Javier Botet, a Spanish actor well-known for his terrifying portrayals of monstrous characters in popular movies such as Mama, Crimson Peak, The Conjuring 2, Alien: Covenant, Slender Man, and Insidious: The Last Key, recently found himself in an unexpected position. Normally, it is Botet who initiates fear in the hearts of millions of moviegoers, but this time, he experienced unease himself before taking on the iconic character of Dracula in the horror film The Last Voyage of the Demeter. This spine-chilling movie was shot in Malta, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the unnerving role Botet was about to undertake.
Before the SAG-AFTRA strike, Botet, a 46-year-old mentioned to EW in an interview that at first, they felt a bit apprehensive. They had concerns about the boat being wet, spending long hours in the dark of night. They expected the possibility of feeling chilly. However, to their surprise, filming in Malta during the summer provided the perfect weather conditions for the movie-making process. It turned out to be an ideal setting in terms of climate.
The shoot for The Last Voyage of the Demeter, like most of Botet’s experiences on set, was quite a challenging test of stamina. This film is actually an adaptation of the seventh chapter of Bram Stoker’s famous novel Dracula, where the vampire mercilessly targets the crew of a ship unknowingly carrying him from Eastern Europe to England. Director André Øvredal describes it as a 1897 version of Alien-on-a-ship. It’s similar in the sense that the characters have to face off against Dracula, who becomes the main threat. Øvredal has previously worked with Botet in 2019’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, where he played the Corpse character.
In order to capture the eerie essence reminiscent of the Alien franchise, director Øvredal made a deliberate choice to deviate from the traditional portrayal of Dracula in previous films. Instead of the familiar human-like appearance and sophisticated attire, Øvredal aimed to create a more monstrous and terrifying interpretation. “The whole concept revolves around him being a demon, which is exactly how people refer to him – ‘the Devil’ – and that carries immense significance,” shares the filmmaker. The movie features talented actors such as Corey Hawkins, Aisling Franciosi, Liam Cunningham, and David Dastmalchian, who help bring this chilling vision to life. “My goal was always to develop a creature film, showcasing Dracula in an unprecedented manner. Bram Stoker’s novel is not particularly explicit about Dracula’s appearance when he’s out on the boat. We only know that he possesses the ability to transform into various forms. This gave us the creative freedom to fashion this demon creature in any way we desired.”
In the film, Dracula’s character undergoes a remarkable transformation as he gains strength by feeding on the crew of the Demeter. As the story progresses, audiences will witness a shift from the old and fragile vampire, who is over 400 years old and suffering from blood deprivation, to a creature that resembles an addict. Once he regains his powers by systematically killing each member of the crew, Dracula transforms into a demonic being. To depict this version of Dracula, the filmmakers drew inspiration from animals, particularly bats, studying their muscle movements and wing usage. This portrayal adds depth and complexity to Dracula’s character, making it a compelling and engaging aspect of the film.
The talented Jörn Seifert took the director’s vision and brought it to life through exceptional prosthetic makeup design, resulting in extensive hours spent in the makeup chair for Botet. However, the actor firmly believes that the outcome was well worth the dedication. According to him, this has been one of the most remarkable makeups he has ever experienced. Jörn and his team crafted extraordinary designs, leading to the creation of three or four distinct looks. Initially, the makeup portrayed a slim, pale, and delicate appearance, gradually evolving into a larger and more striking aesthetic. Once the movie is released, they plan to showcase numerous photos showcasing the entire procedure, guaranteed to astonish and captivate makeup enthusiasts everywhere.
Botet is talking over Zoom from his home in Spain while one of his two cats wanders around in the background. “He’s Selva,” the actor points out. “Selva is ‘jungle’ in Spanish. And the other guy is Akira, like the comic.” Amiable, garrulous, and clearly in love with the filmmaking process, Botet could not seem more different from the fear-inducing ghouls he specializes in playing onscreen. “He’s just the sweetest guy, he truly is,” says filmmaker James Wan, who cast the actor as supernatural fiend the Crooked Man in The Conjuring 2. “All the great cinematic horror movie monsters are played by the sweetest, nicest actors, and Javier is very much in that camp.”
One could argue that Botet, who stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 7 inches, was destined to portray the unique and larger-than-life characters frequently found in the works of Wan, Øvredal, and Del Toro. The latter even casted him to play multiple ghosts in the haunting film, Crimson Peak. Interestingly, Botet was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome during his childhood, a genetic condition that causes abnormal growth in the limbs and extremities. In the past, this condition may have significantly reduced his lifespan.
Marfan syndrome, as described by an expert, is a condition that affects the connective tissues in the body. It can cause joints to be extremely flexible and individuals may have longer physical features. In childhood, those with Marfan syndrome experience rapid growth. The doctor even told my father that I might not live past 20 years old, but luckily, advancements in medicine have greatly improved the life expectancies of individuals with Marfan syndrome. Nowadays, people with this condition can live well into their seventies or beyond. Nevertheless, it’s important for me to remain cautious, take good care of myself, and visit the doctor on a yearly basis.
Botet’s passion for movies ignited when he watched the captivating creature-filled film, The Empire Strikes Back, leaving a lasting impression on him. This sparked his interest in filmmaking, resulting in him creating short films alongside his friends during his teenage years. As he delved deeper into the world of cinema, Botet enrolled in a makeup workshop that would shape his career. It was during this time that he had the opportunity to portray an emaciated ghoul in the Madrid-based movie, Beneath Still Waters (2005), directed by Brian Yuzna, known for his work on Bride of Re-Animator. Yuzna had a specific vision in mind for the character, desiring a monster that emerged from the abyss, and proclaimed, “I required someone exceptionally slender, who could then undergo full body makeup transformation, resulting in a visually captivating monster.” After auditioning multiple actors, Javier outshone the rest with his remarkable physical acting skills, comparable to that of a dancer, making him the perfect choice for the role.
According to the filmmaker, the new actor effortlessly adapted to performing in front of the camera, much like a duck navigating through water, or perhaps more aptly, like a creature rising from the depths of the unknown. The director mentions that although the actor had no prior experience in acting, his skills were exceptional. In fact, the director openly admits that the actor’s performance surpassed all others in the film, making him the standout star.
In the coming years, Botet achieved remarkable recognition by starring in various locally produced films. One especially notable role was playing a character who was possessed and underwent horrifying transformations in the critically acclaimed 2007 found-footage horror movie [REC] and its subsequent installments.
Botet experienced a major turning point in his career at the renowned Fantastic Fest in Austin in 2009. This event gave him the opportunity to showcase [Rec] 2, while he coincidentally crossed paths with the talented Argentinian filmmaker, Andy Muschietti. Muschietti had just presented his chilling horror short film, Mama. Impressed by Botet’s sheer talent, Muschietti went on to cast him as the main character in the remarkable film adaptation of Mama. This hit production, supported by Del Toro and filmed in Toronto, introduced Botet as a formidable vengeful ghost.
“When I think back to shooting Mama, it was a major milestone for me on an international level. However, let me tell you, it wasn’t a walk in the park. The weather was bone-chillingly cold, and there I was, sometimes having to perform nearly naked in the middle of the forest. It was quite an ordeal.
In terms of the director, Muschietti reminded me of the great Stanley Kubrick – a legendary filmmaker known for his meticulousness and perfectionism. Muschietti would often insist on doing an extensive number of takes, ranging between 30 to 40 shots. Occasionally, he would settle for just 10 takes, but never just two or three. It was like a never-ending cycle of repetition. But you know what? Despite all the retakes, Mama turned out to be a truly memorable experience. Believe it or not, it even topped the charts at the USA box office. It’s quite astounding.”
Botet’s performance in the movie was so terrifying that it caught the interest of other Hollywood directors, including Wan. The director of The Conjuring 2 praised the Spanish actor, describing him as a true talent who takes on larger-than-life characters and infuses them with his own unique style and creativity.
Øvredal shares an undeniable enthusiasm when discussing his collaboration with Botet on The Last Voyage of the Demeter, a sentiment that I wholeheartedly concur with. Our aim was to highlight the essence of the beast while staying true to the character of Dracula. And boy, oh boy, did Botet deliver! His portrayal of the character was nothing short of astonishing. It’s incredible how he managed to bring forth new nuances in each performance, take after take, all while considering the character’s demeanor and what I, as the director, would appreciate. His dedication and commitment truly shine through.
Botet expresses his joy in embodying Stoker’s vampire and expresses his willingness to portray the character again, regardless of any discomfort involved. When asked about his preferences for monster roles, he consistently mentions Dracula and Nosferatu. He eagerly states, “I would absolutely adore the opportunity to play Dracula once more, whether it be in a sequel, a different franchise, or with another studio. Dracula is an enduring and immortal character that never ceases to captivate.” Likewise, Botet himself has become an immortal figure within the horror community.
Get ready for an epic cinematic experience as The Last Voyage of the Demeter sails into theaters this Friday! Brace yourself for a thrilling journey filled with intriguing twists and turns. This highly anticipated film promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, leaving you mesmerized from start to finish. Experience the excitement and immerse yourself in the captivating storyline as you follow the gripping tale of the Demeter’s final voyage. Don’t miss out on this cinematic masterpiece that will leave you with a sense of awe and wonder. Mark your calendars and be prepared for an unforgettable adventure when The Last Voyage of the Demeter takes the silver screen by storm!