CM PUNK!

The WWE champ talks to Toxic!

What's the best thing about being a Superstar?

I think getting to travel the world. I get to see some pretty cool places. We travel a lot though so it’s also the worst thing about it! Japan is my favourite place, I love the people over there – they’re very respectful.

What's the worst injury of your career?

In 2002 I fractured my skull in the ring so that sucked! It was kind of a freak accident when I was doing a neck-breaker move and I landed awkwardly!

What's been the highlight?

The highlight was the Money In the Bank match against John Cena in Chicago. There are loads of matches I’ve had that I like though so it’s really hard to choose.

Who was your hero as a kid?

Rowdy Roddy Piper, Shawn Michaels, and Bret Hart. There wasn’t a particular match but I just liked seeing these larger-than-life characters in the ring, and I wanted to be a part of it.

If you could have a bout with a celebrity who would it be and why?

Is Prince Charles still around? I’ll say him.

Do you prefer being a good guy or bad guy?

Bad guy! I get to be much more expressive, you have more freedom and I’m just more at home being a heel.

What’s the funniest thing a fan has chanted at you?

I was slapped in the face by an 80-year-old Grandmother once. She told me I wasn’t Jesus Christ and hit me! I couldn’t really do much so I just smiled at her.

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you in the ring?

I’ve had my trunks pulled down. Luckily it doesn’t happen too much though. Sadly it happened live at Survivor Series against Alberto Del Rio so the audience got a bit of a show!

What’s your favourite finishing move other than yours?

Oh boy – I’m a fan of Alberto Del Rio’s cross arm-breaker.

Who’s the prankster in the locker room?

Tyson Kidd plays a lot of jokes. You don’t want to get on the wrong side of him because he’ll get you pretty good. I can’t tell you any of the stuff he gets up to though! I think he get’s it from Owen Hart – he was a right joker as well.

The Annual 2012 is available on DVD from 24^th September 2012 at all good DVD retailers and online at www.silvervision.co.uk.

JEFF 'SWAMPY' MARSH!

The creator of Phineas & Ferb!

Can you tell us a bit about the competition you’re involved in? And the kids you’re involving?

The mentorship programme we’re involved in came about when we decided to help kids with drawing and animation. This time they came to the class and wanted to do voiceover work, which really is one of the most fun parts of the project. Both Dan and I are lucky enough to do voice over on the show, it’s a blast!

How did you come up with the idea initially for Phineas and Ferb?

Dan and I were working on another show together a long time ago and we had a lot of fun working together and that was what really inspired us. We settled on remembering when we were kids and how fabulous our summer was. We used to just do things, crazy things.

Who was invented first, Phineas or Ferb?

Phineas! It was Dan who was doodling on a paper tablecloth in a restaurant and literally started creating this triangle character shape. We still have this first drawing hanging in Dan’s office. This is the drawing around which all the other characters are made, geometric shapes.

Whose idea was it to have a ‘P’ for Phineas’ head and an 'F' for Ferb?

We just thought it was a triangle and Ferb’s head was just based on a rectangle, it wasn’t ‘til later one of the guys on our staff came up with the idea of the letters as the logo and it was such a cool thing that we were like, ‘Oh my god that’s brilliant!’

What’s it like working with Marvel, there’s going to be a special episode for us next year so what was it like working with those guys?

We grew up with the Marvel comics so the thought of working with those guys was in equal parts exciting and incredibly intimidating! We love these characters so we didn’t want to mess it up, nor did we want to ruin our own characters. I’m genuinely thrilled with the way it has turned out.

 

Does it have every superhero from the Avengers in?

No, it has Iron Man, Spider-Man, Hulk and Thor. The super villains we got were Moda, Venim, Ash and Red skull. No Captain America unfortunately.

What would Phineas and Ferb’s super powers be if they were super heroes?

Well I think Ferb’s ability to build anything would clearly be his super power. Phineas’ imagination and problem solving ability would clearly be his.

How different is it working on Phineas and Ferb to working on the Simpsons?

This is a series where we really get to be in control and do whatever we want. Which is a very different process from the Simpsons, which is really a script written show. Phineas and Ferb is great for us. We get to write the song and nurture the characters. We will never get this level of involvement again.

Which celeb would you most like to get as a guest star?

Rowan Atkinson and Helen Mirren. Getting both of them on the show would be a perfect episode.

What was it like working with David Beckham?

We had him involved in the talk show, he was awesome! And an incredibly good sport. He was hysterically funny, I would really love to see him with a role on the show. He has the ability to really get into it and made us laugh all day long. If he ever wants to come back let us know, because he was very good!

If you could be involved in any other cartoon which would it be?

Wow! Good question! I don’t know, I think Phineas and Ferb is perfect for me and I can’t imagine being anywhere else!

Phineas and Ferb creator Jeff "Swampy" Marsh is the latest Disney XD Aim High mentor, offering fans the chance to take part in a one off voice acting mentorship and win the opportunity to voice a role in BAFTA nominated and Emmy Award-winning animated comedy series Phineas and Ferb. Make sure you are part of Disney XD’s Aim High and go to www.disneyxd.co.uk/aimhigh.

DANNY DEVITO

The voice of The Lorax talks to Toxic!

 

Did you read The Lorax when you were a kid?

Doctor Seuss is a mainstay in my house. I have three kids, so when you get to revisit the books it’s great. My education really began when I had children. The Lorax is something they grew up with, and I experienced along the way.

Why did you want to do the voice of the Lorax?

When I was asked to voice it, I remembered the character – a cuddly guy with a big moustache. I said, “Oh my goodness, I remember this so well!” I jumped at the chance to have my voice coming out of this guy.

Zac Efron is in the movie – did you give him any advice?

Zac is like 24, he’s my son’s age! He’s such a nice guy, a genuinely sweet kid. We didn’t really get to work together though, I was in a room with a headset and so were they! That’s the way it works. I loved Zac, and I love Taylor Swift too.

What’s an interesting thing about doing a voice for a character?

Well it’s funny because although they’re recording your voice, they are also shooting film of you – so when I’m saying something as The Lorax and I’m gesturing, they add that stuff into the film as well to make it look more like me!

Did you grow a big moustache for the film?

No, I didn’t get that much into the role! I have had a moustache in the past, it was really scraggly and I was in Mexico at the time and nobody was shaving.

Who does the voices in the foreign versions of the film?

I do! I can speak English, barely. New Jersey English! I got it in my head that I wanted to try this voice in Italian, and then I started thinking it would be cool to do it in other languages.

What was your favourite book as a kid?

I was a big comic book guy, I liked all the DC Comics and Batman. If you’d have gone up to the kid I was back then and said, “Someday you’re gonna play The Penguin in a Batman movie!” it would have been amazing! I liked Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse, all the Disney cartoons and comics as well.

What tips would you give Taylor Swift and Zac Efron?

They have their heads right on their shoulders. They should try to stay in the middle, if something really great happens to you, embrace it and let it go. If something really bad happens, embrace it and let it go.

There’s lots of gadgets in the film, do you like gadgets and stuff?

Oh, I love gadgets – I wish I had that doorbell from the film! Wouldn’t you like to have his motorbike as well, with the one wheel? Man, they should make those bikes!

The Lorax is in cinemas now!

TINCHY STRYDER!

Tell us about the new Halfords BMX sessions.

Yeah man! When I was younger I was always on my BMX and the whole idea of having young kids out and about in skateparks appealed to me. Kids at that age, like between 9-14, are always up for trying new things so getting them riding bikes and learning new tricks is something they pick up very quick.

Can you do any tricks?

I’m learning! I’ve been going up and down ramps on the BMX bikes. I’ve learnt not to pedal on the way up which I was getting wrong before! I’m going to learn a little more because the kids are better than me!

Is that a bit embarrassing?

Yeah well these kids are fearless! They just pick it all up straight away. I didn’t want to wear a helmet to start with as it doesn’t look cool but then I realised how bad I was so I put it on!

What’s easier to do: tricks on a skateboard or tricks on a BMX?

I’ve never been much good on a skateboard so I think it’s easier on a bike. You can pick up more speed and it’s easier to ride a bike with your mates than a skateboard.

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you on stage?

I’ve been on stage a few times and got so caught up in the performance that I’ve forgotten my words! Luckily a few people in the audience were singing along so I was able to pick up the song!

Who is your favourite cartoon character?

The Simpsons, probably Bart, he was always a cool kid.

 

Who’s your most famous friend?

I’m good friends with Pixie Lott. She was on a single of mine and we’ve always been cool. I’ve known her for a few years now. I’m also good friends with Dappy, we’ve always been tight.

Would you ever consider being an X Factor judge? 

If I got asked I would like to be a guest judge for a week or two but I wouldn’t like to be on the whole series.

Can Man Utd win the title?

It’s not can they, they will do! Man City spent a lot of money and just about won the title on goal difference. We didn’t have a good season and we still nearly won the league. Sir Alex won’t let Man City come and take over just like that! If Man Utd get Van Persie we’ll have a scary team next season. I feel like Man City have already got a load of players and they’ll probably buy a few more so hopefully he’ll come and play for Man Utd instead next season.

  

If you were a superhero what would your powers be?

I’d be invincible so I could walk into loads of offices and hear what people are up to and what their plans are. That way I’d be able to steal their ideas and take over!

 

If you were in the Olympics what would your event be?

100 metres! There’s nothing else I’d be any good at. I’d like to face Usain Bolt. I heard he was injured so hopefully he’ll be back and fully fit because he could easily set a new world record.

Tinchy Stryder is supporting the Halfords BMX Sessions, free events for kids aged 9-14 that fuse BMX coaching and music. Sign up at www.halfords.co.uk/bmx

JOHN CARTER STAR TAYLOR KITSCH!

What was it like to work on an epic project like John Carter?

Working on this movie was incredibly demanding, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I had tons of action scenes in the movie and it was exhausting because I had long, very physical days for four months straight. However, it was all worth it.

How would you describe your average day on the set of John Carter?

In the beginning, I’d start training at 4.30am in the morning before going to work on set all day and way into the night. It was tough, but it was also fun. I feel like I had to put all of that energy into my character to portray what John Carter is like as a person because he’s a hero and a warrior. It’s amazing to see everything come to life in the finished film.

What do you think of your character’s costumes in John Carter?

I have about 15 different costumes in the movie, but people seem to comment a lot on the outfits where my character doesn’t wear too much. I knew what I was getting myself into when I signed up for the role, so I was fine with everything they gave me to wear. The wardrobe was great.

Why did you decide to become an actor?

When I was younger, I wanted to become a professional hockey player – but a knee injury stopped that dream. I enjoyed acting, so I thought I’d give it a go. However, I didn’t just move to Hollywood and immediately become a star. I had to work hard. I was homeless in LA and New York along the way – but thankfully all the hard work eventually paid off.

How do you keep your feet on the ground after being thrust into the spotlight in John Carter?

I guess it helps that I don’t live in Hollywood. I live in Texas where I have a very different life. I don’t go out in LA, I don’t date an actress and I don’t foresee me doing that in the future. I feel like I’ve got my feet on the ground and they are not going anywhere.

Will you ever move back to Hollywood?

I’m not sure about that because I’m very happy in Texas. Being out of LA makes you see a lot clearer. A lot of my friends aren't actors, so that helps a lot, and the actors that I am friends with, they’re very similar to what direction I’m going on as well. They are more about the work than about celebrity. I like that.

What advice would you give to aspiring actors that want to follow in your footsteps?

I would say, “Man, you’ve got to go for it.” Don’t be denied and never be outworked. This is a tough industry, but you can make it if you try hard.

John Carter is out on 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD now!

©2012 Disney

WWE SUPERSTAR BRODUS CLAY!

How did you get into WWE?

I was a bodyguard for Snoop Dogg and I ran into some people from WWE, when WrestleMania was originally in LA and Snoop was attending. They saw me breaking up some fights and said, “You should do that on TV". I was a lifetime fan of WWE anyway and never missed anything so it was a really easy decision for me!

What advice would you give for kids that want to get into WWE?

I had already finished school and college before I joined as a Superstar. Education is so important. Wrestling is a lot of responsibility so take care of education first, that can never be taken away from you. Then pursue your big dreams.

Who do you travel with?

I usually keep the Funkadactyls close to me when I travel. It can be tough at times travelling with two women though…!

Tell us about this weekends ‘No Way Out’?

No Way Out pre-show is where the party starts, pretty excited about that. Very excited about John Cena taking on Big Show – really hope Cena puts him back in his place because he is out of control right now. Triple Threat match will also be unbelievable – Sheamus too, not sure who his opponent is, but it will be great. It’s exciting.

Who was your idol growing up?

My idol growing up – Andre the Giant. I wasn’t a big Hulkamanic like most people – I always liked the guys that went after him. I was weird like that.

If you weren’t a WWE Superstar what would you be doing?

It’s hard to think like that; even when I was a bodyguard and it was exciting it was still a lot quieter than being a WWE Superstar. Maybe a librarian? Something really slow…

If you could bring a celeb into the ring, who would it be?

To dance with? J-Lo. She is a really nice lady with great moves. A celebrity for a match? Probably Jack Black!

What’s the worst injury you’ve ever suffered?

Probably when Big Show was hitting me with the side of the table, which is solid wood. I had to be carried out on a stretcher. That was pretty bad, took about 2-3 days just to feel right again!

No Way Out will be live and exclusive on Sky Box Office at 1am on Sunday 17 June (Mon). For an exclusive look go to wwe.com

We speak to mechanical whale expert Justin Buckinhamshire!

How big were the whales you were working on?

Big! From the whale’s nose to just behind the pectoral fin area, they measured over three meters in length. 

Are they the biggest thing you've ever worked on?

We have been lucky enough to have created a few different sized whales in the past. The largest thing I’ve created is a 60-foot bull Sperm Whale, which is currently lying on top of some old containers outside my workshop. We have also constructed an adult Southern Right Whale.

Did you have to get up close and personal with real whales to learn about them?

Not on this project. However, we did have hours of original material from the actual events, which inspired Big Miracle to study and learn from.

What other mechanical beasts have you made?

Quite a few over the years - everything from raccoons to Great White Sharks! Whales would always be my favourite though.

What were the biggest challenges of this job?

Ensuring that the mechanics could withstand the Alaskan elements was definitely our biggest concern. We knew that the whales worked when tested in the moderate temperatures in New Zealand; however we had a healthy nervousness about the effect of the freezing water!

How did you get into this job?

I watched a sci-fi movie in the seventies, which fascinated me so much that I went home and started making cardboard spaceships!

When will you be making robotic humans?

I’m not sure - maybe when someone comes along with the right budget!

What's the best thing about your job?

Seeing all the hard work come together and producing a successful result!

Big Miracle is out now on Blu-ray and DVD from Universal Pictures UK