Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is the fifth installment in the iconic adventure film series starring Harrison Ford in the titular role. This time, the film features the talented Mads Mikkelsen, known for his roles in films like Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore and Hannibal, portraying the character Jürgen Voller. Voller is a scientist who once worked for the Nazi regime during World War II.
After his defeat, he transitions to work for NASA to help create the Apollo 11 spacecraft, assisting astronauts to land on the moon. However, Voller is always in pursuit of an ancient artifact with the potential to manipulate time, aiming to rewrite history. During the film’s promotional tour in Vietnam, we had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Mads Mikkelsen about this intriguing role.
Mads Mikkelsen as Jürgen Voller in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Are you a fan of Indiana Jones? Which installment do you consider the best?
I first watched the original Raiders of the Lost Ark on a VHS tape. I saw it five times with my brother, and it truly left an impression on us. We had never experienced a film quite like it before. It has forever changed our perspective on cinema.
How has your relationship with Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny evolved over the years?
Forty-two years after watching my first Indiana Jones film, I find myself in a conversation about it. It feels like becoming a part of this family legacy. I feel as if I’m standing in front of a door: “I apologize for intruding. Thank you!”
In your career, you often get cast in significant roles. For you, does playing a hero or a villain feel more appealing?
Whether the role is good or evil doesn’t matter much to me. What’s essential is that the character is well-developed. You can have a hero with many flaws, and he will still be compelling. Similarly, if you want to create a villain, his personality also needs to be developed convincingly. Thus, we often have dual aspects coexisting within a character. I believe Voller is a character that is well-constructed.
In this film, my role is that of a villain. However, he has a motive: he wants to repair a significant mistake in history. I think many of us share similar ambitions.
Mads Mikkelsen as Jürgen Voller in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
How does it feel to embody a villain in this film?
I feel quite fortunate because this is an Indiana Jones film where the stakes are incredibly high, but it doesn’t delve too deeply into the horrifying events that the antagonist has caused. You could say that this character appears with a level of depth, a different persona. I would have acted differently if this were a different type of project. However, I find this character in the film to be very engaging.
Regarding the character, how did you develop his personality on-screen?
The nuances have been carefully crafted to build a character as close to perfection as possible. We only adjusted a few minor details. I drew inspiration from historical figures like Wernher von Braun, a scientist who helped NASA build the Apollo 11 spacecraft, to understand how he dressed, behaved, and how he interacted with others. I felt inspired by his ability to be charming, charismatic, and not feeling guilty about anything.
What do you admire most about your character?
I have to be careful to not overly admire the character I portray. I like when he is not entirely in control of the situation and becomes quite anxious. However, when he gains confidence, he transforms into a completely different person, almost a superhero. I genuinely appreciate that this character has a touch of darkness to him.
Mads Mikkelsen in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Many audiences believe you have a knack for portraying complex characters that are not only dangerous but also captivating. What are your thoughts on this observation?
I don’t think this character will be dangerous in that sense. He’s certainly not entirely safe. My character in the film is very ambitious, always passionate about his work. I believe that ambition can often lead to danger. But this character needs many people around him because he certainly cannot defeat Indiana Jones in a one-on-one fight.
How does it feel to work alongside legendary actor Harrison Ford?
I feel very fortunate. Being on set with a legend like him is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He is legendary for many reasons. One of the reasons is that Ford never acts like a star. He’s incredibly down-to-earth and always makes those around him feel comfortable. I truly respect the opportunity to share this space.
Are there any special memories from the set of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny that stand out?
So many! Once, we had to spend two days in a car for a scene. Between takes, we sat in the car and chatted. I realized I was sitting next to one of the biggest movie stars in the world. I had to remind myself that a regular guy from Denmark was sitting in the same car as Harrison Ford and sharing stories with him.
