Terminator 2 legend Robert Patrick recently spoke about his new film, the possibility of rejoining the DC Universe, and whether he’s been approached for the X-Files reboot.

'Mermaid': A Unique Cinematic Experience

Patrick’s latest project, Mermaid, presents a distinctly unusual premise. The story centers on Doug, a man down on his luck who finds new purpose when he discovers an injured mermaid. However, their peaceful existence is threatened by Ron Bocca, a character portrayed by Robert Patrick, who seeks to exploit the mermaid’s existence for profit.

Drawn to the Story's Originality

“Its bizarreness… It was certainly not something I had read before,” Patrick explained. “It was incredibly well-written and just intrigued me with the twists and the turns and the reveals. I thought it was really well done.” He also praised director Tyler Cornack, noting his unique voice and original musical score. “Visually and musically, it really resonated with me.”

Embracing a Wild Character

Patrick found the role of Ron Bocca particularly appealing. “My character was unabashed and wild and out there. It let me cut loose and go crazy and do stuff that was embarrassing and silly and stupid. That’s fun to do.” He described Ron as a more mature iteration of characters he’s played before, a man driven by greed and ultimately facing personal tragedy.

Reflections on a Versatile Career

Having often played antagonists, Patrick considered what he brought to Ron that differentiated him from previous roles. He drew parallels to past characters, like a gambling addict, but aimed for a more polished and nuanced portrayal. “Ron, realizing he has the opportunity of a lifetime… It’s almost like finding an alien… And capitalizing on that.”

The Appeal of Indie Filmmaking

Patrick also discussed the experience of working on a smaller, independent project. “Every time you are working on an actor, you are growing,” he stated. While big-budget productions offer more resources, he found the challenges of lower-budget filmmaking to be equally valuable. “It’s all the same and yet, it’s not… Lower budget is a little more stressful… but I think they all infuse you as an artist.”

The X-Files Reboot and DCU Possibilities

Regarding the upcoming X-Files reboot, Patrick acknowledged that he hadn’t been contacted for this particular production. “They have checked my schedule… but it never worked out,” he said. Despite this, he expressed fondness for his character, John Doggett, calling it his “favorite character I have ever played.” He is optimistic about Ryan Coogler’s vision for the reboot.

Open to a DCU Return

When asked about a potential return to the DC Universe as Auggie Smith, Patrick remained open to the possibility. “James Gunn and I are certainly friends,” he confirmed. “He knows how much I respect him… If there is something he wants to do down the road, I am certainly game.”

A Fond Memory: 'Breakout'

Patrick also reminisced about his role in the 1998 film Breakout, directed by James Mangold. He described it as a “guilty pleasure” and expressed interest in a potential sequel, noting that his character didn’t die in the original film. Mermaid is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on April 8, 2026.