Aleks Paunovic knew from an early age that he was destined to tell stories; whether it was with his fists as an amateur boxing champion, with his instrument as a musician, or in the truest form of storytelling: acting.
He’s starred in some of the biggest shows on television such as TNT’s Snowpiercer, Syfy’s Van Helsing, Supernatural, Once Upon a Time, Continuum, Battlestar Galactica, iZombie and the Apple+ series “See,” opposite Jason Momoa.
He’s also graced the silver screen in features like War for the Planet of the Apes, Hard Powder opposite Liam Neeson, Siberia, opposite Keanu Reeves, and most recently, Zero Contact, opposite Anthony Hopkins.
As one who is seemingly only growing more and more successful with age, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to sit down with Marvel’s newest star to talk all about Hawkeye
starring alongside Jeremy Renner (who will be reprising his role) and Hailee Steinfeld (as Katie Bishop) streaming on Disney+ November 24th, why he attributes everything to gratitude, and what’s to come next…
First of all, congratulations on Hawkeye! What was it like to join the Marvel universe?
Thanks so much! it’s been a blast!! Watching all the Marvel stuff over the years it’s a trip becoming part of the Marvel universe now! ahh! a trip!
You play a villain, is there anything you can disclose about your character without giving away any spoilers?
What I can say is that HAWKEYE really takes the comic book into consideration which is great because I was a fan of it early on. The Tracksuit Mafia has quite a presence in the comic book and now the series, so I’m stoked to be playing Ivan, who is part of the Tracksuit Mafia. I love saying that! Tracksuit Mafia!
What were some of your favourite memories from the set?
I think one of my favourite memories from the set is watching how the whole Marvel machine works. it was the next level. Also meeting all the amazing cast and my new bro’s in the Tracksuit Mafia. They are badass!
You’re often dubbed “The King of Sci-Fi,” due to the myriad roles you’ve portrayed in that space from Van Helsing to Supernatural, Battlestar Galactica, the list goes on. Do you feel like you’re a sci-fi guy, or would you prefer to explore other types of roles?
Ha, King of Sci-fi. Now that’s a title. lol. I have worked on a ton of sci-fi projects and it’s been a blast. I love stepping out of reality and creating a character that is grounded but also fantastical. But I do love other types of roles. I did a film last year playing a sheriff of a small town called Crimson Point; very subtle work and it’s quite challenging when you are mostly doing Sci-fi, which makes it really engaging and new for an actor.
You recently worked with Anthony Hopkins for an NFT film “Zero Contact.” What was that experience like for you?
Oh come on, you know the answer to that! IT WAS EPIC!! This is my second film with Tony (that’s what he told me to call him, and it still makes me giddy) but with Zero Contact we did it in the height of Covid lockdown when it all started. So this film was all done on zoom, iPhones, drones, and Go Pro. We like to say this movie was done without a handshake, and to have Tony in it was epic.
As a man who has had such a long, and successful career in entertainment, would you say the road travelled has been an easy one or difficult? How did you overcome the obstacles (if any) that stood in your path?
It’s definitely been hard, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. It makes me appreciate where I’m at. Every audition that I was given a no for, and every embarrassing audition that I screwed up made me keep on going because I had friends around me that were working, and I loved seeing it. It made it possible for me to also be successful, so it kept me moving. The never give up mentality. Being lucky enough to have success now in my life– I cherish it with all my heart.
What does success mean to you?
It’s not money. Its experiences. I want as many experiences in my job as I can get–from working on set, to doing an indie and helping produce and troubleshoot so we can get to our goal. None of that is a success unless you treat others kindly. No matter what the situation is, or how stressful. if you do it with grace, love and compassion it mirrors back to you. That to me is a success.
You’re a big advocate for wellness… What do you think is the key to being truly happy? Any tips on how you keep that physique?
I want to be able to do action movies for another 10 years or longer and the only way to do that is to keep your mental and physical machines well oiled and ready for action. Being truly happy is being able to take in the moments, and being present with a kind heart to yourself. Breathe it in. Take moments for yourself. Once I started to learn how to do that I realized that’s when I’m the happiest. Take the moment in when you’re with your loved one for a walk by the water on a fall day, hanging with your boys watching the fights! Any moment that gives you life is a happy life.
This is a time of year when people are celebrating togetherness and reflecting on the year we’ve had. What would you say you’re most grateful for?
I’m most grateful for my health. It’s everything. And when I say health I don’t just mean physically, but mentally as well. You need to stay in check, have great people around you, and love big. I’m grateful for my health and the amazing people in my life.
What are you most excited about in 2022? Any future projects we should be on the lookout for?
Oh, man! Yes! Lots of amazing things happening in 2022. I can’t say much but what I can say is that I’m travelling the world for a project, and a new business venture on the horizon. I can’t wait to share it with you!
Article by: Marque PR
For more updates on Aleks Pauvonic follow him on IG: alekspaun
Stream Hawkeye on Disney+ – www.disneyplus.com