’10 Cloverfield Lane’ Star John Goodman On Getting Into The Head Of A Monster

John Goodman is everyone’s dad, as far as Roseanne fans are concerned, but the image of Goodman as a gentle, if gruff, family man is about to be forever shattered. The secret’s out that John doesn’t play a very nice man in 10 Cloverfield Lane, but for many of Goodman’s longtime fans, that’s something that may have to be seen to be believed.

10 Cloverfield Lane brings out the worst in John Goodman

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If getting used to Goodman as the 10 Cloverfield Lane baddie is something that will take some getting used to for you, you’re not alone. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who plays opposite Goodman in the film, says she was taken aback by John’s character (Howard). She says she was so familiar seeing John in a loveable fatherly role that this change of pace took her by surprise. Maybe John is just a little too good at playing the bad guy?

One has to wonder how Goodman was so good in getting into a monster’s head.

“With a drill.” Yes, Mr. Goodman still has that sharp sense of humor.

“You have to find out what he believes in most of all, what he wants most of all,” says the 10 Cloverfield Lane actor. “He’s got a very narrow scope of range. And make that the most important thing for the guy.”

John says he has no pity for Howard, even though he’s the one responsible for bringing the character to life. Goodman admits Howard has some “bad wiring,” but the actor is quick to add that he’s responsible for his own choices.

On the subject of personal philosophy, John sounds like something of a fatalist. When asked how he would survive an apocalypse, Goodman seems content to be obliterated.

“Ah, just enjoy it,” said 10 Cloverfield Lane‘s Goodman. “Yeah, you’re gonna go anyway, so make the most of it. Take a lot of pictures. Take a lot of selfies.”

John says he was interested in 10 Cloverfield Lane as soon as he heard about it, because it sounded like such an interesting, new idea. He says Hollywood doesn’t make movies about survivalists living in a bunker very often. Goodman adds that he really likes the twists in the movie. John says people will be guessing through much of the film if Howard is a good guy, a nut, or maybe a little of both.

John Goodman on his weight loss and on gaining it back

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The former Roseanne star doesn’t take compliments well. When he was congratulated on his weight loss by Today show hosts, Mr. Goodman bashfully shrugged it off, adding that he would probably gain it all back within six months. The actor estimates that he’s lost close to 100 pounds, but says he usually loses weight and gains it right back.

John adds that he likes the way clothes fit him now, which is both a blessing and a curse. He says he finds it too easy to blow all of his money on new clothes. Goodman jokes that, even with a new wardrobe, he still sticks to his black T-shirts and jeans.

So, how did he lose so much weight? Goodman says he started to pay attention to what he was eating and realized how often he would eat out of boredom. John says he cut that out and started working out on the elliptical machine he has at home.

“I took it slow. I just wanted to change my lifestyle, ” Mr. Goodman said. “You look in the mirror everyday and go ‘I gotta deal with this the rest of the day, I gotta deal with this schmuck?'”

10 Cloverfield Lane will hit theaters on March 10.

[Image by Theo Wargo/Getty Images]