Robert Patrick Addresses a Potential DCU Return, The X-Files Reboot & New Movie Mermaid [Exclusive]

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The story of a man and a mermaid is a familiar one, but this one takes a strange turn. “Mermaid,” hitting theaters April 8th, centers around Doug (Johnny Pemberton), a struggling man who finds a new reason to live when he discovers an injured mermaid. However, things aren’t quite the fairytale you might expect. When a shady businessman, Ron Bocca (played by Robert Patrick of “Terminator 2” and “The X-Files”), tries to exploit the mermaid for profit, Doug must protect her at all costs.

Patrick discussed his work on Mermaid, including its unique story, the characters he played as villains, the possibility of reviving The X-Files, and his future plans within the DC Universe, in an interview with ComicBook.

It’s hard to describe Mermaid with just a few words. What initially interested you in working on it?

Robert Patrick was struck by how unusual the project was. He hadn’t encountered anything quite like it before, and he was impressed by the quality of the writing, the surprising plot twists, and the clever reveals. He also praised director Tyler Cornack, noting his unique vision and the fact that he composed the original score. Patrick felt a strong connection to both the visuals and the music, and he appreciated Cornack’s approach to filmmaking and storytelling – he just really clicked with the whole project.

I hesitated at first, wanting to be sure the project felt special and high-quality. But it was also during the writers’ and actors’ strikes, and opportunities were limited. This project was one of the few that continued filming. The location in St. Petersburg, Florida, was appealing, and my character was a blast to play – completely uninhibited and free-spirited. It was fun to let go and be silly and do things I normally wouldn’t.

You’ve played a lot of bad guys throughout your career. What unique qualities did you aim to bring to the character of Ron to make him different from those previous roles?

The role felt familiar because I’d previously played a similar character in Striptease with Demi Moore – a morphine-addicted thief who used a wheelchair and had a strong Southern background. I was intrigued by the idea of revisiting that character, imagining what he’d be like years later, perhaps a bit more refined and less overtly ‘redneck.’

Ron stumbled upon an incredible discovery and briefly entertained the idea of organizing a massive auction. It felt like unearthing something otherworldly, and he imagined the potential success. However, everything quickly fell apart when his son tragically passed away. He spiraled into grief, turning to alcohol and drugs, and the situation became incredibly bleak. There’s a tragic irony in the contrast between the initial excitement and the subsequent downfall. I drew inspiration from characters I’ve played before, like my portrayal of a gambling addict in The Sopranos, to create this character. I’m hoping audiences will find him endearing, though I might be overly optimistic. The character has a certain playful quality, and that’s what I’m aiming for.

Having worked on big-budget films, what did you find appealing about working on this smaller, independent project?

Each acting job is a learning experience. Every time I work, I gain something new. I’ve worked on projects with varying budgets – from large films and streaming series like 1923 and Tulsa King, to smaller, low-budget productions. While the core experience is similar, there are differences. Big-budget projects allow for more time and resources, while lower-budget ones are more fast-paced and demanding. You have to be flexible and easygoing to handle the challenges and unexpected situations that come with any project.

As a fan, I’ve always thought that every role an actor takes on really shapes them, both as an artist and a performer. It builds them up for whatever comes next. It can be incredibly nerve-wracking, though – like when you find out you have a big scene with someone like Harrison Ford and you haven’t worked in a while, you start to wonder if you’re ready! You just have to be brave and go for it. That’s why I think variety is so important for actors. The more different things you try, the more confident you become, and the better prepared you are for those unexpected, challenging moments. It really helps you handle anything that comes your way.

The new movie ‘Mermaid’ has a surprisingly similar vibe to the show ‘The X-Files’. Director Ryan Coogler is working on a reboot of ‘The X-Files’, and I was wondering if you’d heard about it. Would you be interested in returning as your character, John Doggett?

I haven’t revisited The X-Files since filming the series finale. I’ve always been tied up with other projects whenever they’ve tried to bring it back, like with season 10. I simply haven’t been available. They’ve looked at my schedule before, though not for the current project with Ryan Coogler, and it never aligned.

John Doggett is the best character I’ve ever played, and I really enjoyed being a lead. I’m a big fan of Ryan Coogler and thought his film Sinners was fantastic. I’m confident he’ll do a great job with the reboot, though I don’t think my character, John Doggett, would fit into it. I can’t picture the creators wanting him involved, but I’m still excited to see what Coogler does with the show and where he takes the story.

You played a role in the Peacemaker show. Have you spoken with James Gunn about potentially revisiting the character of Auggie Smith, or about how you might fit into the new DC Universe?

James Gunn and I are good friends, and I have a lot of respect for his work as a writer, director, and the head of DC Studios. He knows how to reach me, and I’d definitely be open to working with him again in the future. He and his wife are wonderful people. It’s possible we’ll collaborate again someday, but for now, we’re both focused on our current projects and will see what happens.

Most people remember you as the T-1000 from Terminator 2, and that’s fantastic. But looking back at all your films, is there one you secretly enjoy, even if it’s not considered a critical success?

I’m particularly proud of two films I’ve been in, both directed by James Mangold. I think Copland is a fantastic, though often overlooked, movie, and I’m really pleased with my work in it. I also really enjoy Walk the Line.

If you’re looking for a fun, but not necessarily good, movie to enjoy, I’d suggest Double Dragon. It’s famously bad, but in a way that makes it enjoyable! I often meet people who grew up watching it and still love it, which I find fascinating considering it’s not a cinematic masterpiece. That’s definitely a guilty pleasure movie.

The Faculty is another fan-favorite.

It’s a good movie. 

Look, I’m already begging for a sequel! And thankfully, I’ve heard whispers that it’s a possibility. The best part? They didn’t actually kill off Coach Willis in the first movie, which leaves the door wide open for his return. Seriously, bring him back – it would be fantastic!

I really enjoyed that film – it had a fantastic cast! Shawn Hatosy, Josh Hartnett, Jordana Brewster, Elijah Wood, Clea DuVall, Usher, Famke Janssen, Salma Hayek, Jon Stewart, and the wonderful Piper Laurie, as well as Bebe Neuwirth, all starred in it. It was a genuinely fun experience.

I’m so excited for Mermaid to hit theaters on April 8, 2026! I’m definitely planning to see it. Are you going to check it out? Let’s chat about it over on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-04-01 19:11