Veteran actor William Forsythe recently shared insights about his role in the upcoming film The Roaring Game, highlighting his experience working alongside Mickey Rourke and Darin Brooks. The movie, directed and written by Tom DeNucci, showcases a story centered on teamwork and redemption, with a focus on the unique challenges of its characters.
An Underdog Tale Behind ‘The Roaring Game’
The Roaring Game follows Rickey Rhodes, played by Darin Brooks, a down-and-out janitor who forms an unlikely curling team of misfits to win back the love of his life and achieve unexpected victory. Forsythe praised the collaborative spirit on set, emphasizing the film’s nostalgic, old-fashioned style of production that fosters close-knit community vibes. This atmosphere, he believes, greatly enhances the film’s authenticity and emotional depth.
I had a great time. I’ve worked with that team of people (that makes those films) before. I just love working on their movies!
– William Forsythe, actor
It’s like an old-school style of filming. Everything that you get from being in that kind of community ends up on the screen, and that’s what I love about ‘The Roaring Game.’ It has a family vibe to it,
– William Forsythe, actor
Portraying a Complex Mentor Figure
Forsythe’s character, known simply as Coach, brings a rough, unpolished edge to the story. He describes Coach as a man living by his own tough code, working hard to make ends meet and struggling with personal flaws. Despite being a deeply flawed father figure—admittedly “the worst father ever”—Coach carries a heartfelt desire to impart wisdom to the younger generation. His journey includes a compelling moment before serving jail time, where he attempts to pack two decades of life lessons into a single scene.
What makes Coach an interesting character is that he is low-end hood. He makes his living working for it… for the man.
– William Forsythe, actor
There is this piece of heart in the coach. There is just something unique about him that just comes out. I mean, he’s the worst father ever,
– William Forsythe, actor
Coach goes off to jail, and yet there was that one scene before he leaves where he is trying to cram 20 years’ worth of knowledge to the kid. Then, once we get hooked up and start going on the road with the curling team and every, it has a great payoff in terms of family and everything,
– William Forsythe, actor
Coach was such a fun character to play,
he added.
There were just some fabulous moments because he doesn’t care. Coach is just a wild man himself.
– William Forsythe, actor
Experience Working Alongside Mickey Rourke
William Forsythe expressed admiration for his longtime acquaintance and co-star Mickey Rourke, commending Rourke’s dedication and skill in his craft. Their collaboration on The Roaring Game added depth to the film’s ensemble, combining their talents to elevate the story.
Mickey Rourke was great to work with too. I’ve known him for a very long time, and he is just so good in his craft.
– William Forsythe, actor
Partnering with Darin Brooks on Set
Forsythe spoke highly of Darin Brooks, who plays his character’s son, Rickey Rhodes. He described Brooks as a talented and respectful professional who carried much of the movie’s emotional weight. Their on-screen father-son dynamic was an important aspect of the film’s narrative.
Darin is great! I loved working with him. Darin is a complete gentleman. He has a lot of talent, and he carried the movie well.
– William Forsythe, actor
I have nothing but good things to say about Darin. I hope to work with him again soon,
– William Forsythe, actor
Insights Gained from the Storyline
Forsythe reflected on the script of The Roaring Game, noting his interest in its curling backdrop, an uncommon setting for a dramatic underdog tale. The screenplay resonated with him due to its classic narrative arc of overcoming adversity and achieving success despite the odds, with his character providing a vital role within that framework.
Well, I don’t know. It’s funny. When the guys first sent over this piece, I thought it was interesting especially with curling as a backdrop.
– William Forsythe, actor
It’s a familiar story about somebody who is an underdog and goes against all odds. He steps up and does something fantastic where my character fits in. That is probably what I took away from it,
– William Forsythe, actor
Reflections on Acting in the Digital Era
Forsythe expressed a bittersweet view of the transition from traditional film to digital technology, longing for the past experience of shooting on film. He missed the camaraderie and the ritual of viewing dailies with the cast and crew, which created a shared enthusiasm and a collaborative environment missing in the digital age.
I don’t know. I have to pull it. I miss some of the most amazing things such as shooting on film and all the things that went with it.
– William Forsythe, actor
One of the things I miss is when we would all gather for dailies and it would be semi uplifting, almost party atmosphere combined with this great place to make film better every day. We work together better than in the digital age. We don’t have any of that. We don’t have those kinds of things.
– William Forsythe, actor
I love to feel and the look of film and I’m confused by it somewhat,
he noted.
The digital age seems to take away from the big joy.
– William Forsythe, actor
I remember when a film would open on a Wednesday, and we would wait to go and see the movie, but now, you can get it in your hands at any time. I’m just not sure if it works that well for the magic,
– William Forsythe, actor
Current Drive and Aspirations
Describing this period as a chapter titled “Compulsion,” Forsythe conveyed his strong motivation and optimism for future projects. He feels energized and ready to pursue his own film productions, backed by promising scripts and a supportive team.
I feel that the best is yet to come!
– William Forsythe, actor
I feel like I’m on a road right now, and that something really good is happening. I’m ready to make my own films,
– William Forsythe, actor
This is something that I’ve always wanted to do, and I’ve got a good piece and got some great people backing me up. So, I’m excited as hell,
– William Forsythe, actor
Advice for Emerging Talent
Forsythe offered encouragement to young actors, underscoring the importance of persistence and hard work. He recommended surrounding oneself with supportive peers and maintaining humility while striving for excellence in the craft.
Keep on going! You have to try! For me, I don’t like to give too much advice, but I can say that it’s important to surround yourself with like-minded people.
– William Forsythe, actor
Work extremely hard,
he emphasized.
Don’t take anything for granted. Also, whenever I talk to young people I tell them not to overestimate themselves and don’t underestimate what they are doing.
– William Forsythe, actor
Always play to in, always do your very best, and live small,
– William Forsythe, actor
What Success Means to William Forsythe
Forsythe defined success primarily in terms of continuing to engage with the work he loves, focusing more on the creative process than industry pressures. He shared touching moments when fans have connected with his performances, which reinforces his passion for acting.
Success, for me, is just the ability to continue to do what I love so much. I love the process of the work. I don’t care about the business.
– William Forsythe, actor
I don’t care about a lot of things that go along with it,
he said.
What I care about is the fact that you get to keep on going and you get to keep doing what you love to do.
– William Forsythe, actor
He also noted the meaningful impact fans have had on him.
Also, sometimes people surprise me when I’ll meet a fan and they’ll say something to me that is very touching… that really hits the heart,”
he shared.
Success is the ability to keep on going,
– William Forsythe, actor
Inviting Audiences on a Unique Journey
Forsythe concluded by encouraging viewers to embrace the spirit of The Roaring Game, highlighting its ensemble of diverse characters who come together through challenges and camaraderie. He hopes the audience enjoys the ride alongside the brothers, the dad, and their quirky curling team.
I want people to have fun! Try to get behind these brothers, the dad, and his whole crew of misfits. Everyone is just from a different place, so I hope they enjoy it, and take this ride with us.
– William Forsythe, actor
