Movies

Gyllenhaal: 'No sandals in Persia'

Published Sunday, Feb 21 2010, 11:37 GMT | By Oli Simpson
Gyllenhaal: 'No sandals in Persia'

Rex Features

Jake Gyllenhaal has revealed that banned sandals from Prince of Persia: Sands of Time because he felt it was not in keeping with the tone of the film.

The 29-year-old told BANG showbiz that he didn't want the fantasy adventure to be tagged as a "swords and sandals epic" and made pains to steer clear of stereotypes.

He said: "This is not a swords and sandals epic. It's definitely not that. None of us wear sandals in this movie. I made a very conscious decision and it was very important to me that I did not wear sandals.

"This is a huge, classic epic filled with real characters. It has those wonderful old-school elements you love about film and yet at the same time it's right there on the cutting edge."

Addressing his bulked-up physique in the movie, he admitted that it took a lot of work to prepare for the role, adding: "I worked out for seven months. I wanted to be able to do this stuff. And being intimidating was important. Even if it's just for myself, being confident fighting the stuntmen!"

Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time arrives in cinemas on May 28.

> Jake Gyllenhaal: 'I love being physical'
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