Locals from Maskwacis land roles in Leonardo DiCaprio western

Growing up in a small First Nations community south of Edmonton, Adrian Johnson never dreamed he would one day get the chance to be in a blockbuster movie alongside Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio.

But Johnson, from Maskwacis, was lucky enough to get cast in the upcoming western epic, The Revenant, after producers put out the call for First Nation extras earlier this year.

"Wow, it was something else," said Johnson, one of nearly 50 people from Maskwacischosen for parts.

"It's exhilarating," he added. "It puts a smile on my face. I'm in there, it's quite something."

Johnson was one of about 300 people in Maskwacis to show up for auditions at a rec centre in January.

Adrian and Leonardo

9 years ago

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Adrian Johnson talks about his role in "The Revenant"

After being chosen, he and others selected were involved this spring in filming some scenes of the movie in the mountains near Canmore.

For most, it was their first taste of acting, remarkable considering it's a movie with a multimillion-dollar budget by Oscar-winning director Alejandro G. Irritu.

The film is an action-packed survival drama featuring DiCaprio as an explorer and trapper set in the 1800s.

Karlene Cutknife said things were just as intense behind the scenes.

"We had to be ready by 5:30 a.m. every day, and that's when they started the makeup, hair, then wardrobe."

Cutknife was impressed with the movie producers' attention to detail. All the clothing was traditional garb from the time period. And the makeup added authenticity to everyone's look.

But it wasn't all glitz and glamour.

Cutknife explained it is the job of a movie extra to be ready at any time during filming, often leading to gruelling 15-hour days and multiple takes of every scene to make sure they are shot perfectly.

"We had to get up very early," Cutknife said. "It was long days and very cold, however it was worth it."

Karlene stand out scene

9 years ago

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Karlene Cutknife describes the stand out scene she had with Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie The Revenant.

Brad Buffalo was initially reluctant to be involved in auditions after hearing about them on local radio ads.

But when he was told his look was ideal, he decided to give it a go, ending up cast as a medicine man.

He's one of the few Maskwacis extras to get a speaking part, landing a role where he says a few lines in Cree.

Brad speaking Cree

9 years ago

Duration 0:49

Brad Buffalo has a line in the movie The Revenant spoken in Cree to Leonardo DiCaprio.

None of the extras will know if they made the final cut until they see the film.

Heidi Brown is hoping some of her scenes shot inside a tavern will make the cut. That's where she's dancing alongside some of the movie's other stars, Tom Hardy and Will Poulter.

She got to see DiCaprio on set, but there weren't many chances for any of the extras to speak to him directly.

However it was a highlight when DiCaprio's parents showed up on set.

Heidi Leo parents

9 years ago

Duration 0:23

Heidi Brown has an interesting encounter with Leonardo DiCaprio on the set of The Revenant.

Brown said she is already getting offered other movie offers. And the reaction from friends and community members in Maskwacis is overwhelming.

"I think everyone is proud that there's something positive in the community happening," she said.

Some of the actors from Maskwacis are hoping to get together to watch the film's premiere in Calgary on Christmas Day.

Johnson can't wait to see the movie in the theatre. But he's even more keen for the day the movie comes out on DVD, so he can watch the parts he's in at his own pace.

"I'll keep pausing it and rewinding it," Johnson said.

The Revenant will be released across the country Jan. 8.

gareth.hampshire@cbc.ca

@cbcgareth