The buzz on 'District 9' out of Comic-Con was almost loud enough to drown out all those 'Twilight' fans. Entertainment Weekly touts it as "the must-see movie of the summer." And now that the sci-fi thriller -- in which aliens who've landed in Johannesburg, South Africa, are rounded up and housed in a slum-like refugee settlement camp -- is hitting theaters, the first thought most moviegoers will have is, "Wow, that was some awesome splattering of heads." The second one is, "Who the heck is that guy playing the lead?"His name's Sharlto Copley, and the South African filmmaker-turned-actor may be poised, at the ripe old age of 35, to become this summer's unlikeliest action star. (Christian who?) So just who is this guy, and where did he come from? You're about to find out.
Who does he play? Wikus Van De Merwe, a dweebish mid-level bureaucrat who's placed in charge of evicting the aliens from District 9.
What have you seen him in? Nothing. Zero. Nada. 'District 9' is his first movie role.
Well, what's he done in the past, then? He's been in the movie biz for a while, but largely behind the scenes, in the rarefied world of South African film. In fact, if you're into South African short films and viral videos, then maybe you have heard of him before. With Simon Hansen, his partner at the production company Atomic Visual Effects, he wrote and directed the popular viral short comedy '2001: A Space Oddity' (watch it now) as well as 'Hellweek' (watch and download), a spoof of military commercials in which Copley played a drill sergeant. He also directed the indie feature 'Spoon,' a special effects-laden supernatural thriller starring Rutger Hauer.
How did he end up starring in 'District 9'? Copley and 'District 9' director Neill Blomkamp both grew up in South Africa, and they've been friends for years -- in fact, Copley gave Blomkamp his first job, when the former was a 20-year-old TV producer and the latter was a 14-year-old graphic designer. Copley would later produce Blomkamp's 2005 six-minute short film 'Alive in Joburg' (watch it now). Peter Jackson, impressed with the short, hired Blomkamp to direct the movie adaptation of the video game 'Halo'; but when that project fell through, the pair decided to turn 'Alive in Joburg' into a feature-length film. Almost as a favor, Blomkamp asked Copley to do some test improv for the Wikus Van De Merwe character so that he'd have something to show investors ... and voila, a star was born. What's next for Copley? With all the hype surrounding his superb performance in 'District 9,' Hollywood's come knocking at Copley's door like he's some fresh-faced 20-year-old ingenue. Though he hasn't signed on for any further roles yet -- Sci-Fi Squad reports he's been "reading for parts" -- a 'District 9' sequel seems likely, and when that happens you can bet Blomkamp will be calling on his old friend once again. Meanwhile, it seems as though the days of people asking "Who is Sharlto Copley?" are soon to be over for good.
More on 'District 9' | 'District 9' showtimes & tickets
12 Things You May Not Know About 'District 9'
12 Things You May Not Know About 'District 9'
Reader Comments (47)
mary nelson at 9:41AM on Aug 14th 2009
I love a good movie
justin at 9:31PM on Aug 14th 2009
this was a great movie. there was plenty of character development and just the right amount of action. the director of Transformers 2 should take a few cues from this film
Lupe at 2:06AM on Aug 15th 2009
this is the greatest movie ever!!!
Drew Ruggiero at 10:58AM on Aug 15th 2009
When I walked out of the theatre, I said to the person I saw it with "I feel like I should go up to the cashier and give her more money, because this film was worth far more than $7.25." And it was. And I agree with the transformers suggestion. The CGI in this film was second to none. It looked incredible. And the budget was roughly 270 million dollars lower than either of the transformers flicks (30 million dollars). This took Sci-Fi to a new level, and simultaneously revamped the genre. I would not be suprised if the rookie Copley earns an oscar nomination and or victory. peter jackson said about neill blomkamp that he was "born to make movies", well copley was born to act.
santiscream at 2:21PM on Aug 16th 2009
I cannot be more agreeable with your recent post on 'Distric 9'. While watching the film I thought to have found myself transported in its glorious greatness. The film definitely set the bar high for those thinking about getting into the film industry. I love both Transformers, but this is by far the best sci-fi film I have ever seem. It was just excellent.
Nan at 12:13PM on Aug 15th 2009
This was the most racist movie I've seen in a long time. I was very disappointed.
john at 12:40PM on Aug 15th 2009
you obviously have no clue what its like in the rest of the world especially south africa....
also thats the point its not a "racist" movie its a movie about "racism" whether the subject is human or not.
DJ Do at 6:16PM on Aug 16th 2009
I even know this flick IS ABOUT RACISM and the and I haven't even seen the film.
Nicole at 1:17AM on Aug 23rd 2009
Racist? Um...that was kind of the point. I didn't like the movie, mind you. But racism was the whole point of the movie. I actually would have enjoyed it more if it had been a Shamalan movie. Then you KNOW you're getting a hidden message. But the special effects were great and Sharlto Copley's acting was great (even if he DID look like Steve Carell half the time and gave a veryu different feel to the film half the time, lol). I never respond to these things, but I hope you were being sarcastic with the whole "racism" thing. Peace out. :)
Jen D at 1:28PM on Aug 25th 2009
I agree about the racism if by racism you mean racist towards aliens! Otherwise what the heck are you talking about? Some people are so desperate to make everything and anything about racism that they will stop at nothing. The only thing this film does is remind us all that racism is something that anyone of any color, sex, or nationality can not only experience but perpitrate as well. This film was magic in the making and awe inspiring to watch. I cant say enough about how great it is. As far as racist yup you bet! It showed how quickly even people who have themselves suffered racism can turn into racists and be cruel to others. We can all take a lesson from this movie and be amazed at how wonderful it is.
vicki at 1:46PM on Aug 15th 2009
I love a good syfy pix, unfortunately this was nothing like a good syfy pix. I got all the social implications but a good story would have been nice.
I found the actors hard to understan due to their heavy South Africian accents. The filming was jerky and poor lighting. The CGI was amazing. It was suppose to be an action film..sorry very little action. This movie should of been a rental.
Angie at 2:49PM on Aug 16th 2009
Sadly, your response is a typical close minded answer. The US has a variety of accents... how do you understand those?
This is one of the best sci-fi films I've seen in ages, and it's targeted for an adult audience. If you want something "American" then go see GI Joe or Transformers. (movies I also love to see, but because I love any and all action films)
Lorraine at 3:41PM on Aug 20th 2009
You have got to be kidding. Was it more than just a syfy film? Yes. That's the point. IT'S ABOUT MORE THAN JUST ALIENS' FIRST CONTACT. But at the same time, it's about EXACTLY that. Why do you think they chose the least likeable aliens possible - not cute, phone-touting aliens, not funny, green, cat-loving aliens, but something between an insect and a bottomfeeder, who considers gourmet dining a good can of cat food or a nice goat head. How reprehensible is that? How much more outside the normal human's comfort level could one get? And yet, we find that we are ultimately the same - we all just want to be home. But even saying that over-simplfies the film, because the director's managed to tell the story in such a way to give it nuance, grace, and even, dare I say it (based on body count and resonant shots that cause a body to liquify), grace. The movie has resonance, much of which is due to Copley's briliant performance. If you've missed that, perhaps you need to open your mind, and see it again.
Brian at 6:06PM on Aug 15th 2009
Are you kidding? the movie sucked, even at matinee prices. Next to no plot, bad acting, newsreel type filming whomever wrote it should stop writting. If you like blood and blowing things up as the whole move.. it's the movie for you.
john at 10:03PM on Aug 16th 2009
there was nothing wrong with the acting in this movie. if you want to see bad acting watch hostel 2.
henry at 8:53PM on Aug 19th 2009
Brian, Tori and ithinkitsucks should all go home and watch goosebumps! Obviously this movie is not for happy go lucky, have a nice day types or clueless halfwits that couldn't follow the plot of ittsy bittsy spider! It's for open minded, intelligent thrill seekers with a penchant for dark humor. WORD!
Tori at 4:03AM on Aug 16th 2009
I really, really wanted to like this movie...but it was just awful. There was not a single character I could really embrace (even the "good" ones were not particularly likable), and the story was difficult to follow at times. The camera work was jerky and nauseating. There was so much graphic violence, so many disturbing & horrifying scenes that I just felt gross and sort of like I needed a shower when I left the theater. Speaking of, many people in my theater DID get up and leave by about half way through, but my husband and I suffered through to the bitter end, both agreeing afterwards it was a really horrible flick. I don't see how anyone could enjoy this movie.
Marcell at 2:31AM on Sep 8th 2009
Felt the same but still sat through and can actually say it was good but only for a certain audience. Definitely not everyone's cup of tea.
But you have to admit that for a South african made movie it really stands out!
marwan at 11:28AM on Aug 16th 2009
worst movie ever walked out after 20 minutes and im glad i didnt waste more of my vision on that garbage
pola at 3:58AM on Aug 20th 2009
oh wow.. you really should have stayed longer.. the first part of the movie was pretty boring for a while since it was all shot documentary style, but after getting into the movie after that it was SOO WORTH IT! the beginning is all talk but i later felt it was necessary to provide more insight :) this, along with Hangover, is the best summer movie BY FAR! I loved Shartlo Copley's performance and hope for a sequel.. D10 maybe ;)