Interview with Screenwriter Robert Cole (The Musketeers and The Zombies)

Matthew Toffolo: What is your screenplay about?

Robert Cole: The classic Alexandre Dumas action-adventure novel, “The Three Musketeers,” ends in 1626. My story begins a couple of years later.

Aramis now serves God as a Jesuit priest. Porthos, Athos and the newly commissioned lieutenant d’Artagnan have moved on with their lives.

The enmity with their number one antagonist Cardinal Richelieu remains.

The malevolent Cardinal sees a chance to get the Musketeers off French soil. His spy intercepts a plea meant for King Louis from Charles St. Jacques requesting urgent help in solving the Zombie crisis on the island of Saint-Dominique.

The Cardinal sends The Musketeers on mission impossible to solve the Zombie crisis in this thrilling all-new adventure.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

This is a cross-genre screenplay with action, adventure, historical drama, comedy and horror in the mix.

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

The title alone has prompted numerous filmmaker friends to say they’d see this film. I had one festival say they’d like to see it made. These are validations that you’ve hit on a big idea.

Of course, The Musketeers are perennial favorites. One for all. All for one is literary magic. By adding the Musketeers to the zombie trope I augment their appeal. As one friend said, it’s like marrying chocolate with peanut butter. You can’t lose.

I also introduce the character of Olivia Buckingham. She matches the Musketeers for bravery and swordsmanship and becomes the first female Musketeer at the end. This character resonates with contemporary action movies from DC and Marvel.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?

Entertaining. Thoughtful.

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

Without a doubt, it’s “The Fifth Element,” It’s on TV so much and I always get pulled in. Just kidding. It’s the Bond franchise. Can’t resist.

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

This was about a six-month process.

7. How many stories have you written?

I write TV and Feature films. I have 12 projects.

8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the
most times in your life?)

The Leonard Cohen song, “Dance me to the end of love,” is my current favorite.

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Procrastination is always the number one obstacle for a writer.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I am passionate about my fitness. I workout at the gym 3 times a week. I spin and train with weights. I love to travel. I’ve spent months in Spain and Argentina and now live in Mexico. I’m also an inveterate street photographer. Living in Oaxaca, Mexico is photo-op gold.

11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What have been your
experiences working with the submission platform site?

Film Freeway is amazing for its simplicity. Love it.

Watch the Screenplay Reading: 

CAST LIST:

Aramis: Brandon Knox
Athos: Russell Batcher
Narrator: Kristen Pepper
D’Artangnas: Hugh Ritchie
Olivia: Regan Brown
Porthos: James Chapman