Interview: Will Shadley of ‘The Spy Next Door’

What role has been the most fun for you so far?
The most fun I have had in a role, so far, is my character in The Spy Next Door, Ian. He is a nerdy kid who becomes cool with Bob’s (Jackie Chan) help.
Which has been the biggest challenge?
I would say the most challenging scene I have done was when my character on Dirty Sexy Money had to say good bye to his dad. Both Glenn Fitzgerald and I cried for hours.
Have you done any stunt work?
Yes! I got to do all my own stunts for Spy, including working with a harness and wires. That was really awesome! We had a great stunt coordinator (Bob Brown) who took lots of time to teach me.
What actors do you most admire?
I am very lucky in that area, I have been able to work with some pretty great actors, who I’ve learned a lot from. Who doesn’t admire Donald Sutherland, Peter Krause and of course, Jackie Chan?
What’s the best advice you ever got from a director?
To just be natural and to follow my instincts.
What’s on your iPod?
Believe it or not, I don’t have an Ipod.
Do you have a favorite movie?
If I have to pick one, it would be Transformers. It was a really great action movie.
My son teaches chess — what do you like about chess?
I’ve been playing chess since I was five. I like the strategy of thinking ahead several moves. I really like that I can challenge the adults I work with, and usually beat them!
If you could play any character from a book, who would you choose?
I would love to play “Dan” from the book series, 39 Clues. He is a collector of many things and goes on great adventures.
Would you ever like to produce or direct?
I would, It would be great to be able to have the opportunity to have a lot of input on a project.
What makes you laugh?
Irony, a good joke, word play, my dog 🙂