Benjamin Walker hunts vampires, makes wisecracks

Playing vampire-killing Abe Lincoln is one way to get noticed. Another is marrying Mamie Gummer, Meryl Streep’s daughter. Meet Benjamin Walker, 30, star of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

Abe fells a tree with one swing. How many would you need?

“It depends on the tree. I had a summer job on a Connecticut farm, cutting down trees likely to fall on houses, so I was strangely suited for this role.”

Is the film accurate?

“[They] were adamant that it be a period drama about Abraham Lincoln that happened to have vampires in it. I did a lot of research.”

How does it compare with Steven Spielberg's next film, Lincoln?

“We have better vampires.”

What did you say when you met your mother-in-law?

“There’s nothing more intimidating than an international film star — except your mother-in-law. She’s a wonderful woman.”

You're making Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight for HBO. Pit Abe vs. Ali in his prime: Who'd win?

“I’d better have a really sharp ax. If I miss him once, I’m done for.”