Director Simon West Talks Old Guy, Con Air, and Tomb Raider – Interiew

Director Simon West talks Old Guy, Casting Christoph Waltz, and balancing action with comedy.

Director Simon West, best known for action-packed hits like Con Air and The Expendables 2, is back with Old Guy, an action-comedy set to hit select theaters and digital platforms on February 21, 2025. Starring two-time Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz, Lucy Liu, and rising talent Cooper Hoffman, the film blends humor, intense action, and a fresh take on the hitman genre.

In Old Guy, Waltz plays an aging assassin forced to train a young up-and-comer, played by Hoffman, when his employer decides it’s time for a new generation. However, the two quickly realize they are being double-crossed, leading them to form an unlikely alliance to take down their treacherous bosses.

During an exclusive interview, West shared insights into the film’s casting, the chemistry between his lead actors, and his approach to balancing action with humor.

Finding the Right Chemistry

West emphasized the importance of casting when crafting a film like Old Guy. “Casting is half the battle,” West said. “If you have a strong script, you need an incredible cast to bring it to life.”One of the film’s standout elements is the dynamic between Waltz and Hoffman. According to West, their real-life mentor-apprentice relationship mirrored their on-screen roles. “Christoph is a generous actor. He’s at the top of his game, yet he was willing to guide Cooper, who’s still early in his career,” West explained. “It was fascinating to see life imitate art.”

Christoph Waltz Like You’ve Never Seen Him

West also wanted to push Waltz outside of his usual on-screen persona. “Christoph is often perceived as a very buttoned-up, intelligent guy. But in Old Guy, he plays the complete opposite—an out-of-control, fun-loving degenerate who drinks too much and parties hard,” West said. “It was a chance for audiences to see him in a way they never have before, and he had a blast doing it.”

Lucy Liu’s Role and Adjusting to the Action

Lucy Liu, a veteran of action films, also plays a key role in Old Guy. But unlike her past performances, West asked her to scale back her action-star instincts. “She’s playing a nightclub owner, not a martial artist. There were moments I had to remind her to tone down her skills and focus on her character’s grounded nature,” West revealed. “It was fun watching her and Christoph play off each other.”

From Con Air to Old Guy: A Legacy of Action

West has directed some of the most memorable action films of the past few decades, including Con Air and The Expendables 2. When asked about juggling an ensemble cast, he recalled how Con Air had so many talented actors that he wished he had more screen time for everyone.

“I wish I had an extended version of Con Air—every actor deserved more scenes,” he admitted. “But with Old Guy, I had the chance to focus deeply on just a few key relationships, and that allowed for some truly great moments.” With The Expendables 2, West faced the challenge of assembling a massive cast of action icons, including Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, and Jean-Claude Van Damme.

“The hardest part was scheduling. I didn’t have everyone for the entire shoot, so I had to work around their availability,” West recalled. “That’s why there are scenes where a character is on the phone instead of in the battle—it was all due to logistics.”

Revisiting Lara Croft and Advice for the Next Tomb Raider Director

West also played a key role in bringing Lara Croft: Tomb Raider to life in 2001, launching Angelina Jolie’s action-hero status. With discussions about a new Tomb Raider film in the works, West had some advice for the next director tackling the franchise.

“The key is staying true to the character,” he said. “Lara Croft isn’t just about action—she’s a rebellious aristocrat who wants to break barriers. That’s what made her different, and that’s what I focused on with Angelina.” West recalled the challenges of making the film at a time when female-led action movies were rare. “There was a lot of resistance to the idea that a female action hero could open a film,” he said. “Now, it’s more common, but back then, it was groundbreaking.”

As for the future, Simon West remains excited about new projects, but for now, he’s eager for audiences to experience Old Guy. “It’s just a fun, action-packed ride with great performances. I hope people enjoy it as much as we did making it.”

Old Guy arrives in select theaters and on digital platforms on February 21, 2025.

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