Q and A: Week of Aug. 12

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Q and A: Week of Aug. 12

Godfrey Gao, photo courtesy Jet Star Entertainment

Q: I’ve read all of “The Mortal Instruments” books by Cassandra Clare, and I can’t wait to see “City of Bones” when it opens Aug. 21. I’m intrigued by Godfrey Gao, who plays my favorite character in the series, Magnus Bane. Can you tell me a little about him? — Gina W., San Francisco

A: Godfrey Gao, who was born in Taiwan and grew up in Vancouver, Canada, is excited to be a part of this movie, although when he was cast, he didn’t know just how big the book series is. When we spoke recently, he told me: “At first I didn’t know what the movie was about, only they were looking for an Asian character. So, I picked up the books myself, and I started reading them. I started reading about my character and it was really, really interesting, and it kept me on my toes the whole time reading it. And now, obviously, I’m a big fan as well. This is my first English feature.”

Preparing for the role of Magnus — the cross-dressing, 800-year-old powerful warlock — was no easy task, as Godfrey revealed: “Preparing for Magnus was pretty stressful for me, because this character is really mysterious. This is definitely an out-of-the-ordinary character for me, where I get to put makeup on, and glitter and nail polish, and wear crazy outfits. When I first got the makeup on, I was just like, ’Man, what have I gotten myself into?’ But at the end of the whole transformation, I felt like I had powers.”

Stop by later this week to read my entire interview with Godfrey, where he tells me more about "City of Bones," working with the cast, and his enlightening experience at this summer's Comic-Con.

Q: I’ve recently started watching the Glenn Close series “Damages,” and I was wondering where I could go to catch up on previous seasons that I missed. — Priscilla J., via e-mail

A: Crackle, the relatively new entertainment network, has added the critically acclaimed legal thriller to its lineup. Through 2014, you can watch the first four seasons at crackle.com/c/damages. Crackle offers hundreds of full-length, unedited, on-demand movies and TV series, and is completely free across multiple platforms and services.

Q: Whatever happened to plans to make a “Beverly Hills Cop” TV series? — Doug F. in Virginia

A: CBS passed on the “Beverly Hills Cop” pilot; however, the interest surrounding the pilot has made Paramount consider a fourth “BHC” movie. According to “Deadline,” Eddie Murphy already is attached to reprise the role of detective Axel Foley, and Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec are writing the script.

Q: Is it true that Johnny Depp is going to retire soon from making movies? What a loss that would be! — Bea W., via e-mail

A: In an interview with the BBC, Johnny told reporter Susanna Reid: “I wouldn’t say I am dropping out any second, but I would say it’s probably not too far away.” In June, he told “Rolling Stone” magazine: “I can’t say that I’d want to be doing this for another 10 years.” Let’s hope he changes his mind as the time gets closer.