Hubandy: We're here with Martin Sheen, who stars as Jason Wynn in the movie "Spawn" which opens this Friday!

HubMeg: Martin Sheen, star of "Apocalypse Now," "Wall Street," "The American President," and now "Spawn."

Question: Mr. Sheen, how did it feel being Spawn?

MartnSheen: I wasn't Spawn. I was Jason Wynn. Michael White was Spawn.

Question: For those of us who know nothing about "Spawn," tell us what it's basically about.

MartnSheen: It is the story of a black super-hero who is at the center of a modern day Dante's Inferno with 21st century technology. It is the story of Spawn (as he comes to be known) who has to decide if he will be ruled by the devil who wants him to lead the army of Hell against the gates of Heaven in the battle of Armageddon.

Question: What was is like working with Todd McFarlane?

MartnSheen: He is a very personable and committed young man. And it was a pleasure to work with someone who took such risks with their ideas.

Question: What do you think of your own action figure?

MartnSheen: Well, frankly I'm thrilled. I never thought that I'd ever be an action figure and thanks to Todd McFarlane I am. I didn't want to do it at first because I thought that I would end up on toilet seats and other places of ridicule. But then I thought I've been an actor all of my life and I've done a pretty thorough job of ridiculing myself, so I thought "why not?" And Todd McFarlane assured me that it would be done with great dignity and he has been very good to his word.

Question: What movie are you doing next?

MartnSheen: I don't have any idea at this time. Do you?

Question: Hi, Mr. Sheen. Do you remember visiting St. Elizabeth's High School in Wilming? (Sa22y)

MartnSheen: It was a very special day and please give Sister my love.

Question: Martin, besides acting, how do you like to spend your time?

MartnSheen: Loafing. I love to loaf. It's a real skill to loaf today in our modern world. Loafers aren't really appreciated but I appreciate loafing.

Question: How much has Spawn remained true to the comic?

MartnSheen: Right dead on, and if you're familiar with the comic, you'll be delighted with the film.

Question: How long did it take to make the movie?

MartnSheen: Well, the company took several years. The filming took about four months and the editing took a full year. The film was completed a week ago Saturday night.

Question: What was the most demanding part of this role?

MartnSheen: Getting set on fire in one scene which I'm having second thoughts about. I'm not sure it was a good idea.

HubMeg: A guy in Fayetteville asks:

Question: Is Molbogia in the movie?

MartnSheen: Very most definitely yes. And you'll love every evil expression!

Question: Have you ever read a Spawn comic?

MartnSheen: Not before I did the movie. I didn't have a clue of what Spawn was. I related it to fisheries somehow.

Question: What film are you most proud to have been a part of?

MartnSheen: I am equally proud of Badlands and Apocalypse Now.

Question: Martin, do you like sushi?

MartnSheen: Yes, smarty pants. See if you can find any on the plate.

Question: How was it working with Michael Jai White?

MartnSheen: A very sweet pleasure. He's going to be a major movie star. He's a wonderful gentleman and I adore him.

Question: How long have you been in the business? Also, this movie Spawn has had great response in Ohio. So many people want to go see the movie.

MartnSheen: Since 1959 professionally and I'm delighted about the interest from Ohio. I am from Dayton, Ohio.

Question: How many movies did you do before this one?

MartnSheen: I've kind of lost count, because I've done so much television between movies and I don't know if that counts.

Question: What was it like wearing the suit?

MartnSheen: There was only one scene I wore it in and it was like wearing aluminum foil.

Question: How did you like working with Marlon Brando in Apocalypse Now?

MartnSheen: One of the truly great experiences of my life. I love Marlon, and I would count myself extremely fortunate to work with him again.

Question: Do you feel that people know you best through your work in Apocalypse Now, or as the father of Charlie and Emilio?

MartnSheen: Equal measures of both.

Question: What's your favorite type of cake?

MartnSheen: Cheesecake by a country mile.

Question: Enjoy your work over the years. Your son's too. Did you work with Todd on the movie?

MartnSheen: I worked with Todd on the set very little because I was only working six weeks out of the four month shooting schedule. I'm looking forward to part two, the sequel where Jason Wynn is visited by angels and asked to work on the side of Heaven against the gates of Hell.

Question: When is the movie coming out?

MartnSheen: Friday, August 1st, nationwide!

Question: Why did they change Chapel into a woman?

MartnSheen: It was a contractual obligation because Chapel is a character from YoungBlood.

Question: Mr. Sheen, you have starred with some of the greatest names in Hollywood, but what does it feel like to star with your own children?

MartnSheen: That is the best of all possible situations. The best way to describe it is a sacramental experience.

Question: Did you enjoy filming the movie with all the special effects?

MartnSheen: Well, I was only involved in a few towards the end, but I enjoyed seeing the movie when all the effects were present.

Question: (Earthchic) Are you currently working on any projects?

MartnSheen: Not at the moment. I'm considering doing a play in New York next fall and I may be in Australia in November, but that's not certain yet.

Question: Who were some of the heroes that inspired you to act? (KatandDan)

MartnSheen: In this order: Montgomery Clift, Marlon Brando, and James Dean. I was always very fond of Jimmy Cagney and Edward G. Robinson as a boy as well.

Question: What was your favorite part of the movie?

MartnSheen: When I saw it, it was the Hell scenes. The depiction of the inferno and purgatory in the alley. I really love the alley. I wish we had spent more time there.

Question: (XRGilesX) What was it like to work with John Leguezamo?

MartnSheen: The only problem I had with John was continually convulsing with laughter. I adore him. And Spawn, I think, is going to be a major hit for him.

Question: How does Martin choose his roles? They are memorable and diverse. Especially Badlands, Apocalypse Now, The Dead Zone, and a great supporting performance in the American President.

MartnSheen: It isn't always a choice of one film or another. Very often it's one film or continual unemployment. So I've been lucky to have worked on so many good projects with so many brilliant directors.

Question: How much money did it cost to make the movie?

MartnSheen: I heard it was $45 million.

Question: How was the experience of working on Apocalypse Now with Coppola?

MartnSheen: Well, I was life changing. I wouldn't want to repeat the experience knowing what was coming but I wouldn't change the experience for anything.

Question: (SSeals) Do you like the Internet?

MartnSheen: I don't have a clue about the Internet. I've heard it referred to as the Information Highway, but I suspect there are a lot of casualties, a lot of breakdowns, and a lot of hitchhiking going on. Personally, I have very little interest in the Internet or computers. I fear that the advantage lies with the affluent and it leaves the poor in the Third World that much further behind.

Question: Was it true that Spawn went through last minute re-shoots?

MartnSheen: I don't think there were any but there were a great many last minutes effects and sound and coloration and credits added.

Question: (Popgun) What was it like working across from a piece of tape on a wall and told to think it was a large monster?

MartnSheen: Oh I didn't do that. I think we had a mop or a broom or something a little more imaginative. But I had very little involvement in the special effects.

Question: Is it more fun to play a role that hits reality or one that is total pure imagination? (Vaslim)

MartnSheen: For me, it's fun to work whether it's on hard-core reality or far-out imagination. I think you need one with the other in whatever order you choose!

Question: Everyone is wondering Is Spawn a good guy or a bad guy and how did he come about?

MartnSheen: He's a good guy doing bad things. Believing that he's a patriot, and when he comes to realize that he has to personally take responsibility for the acts he committed regardless of who ordered them, then he begins to change -- and that's a very important moral core of the movie.

Question: What was your reaction when you were asked to star in this summers hottest movie SPAWN?

MartnSheen: It wasn't known at the time whether it would be a hit or not. That's becoming known only now. The bottom line is I'm thrilled with the reaction so far.

Question: If you had your choice, would you prefer to do movies or act in live theater? Is there any one character you want to portray and, as of yet, haven't? (TOJIDC)

MartnSheen: Frankly, movies. That's from my head. But my heart says theater, because that's where I grow the most. There are a lot of characters that I would like to play and I don't think I have played the part of my life yet. So I've got a lot to look forward to, whether it's on film or the stage.

Question: I am currently an actor while in college. I was curious to know how you got started, and how old were you?

MartnSheen: I was never not an actor. I have no memory of not being an actor. I didn't know, when I was a little child, how to identify with what I felt inside until I started going to movies. Then I realized I was part of that community and I rejoiced! To know that what I was feeling was quite normal and I knew that all I had to do was commit to it. So all my life I knew exactly what I wanted to do. So I never became an actor, I only had to do it professionally. I left home at 18 and came to New York and started the adventure and it's still going on and I love it now even more than when I started. I'm hopeless!

Question: I work with filmmakers in Vermont and I know you just finished "Stanger In the Kingdom" with Jay Craven. Which kind of productions do you prefer, if any, the lower budget features or the big blockbusters and why? (C2 CSQUAR)

MartnSheen: I very much enjoy supporting low budget independent filmmakers. That's how we did Badlands in 1972. But I equally enjoy doing large budget films as well. Though, for me, they are fewer and far between.

HubMeg: Unfortunately, it's about time to wrap things up!

MartnSheen: We must away now. Thank you very much for this extraordinary experience, my first in this venue. I have enjoyed it immensely, and I'll look forward to the next time. God Bless.

HubMeg: Thanks, Martin Sheen! And thanks to all of you for coming. Don't forget to see SPAWN this Friday!

Copyright 1997 America Online, Inc.

More about this Event:

Martin Sheen, who stars in "Spawn" as the nefarious government agent Jason Wynn, recalls, "I was sitting in the backyard one day, and my grandson said, 'So, what are you doing?' I said, 'Well, I'm gonna do this film, "Spawn," and I start real soon.' Well, he nearly fainted. He said, 'Spawn?' 'Spawn?' 'Spawn?' The 'Spawn?' And I said, 'What's the big deal? And he just looked at me and said, 'Well, it's only the most important comic book in the world.'"

Sheen, one of the finest American actors of his generation, starred in such landmark films as Terrence Malick's "Badlands" (1973) and Francis Ford Coppola's controversial Vietnam epic "Apocalypse Now" (1979).

Sheen will next be seen starring in the upcoming HBO original drama "Hostile Waters" co-starring Rutger Hauer and Max von Sydow. The film premieres on July 26th.

Among his many film credits are Rob Reiner's "The American President," "Gettysburg," "Dead Presidents," "Hot Shots! Part Deux," Oliver Stone's "Wall Street," "Siesta," "The Believers," "Judgment In Berlin," "Da," "Firestarter," "Gandhi," "The Dead Zone," "The Championship Season" and "Catch 22."

Sheen's television work includes the title role in the acclaimed 1974 docudrama "The Execution of Private Slovik," as well as several characterizations of key political figures, including John F. Kennedy in the mini-series "Kennedy," Robert Kennedy in the telefilm "The Missiles of October" and Watergate operative John Dean in "Blind Ambition."

His work for the stage includes productions of "The Crucible," "Love Letters," "Death of a Salesman," "Hamlet," "The Normal Heart" and "The Odd Couple."

Sheen's four children, Emilio, Ramon and Reneé Estevez and Charlie Sheen, are all actors.

"Spawn" is the story of a scarred warrior and fearless, dark hero with the skills of an assassin, the weaponry of an extraterrestrial army, and the supernatural ability to transform himself into an extraordinary arsenal of shapes and textures.