Ian Ziering Almost Declined Sharknado Role Due To Mass ‘Holes’ In Script; Calls Film His ‘Bruce Willis Moment’

Ian Ziering has, once again, become a household name since the debut of his Syfy TV movie, “Sharknado.”

The actor stopped by Access Hollywood Live to dish on the social media frenzy-causing film and revealed he nearly passed on the role.

“When I first read the script, there were a lot of holes in it. There was a lot of trepidation in even doing this, because I wasn’t sure it was going to be a success,” Ian told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover on Friday. “There were just so many holes in the script, I mean, how were they going to do this?

“My manager assured me there were going to be 300-plus visual effects in this movie and I said, ‘Oh. OK,’” he added.

The 49-year-old former “90210” star said sci-fi and action films are his favorite, so he figured he’d enjoy his time on “Sharknado.”

“I knew it was going to be one of these campy sci-fi movies. I enjoy the genre. Science fiction fans are the biggest,” he said. “This is my Bruce Willis moment!”

It was Ian’s wife who pushed him to sign on for the film (even though he had his doubts), as work is work and they have mouths to feed.

“I was kinda [hesitant] but she was like, ‘We’ve got two kids, you’re going to work, do it. You’re going to work,’” he said.

And the actor said reading his now-famous modern-day Jonah scene sealed the deal.

“As a father you’ve gotta do everything to provide for your family and when I saw the scene where I get to chainsaw my way out of the belly of a shark? I just needed that on film so I could show that to my kids one day and grandkids and let them know that Grandpa Ian was pretty cool,” he said, laughing.

Ian also admitted he was a little nervous about working with Tara Reid, but said the former “American Pie” star was lovely on set.

“It was an 18-day shoot, it was miserable, we were soaking wet the whole time, it was cold. We came in, did our work, she was honestly very sweet, prepared, ready to do her stuff and did a great job,” he said. “I’ve gotta hand it to her – she was professional.”

As for whether “Sharknado” (which already has a sequel in the works) has helped re-launch his career, Ian said he feels his showbiz longevity has definitely increased.

“It certainly gives me a bigger footprint in the entertainment industry,” he said. “And whether [a re-launch] happens, it doesn’t matter – I’m having fun doing what I’m doing. I feel like I’ve got legs for a much longer career.”

— Erin O’Sullivan

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