Colin Farrell Describes Underwater Filming Of 'Thirteen Lives' As 'Terrifying'

Colin Farrell would do anything for his craft.

The Irish actor who started his career in the BBC drama series Ballykissangel made his film debut in the 1999 drama The War Zone.

The "Total Recall" actor has now made a name for himself in the industry with his hard work and dedication to the craft even in disadvantaged situations.

For actors, doing whatever is necessary to make audiences believe what they are watching is vital to their craft — even if it translates to facing some fears. And that's what Farrell did when he landed the role of John Volanthen in "Thirteen Lives."

During a chat with ET, the actor spoke extensively about putting his craftsmanship to work, especially having to film some extreme underwater scenes. In his words:

"Terrifying in a word. Terrifying. It really was -- it was scary."

He added that even though he was not a "great swimmer" and there was no swimming or treading water, he had to stay on the surface. Farrell noted that those in charge built an awe-inspiring network of caves, he said:

"four or five different caves that were based on the topography of the caves, the Tham Luang caves in Thailand, and they filled them full of water, and we'd go down and there was no up."

The father-of-two said that going down into this network of film caves and not being able to look up and see the top was challenging for him to handle. In his words:

"I mean, there's a lot to be said for being able to look up in [the] water and see the surface, so when you can't, and there's actually a ceiling over your head, and there's no air at all, it just wreaks havoc on my mind."

Since "Thirteen Lives" is a true life story of the rescue mission formed in Thailand to save a group of 12 young boys and their soccer coach, the "Total Recall" actor had some help.

 Two of the men — Rick Stanton and Jason Mallinson — who were part of the real-life five-person rescue team, were constantly available to support and assist the actor.

However, he revealed that even with their help, he still had underwater panic attacks. According to him:

"Man, I had panic attacks underwater; that's a new experience. A panic attack underwater is a new experience for me."

Farrell rocked a white tank top with a taupe suit coat for the project's premiere. The "Miami Vice" star accessorized with a silver chain around his neck, a pair of small silver hoop earrings, and some rings.

In February, The Blast revealed that Farrell's character — The Penguin— would have to do without his signature cigar in the new "The Batman" movie, thanks to a smoking ban by the studio.

This new look for the villain did not sit right with Farrell, so he opted to fight "valiantly" for the Crime Lord's cigar. His pleas fell on deaf ears as the studio remained adamant on its stance. The "Falling for a Dancer" star stated:

"I fought valiantly for a cigar; I even said at one stage, 'can I have it unlit,' and they were like "no,' like a bunch of 12-year-olds were going to start smoking Cuban cigars because of [it]."

Despite that snag, the 46-year-old disclosed that he was open to exploring more of his Penguin character in the action and adventure film.

Since the movie took place before the villain was fully transformed, he appeared less like the hobbling crime lord that fans know and love.

Farrell's comments have left fans wondering if there was a possible spin-off series based on the villain in the works. Their assumptions were confirmed in April when HBO Max officially ordered the series. 

While Lauren LeFranc will serve as the show's showrunner and writer, Matt Reeves, who directed "The Batman," will also co-executive produce Dylan Clark, who produced "The Batman."

The Penguin — whose real name is Oswald Cobblepot — is one of the most famous members of the "Batman Rogues Gallery." He is typically seen in his top hat and monocle and has a wide variety of deadly umbrellas. 

Danny DeVito, Burgess Meredith, and Robin Lord Taylor have played the character in live-action versions.