover as the movie progresses--that sounds more like Richard. (I mean, let's be honest...you kind of thought he might turn out to be the killer, didn't you?)

Don also said that since Richard had signed on, they'd "beefed up the role big time." And--added bonus for Grieco fans--those personal demons he mentioned earlier play a role in the sequel.

Under other circumstances, I'd say talking sequels was a bit optimistic at this stage of the game. But with loaners from two mega-franchises already on board (Kane Hodder of Friday the 13th fame and John Morrison from the WWE), those ambitious plans may just be realistic.

As you may have guessed from the design above and the whole "New Year's Eve hiking" theme, filming requires snow. Don says they'll be shooting in late February or early March, regardless of the outcome of the IndieGoGo campaign in progress.

More to come as updates are available. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this one.