The young, talented cast of 'SKY HIGH' bring the film to life; injecting fun and vitality into a compelling and original take on the super hero theme. They portray high school life - with all the familiar problems. Warren Peace (Steven Strait) is a brooding and rebellious student with a dark secret. He is a misunderstood loner who is a typical high school outcast. "He is interesting because he has a lot of internal struggles," says Strait. "He transforms during the course of the film, and he is a complex character, which is why he is so fascinating to play." The moody super hero has the power to manipulate fire and Strait infuses the character with a range of emotions. Strait is a charismatic newcomer who brings an unusual intensity to the role.
The film is set in a secret high school in the clouds, in which exceptional kids learn to become the superheroes of tomorrow. The story deals with emotional issues, but is also funny and action packed with plenty of dazzling special effects.
Steven Strait is the lead singer of the rock group TRIBE. Performing since he was 12, he studied theatre at the legendary Stella Adler Acting Studio in New York, where he grew up. In his next film, 'UNDISCOVERED', he plays an aspiring rock star.
Was it intimidating starring opposite Kurt Russell and Kelly Preston?
STRAIT: "They were great, very friendly and we spent a lot of time hanging out between scenes. I learned from them by example, they were so focused and as actors they were amazing to watch."
What was it like working with Lynda Carter, who starred as Wonder Woman in the original TV series? and plays the principal of 'SKY HIGH'?
STRAIT: "It was amazing. She walks into a room and you immediately know exactly why she is the quintessential female in American pop culture. She has a presence that just radiates on and off screen. Even when you do not see her, you can feel her presence. She is also incredibly nice and supportive."
Steven, can you tell me about your character and why you like this film?
STRAIT: "I read the script and thought that it was so clever and so great that someone had taken the superhero genre and twisted it without taking it all too seriously. I think it is an interesting story with different shades and colors. What initially attracted me to Warren was the fact that his character has such an amazing arc and transformation throughout the film. He really comes out of his shell and I found that was fascinating, it was a privilege to play him."
Did you like school, were you rebellious like him?
STRAIT: "I did like school, I like academics and I love to read - literature and politics - anything. I do not even own a television. I was not a rebel in school. I was an outsider, but by the end of my time at school, I had a solid group of friends. It was a tough school, a very strict Catholic military academy in New York. It was my choice to go there though, because it was the best education my family could afford."
Which do you prefer: theater or film?
STRAIT: "I love both. I think the enjoyment is in the process of creating a character and it is exactly the same whether you’re doing it for a film or play. It doesn’t make any difference."
Steven, you have done some modeling, did you enjoy it? I hear you were literally ‘discovered’.
STRAIT: "I was walking back from the acting school where I had studied for a long time in New York. It was in the middle of the summer and I passed a modeling agency. A man rushed out of the building and ran after me and shouted ‘come in’ and I said ‘no, who are you?’ Anyway he told me about the agency and to be honest with you I was not that interested in doing modeling at the time. But the guy explained that it was a good way to make extra money and I definitely found it an excellent means to an end to pay for theater school."
Did you dream of fame and stardom?
STRAIT: "No I haven’t thought about that at all. I love acting and I love music but I am not sure how much I will enjoy fame. I have never experienced it before and in all honesty it seems a bit scary. But I guess I will take it day by day."
You also play music which do you prefer?
STRAIT: "I have always found that acting and music link together. The idea of conveying a narrative is similar whether it is in a three-minute song or whether it is in a character over two hours. I approach them in the same way."
What music do you enjoy?
STRAIT: "I like everything from hard rock to blues, it really depends on the song."
What superpowers would you both like if you could choose?
STRAIT: "I would like Mary’s (Gwen’s) power over technology because I am technologically ignorant, so my life would become a lot easier. I have to study manuals for three hours to fix my fax machine."
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