His appearance shed light not only on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the international production but also on the incredible story of how he discovered his true calling—by narrowly escaping an unexpected tragedy.
Recognition for Can Yaman
One of the most anticipated segments of the interview was undoubtedly the one dedicated to his role as Yanez alongside the protagonist, the "Tiger of Mompracem," played by Turkish star Can Yaman.
Preziosi, with his customary sincerity, expressed unequivocal admiration for his colleague, making a statement sure to spark conversation among fans: "Everyone says this, but only he [Can Yaman] could do it."
The actor emphasized how the choice of Yaman was perfect for embodying the Tiger of Malaysia. Preziosi stated he was deeply impressed by the agility and naturalness with which Yaman embraced the role.
The Turkish star's energy and physical mastery on set did not go unnoticed; the interpreter of Yanez revealed that he "remained fascinated watching him work," acknowledging that Yaman was "perfectly at ease in the character."
This serves as a significant testament of esteem that nips any potential comparisons in the bud and highlights the artistic synergy created on the international set.
Yanez, English, and "Impossible Accents"
Discussing his preparation for the role of Yanez, Preziosi revealed his curious initial attempts to find the right cadence. The character, a Portuguese man of English origin, required no fewer than three dialogue coaches.
The actor from Campania had tried to combine an English accent with a Portuguese one, and in a moment of pure creativity, he even had the "whim" to act in an imaginative "Neapolitan-English."
In the end, the production opted for the "correct international line" and performance in English. This choice proved to be a winner: Preziosi confessed that acting in English was the engine for the empathy created with his partners and the audience.
"I really had fun creating completely new timings," he explained, speculating that interpreting it in Italian would not have had the same impact.
The Pen and Destiny: Farewell to Law
The most intimate and revealing moment of the interview came when they discussed the spark that ignited his passion for acting, convincing him to abandon his law studies.
Fazio asked if there had been a "premonitory sign," and Preziosi recounted a near-fatal episode that occurred during the defense of his experimental thesis at the Federico II University in Naples.
Sitting and waiting for his turn after hours of delay, Preziosi was distractedly chewing on a pen. One of those black ones with the removable cap, known as a "Pilot." In a moment of distraction, the cap detached and ended up in his throat.
Panic was immediate: the actor, on the verge of taking the most important exam of his life, found himself thinking he was suffocating. "The thesis defense, the most important moment of a job... and you think you're choking, guys."
The thought was macabre, almost grotesque: “It would be pretty ridiculous to die because of a pen cap… especially a French one — not even an Italian one!”
Fortunately, the cap lodged itself without causing a fatal obstruction. However, the episode carried the weight of an epiphany: "Could it be that perhaps this isn't exactly the path I need to face and beat in my life?"
Although the subsequent defense was "formidable"—delivered with an "unheard-of coldness" due to the shock—the sign had been cast. Upon going to the hospital later, a doctor told him: "Look, if it had stopped [lower], you would already be dead."
At the time, Preziosi was already dabbling in impressions (De Filippo, Benigni, Troisi, Verdone), and perhaps the accident pushed him to listen to that inner voice.
Passion is important, the actor concluded, but in his line of work, "if you aren't chosen to do it... it doesn't exist anymore." And life had just chosen a completely different path for him.
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