VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: ‘Seinfeld’ Star Patrick Warburton Reflects On What ‘The Duel’ Says About Masculinity

Actor Patrick Warburton sat down to discuss his experience on his new film The Duel in his new uInterview. 

The Duel follows Woody (Callan McAuliffe), who discovers that his best friend Colin (Dylan Sprouse) has had an affair with his girlfriend. Woody concludes that he will not be satisfied with any modern form of revenge and instead challenges Colin to a duel to the death.

Warburton spoke about what attracted him to the script. “I liked the character,” he told uInterview founder Erik Meers. “I liked where the story went; there was some intrigue. I think, you know, it has different elements, and that will inherently have some intrigue at the same time; I thought it looked like it could be a great ride, and as it turns out, it was. This was a little film made by brand new writers and directors, but those guys are so talented.”

In a continued examination of how he approached his character, Warburton explained, “In navigating a role like this, I know it bothers me when I see something I know, and I can see the choices they’re making and see what they’re trying to do. That always kind of takes me out of it.”

He reflected on what it was like being on set with the younger actors Sprouse and McAuliffe. “All those guys just exude charm,” he said. “I love working with them. And Dylan’s really really—he’s talented—he’s a talented actor. And it’s tough to navigate, transfer from kid actor because we don’t see that happen often, but he is an exception, so that’s why he works so much.”

Warburton delved into what the film says about topics of masculinity and honor. “It holds up a mirror to that subject and it makes us all – when we watch it – make our own judgements as to the behavior of men and how men can get caught down this rabbit hole of machismo and what we’re supposed to do and the pressure,” he said.

“What’s interesting about this film is that you see how both those men get there,” he concluded. “And the mistakes that men can make throughout history, world leaders, those in power, those who are on a pedestal for one way or another – we have blinders on.”