Of course we know Rico Verhoeven from his many world titles as a kickboxer, but he himself likes to go through life as an actor. In any case, the first step has been taken: the film ‘Black Lotus’ premiered on Tuesday. In it he has his first leading role. “I’ve been doing kickboxing for so long. Maybe I’m ready for something new. I hope that can be acting.”
Rico Verhoeven will be back in the ring at the end of this year, but on Thursday morning the radio program WAKKER! not with the kickboxer, but with the brand new actor. The film premiered on Monday and it went well.
“I have a plan for a match, I find this more exciting.”
Everyone can watch the film from Thursday. The actor and fighter finds that a bit exciting. Perhaps even more exciting than a kickboxing match: “I’ve done that so many times. I feel like I have that pretty much under control. I trained hard. I have prepared and I know what my game plan is.”
He has even less experience with acting and he notices that. “Obviously it’s a different feeling. I don’t feel very confident yet,” he says. “You depend on other people’s opinions. I find that difficult. That’s why this is more exciting,” he adds.
“Flying bullets and exploding cars.”
In Black Lotus, Rico plays an ex-commando. When his best friend dies on a mission, he does everything he can to take care of his wife and daughter.
Those who like action will certainly get their money’s worth with this film, Rico assures. “Fighting, flying bullets and exploding cars,” says Rico. “If you like that and also want a story in which you are a bit carried away, then you should go here”, he sounds proud.
“I really found a new passion.”
The fact that his first leading role is in an action movie in which there is a lot of fighting, naturally suits the fighter. “I’m also more of the action movies or the big fat horror,” he laughs.
“For example, Saw, in which a group of people are kidnapped. They have to make painful choices to survive. I think that’s cool. The idea of someone coming up with that is almost sickening. I find that fascinating. If someone wants to bring that to the screen “Throw that my way,” he laughs.
Rico is therefore open to a next acting assignment. “With kickboxing I’ve already done everything and achieved everything. I don’t feel like I have to prove anything there,” he says. “I really found a new passion.”
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