Javier Bardem Says Playing 'Cape Fear' Villain Is Like a Game

Javier Bardem says he approaches playing violent characters as an act of imagination rather than staying in character off camera.

Speaking at the New York screening of the "Cape Fear" finale, Bardem discussed his role as Max Cady, a vengeful criminal who targets the Bowden family. The Apple TV+ series is a new adaptation of "Cape Fear," following earlier versions starring Robert Mitchum in 1962 and Robert De Niro in 1991.

Lily Collias, who plays Natalie Bowden, said Bardem's calm performance made his character especially unsettling. She recalled that before filming a scene in which Cady grabs her by the hair, Bardem apologized in advance and checked that she was comfortable with the stunt.

Collias said the cast enjoyed filming the intense finale despite its violent scenes, describing the experience as surprisingly fun between takes.

Bardem said acting is "a game" that allows performers to use their imagination while respecting each other's process. He added that creating fictional stories together is one of the most enjoyable parts of filmmaking.