Exclusive Interview With Michael Biehn

Interviewed by Michael Juvinall
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You don’t have to be a horror fan to know who actor Michael Biehn is. He’s starred in some of the biggest films of the last 40 years. He’s the rugged, good-looking leading man you might remember as future warrior Kyle Reese in James Cameron’s 1984 sci-fi/action classic The Terminator, or as sympathetic Colonial Marine Cpl. Dwayne Hicks in another Cameron classic, Aliens (1984). Biehn worked yet again with Cameron in his blockbuster The Abyss (1989), then portraying another military man in Navy Seals (1990) and portrayed the quick shooting heavy Johnny Ringo in George P. Cosmatos’ thrilling western, Tombstone (1993). He went on to work with director Michael Bay with a starring role in his big budget action pic The Rock (1996).

What you might not know about Michael Biehn is that he had an uncredited role in 1978’s Grease as a basketball player that gets punched in the stomach by John Travolta. But he got his big break playing the obsessive stalker in the 1981 horror film The Fan. Aside from his high profile roles, Biehn has quite an impressive resume of genre films including: Rampage (1987), The Seventh Sign (1988), Cherry Falls (2000), The Insatiable (2007), Planet Terror (2007), Bereavement (2010) and many others.

In 2011, Biehn decided to go behind the camera and along with his wife/partner, Jennifer Blanc, they decided to form their own production company Blanc/Biehn Productions. Biehn then directed his first film for their fledgling company, horror thriller The Victim in 2011, which he also starred along with Blanc and scream queen Danielle Harris. The two went on to produce and star in Treachery (2013), The Night Visitor (2013), and is currently working on a remake of the Spanish horror film Hidden in the Woods along with a multitude of other horror, sci-fi, and thriller films in various stages of production.

Read on as Michael Biehn was kind enough to answer some questions about his iconic roles, his career, and what’s next for him.

Horror Society: Mr. Biehn, you’ve been working steadily for over 35 years now. Does the acting get easier the older you get and the more films you’ve done?

Michael Biehn: I definitely have more knowledge than when I was just beginning.

HS: You and your production company Blanc/Biehn Productions have been hard at work on many genre projects both completed and in production. Do you enjoy the horror/sci-fi/thriller films or is a job just a job for you?

MB: I do enjoy it, but most important enjoy a good story.

HS: What prompted you to create your own production company with your partner Jennifer Blanc-Biehn?

MB: The Victim was the start. It did more than expected for a small film and we said if this goes well we want to continue. Also, giving new filmmakers an opportunity is a motivating factor.

HS: Is it tough to get films made in the current film environment even with your name?

MB: We have been lucky to partner with some great investors that seem interested in long term investing, which is great with all the new ways to film available.

HS: Have you had to utilize crowdfunding for any of your films and if not is that something you would consider? Do you think it’s a viable option in today’s changing film landscape?

MB: Jennifer and Mark and Brianne did a bit on The Night Visitor and we did as well a bit with Treachery.

HS: What is your most valuable tool in your arsenal as an actor?

MB: I think I am aware of what a good story is.

HS: You’ve portrayed so many iconic characters in your career including Kyle Reese from Terminator, Corporal Hicks in Aliens, Johnny Ringo in Tombstone, and many more. Is there any one in particular that’s been your favorite to portray?

MB: Kyle Reese, Hicks, and Ringo.

HS: You tried your hand at directing for the first time in 2011’s The Victim. How did that come about? Is directing something you always wanted to try and would you take it on again?

MB: Jennifer wanted me to. A lot of people did and I am very proud of what we accomplished with The Victim.

HS: If you had a dream project, what would that be?

MB: I have one I wrote with Travis Romero called Mercy House. I have always also wanted to show Ringo and that story from the Cowboys perspective. I also would love to do a film about the plight of the American Indians.

HS: What’s coming up for you?

MB: We have a film this summer called Fembot. Also we are getting the Hidden in the Woods remake thru final stages of post.

HS: Again, I want to thank you very much for answering my questions. I’ve followed your career since The Terminator and have been a big fan of yours ever since.

MB: Thanks so very much to you.

HS: Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing your upcoming projects.