July. 06, 2007 - Parade Magazine

The star of Disturbia and the upcoming Transformers talks to Parade.com’s Shep Morgan about his role as a surfing penguin in Surf’s Up, finding success in Hollywood and preparing for his part in Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones 4.

Parade.com: So what’s up with the world-wide popularity of penguins on the big screen?       

Shia LaBeouf: They’re the new puppies. For a while it was insects in A Bug’s Life and Antz, and then fish in Shark’s Tale and Finding Nemo. It’s strange how it happens. I think penguins are the most human of all the birds, which may be why people love them. They’re cute, they stand upright and they look like they’r e wearing tuxedos.

P: Your character, Cody, will stop at nothing to win a surfing competition. Do you identify with that kind of drive?

SL: Who doesn’t want to win? Nobody strives to lose. I think it’s just human. When I was a kid growing up in Echo Park in Los Angeles, if you talked to me then, my goal was just about getting out of there. When I got into acting, it was all about finance—how much I’d get paid so I could be on my own.

P: Watching movies growing up, did you think you might have a shot?

SL: Sometimes you’d go, “Oh, he’s garbage. How is this possible? How did he get in movies?” I’ve watched a lot of child actors I didn’t really like, and being the same age I thought, “Man, if given the same opportunities, what could I do?”

P: What’s the secret to success?

SL: Luck. There are so many talented people in this business who aren’t working. I don’t think it’s a talent thing. I think it’s timing and luck of the draw—and picking the right projects.

P: Your character has a mentor who is a surfing legend. Has there been someone like that for you?

SL: Jon Voight has been a mentor since I was 12. I met him when we co-starred in Holes. He’s always been involved in my life. He’s just a really good friend and one of the most educated people I know.

P: Being so young, did your parents ever worry about you being corrupted by Hollywood?

SL: My mother was all for it because it’s all I ever wanted to do. My dad is a motorcycle guy, not some Hollywood dude. He’d drive me to the set on a motorcycle, you know.  And when it was time to leave, my dad would walk over and shut the camera off. It wasn’t like I was being pimped. It wasn’t like, “He’ll do anything you want.” If this goes away tomorrow, my parents are still there. If I’m a train conductor in a year, this is all fun and dandy and great. My life just goes on. This isn’t the end-all, be-all.

P: Steven Spielberg helped get you cast in Disturbia, Transformers and, now, Indiana Jones 4. What’s it like having such a huge supporter in your corner?

SL: Steven is not only a genius, he loves what he does. And it’s good to be around people who love what they’re doing. He’s just passionate. It never goes away. And to be around people like that is invigorating.

P: Is it true you’re in a race with Harrison Ford to bulk up for the filming of the next Indiana Jones movie?’

SL: We’re not in a race, no. He’s a monster. He’s a beast right now. He’s really cut up, ripped to shreds. Steven said, “I don’t want you to get too big. Just be ready for what we’r e about to do.” So I’ve been working out, and I’ve never been in better shape in my life. Never been more athletic. I train every day.