Chad Michael Murray, known for his role in One Tree Hill, has revealed some surprising details about his new Netflix holiday movie, The Merry Gentlemen. The actor, 43, who plays one of the shirtless dancers in the festive film, discussed a more daring version of the movie in a recent interview with Interview magazine.
While the film, which centers around a big-city dancer returning to her hometown to help save her family’s venue with a Christmas-themed male revue, is already filled with provocative dance routines, Murray disclosed that there’s a “spicy version” of the movie featuring even more daring dance moves, including “more thrusting.”
A Risky Role
Despite being a father of three, Murray has embraced the more daring aspects of his role. He explained that while he tries to keep his professional life “wholesome” for his children, he still enjoys pushing boundaries in his work. In his interview, Murray reflected on his dance training, saying that it was an invigorating experience.
“There is something invigorating and exciting about dance that I never accepted before,” he noted, emphasizing the dopamine rush he felt during the process. He also described the freedom he found in the movements, calling the experience “exciting.”
Training for the Role
Murray revealed that prior to The Merry Gentlemen, he had no professional dance training. The role required a significant physical transformation, involving intense dance lessons. Murray trained alongside other cast members who had previous experience, often arriving at the studio before the others to ensure he was well-prepared.
“It was a lot of work, dedication, and focus,” Murray explained, highlighting that he was determined to master the skills necessary for the role. “If I was going to do this, I wanted to be all in,” he added, describing the six-hour training sessions as both intense and rewarding.
Balancing Sexy and Wholesome
One of the challenges Murray faced during filming was maintaining the right tone for a Christmas movie while incorporating the film’s risqué dance scenes. He admitted that there was a delicate balance to strike between holiday cheer and the more provocative elements of the movie. “It’s a fine line to thread a Christmas movie and strippers,” Murray said, acknowledging that the concept was unusual for a holiday film.
His wife, actress Sarah Roemer, was initially concerned about how the film might turn out, especially after seeing behind-the-scenes footage. “She was like, ‘Oh my God, what are you making?’” he recalled. However, Murray was focused on ensuring the movie retained its festive spirit while also embracing its cheekier elements.
Confidence Is Key
Murray also shared his perspective on what makes someone “sexy,” noting that it’s more about confidence than appearance. “Sexy is a state of mind,” he said. “It’s confidence, it’s sitting right with yourself.”
The actor’s reflections on his role in The Merry Gentlemen show a unique combination of fearlessness and determination. Though initially intimidated by the role, he embraced the challenge and found himself enjoying the process, both physically and emotionally.
For more updates on The Merry Gentlemen, tune in to Vviptimes.
Source: Interview magazine
