Rockwell: 'Zaphod is a bit like Elvis'

Actor Sam Rockwell's alien character in the upcoming movie adaptation of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is based on a mixture of famous Americans.

The 36-year-old star introduced an Elvis Presley quality to his portrayal of space monster, Zaphod Beeblebrox after jokingly impersonating the rock 'n' roll king with actor Vince Vaughn.

And from that point on, Rockwell couldn't stop bringing other famous Americans to the role.

Rockwell explains, "Vince and I were taking it in turns to be Elvis, just playing around. From that improv came this kind of Elvis/Vince amalgam.

"Zaphod is a bit of Vince, a little Elvis, with some Bill Clinton and a few other things too. Maybe even a dash of George W. Bush."

Posted by Christine at March 28, 2005 12:06 AM