I came out of independent film, that's my roots.

The fact that 'Astro Boy' appealed to me as a boy in America was proof that the story and character transcend cultural stereotypes.

Hollywood didn't know if I was an actor or a nut or if I was this crazy character I was playing. I had developed an image of being a little bit unusual, different and wild.

Sometimes people think I'm wearing a wig when I'm not wearing a wig, and then sometimes they think I'm not wearing a wig when I am wearing a wig.

Generally my instinct is to not do biographical movies. I want to build characters and not be locked into playing a part in history.

As a teenager I was more of an anarchist, but now I want people to thrive and be harmonious.

I love working with younger actors because they always come into the game full of energy and ideas that challenge me and keep me learning and stimulated.