Let's Discuss Tasut

Jocko Willink - the man I'd want for Tasut

Tasut (Tah-suit)

In general, everyone hates the character - even I do at times. He is emotionally cold, physically brutal, and makes life miserable for his son, Talon. 

When I first wrote his character, I had no idea what happened to his wife; I simply wrote him as a single father, a struggle many can identify with.

It helps to remember that he is a man with a mission. He never loses sight of the bigger picture. Naturally, there are reasons for all of this, but you will have to peel the onion to find out what's under the layers of Tasut's skin.

Jocko gave a wonderful speech on conquering emotional pain.  You can find the link here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TpIL4SJb6A&fbclid=IwAR2bDbysPVJtorKxqofgGCXoxAYv_3RcDRPsJqsbC5fkrTicsd5xDnYL8OU

Jocko - colored photo This is how I picture Tasut looking on an average day - though his eyes are brown. Jocko has the, "I will kill you and not blink" thing signed, sealed, and delivered.

Younger pic of Jocko 

Here is a little blurb about him - a REAL man with REAL skills.  You can see it in his eyes - he has been there and done that! 

Jocko Willink is a decorated retired Navy SEAL officer, author of the book Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, and co-founder of Echelon Front, where he is a leadership instructor, speaker, and executive coach. Jocko spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams, starting as an enlisted SEAL and rising through the ranks to become a SEAL officer. As commander of SEAL Team Three's Task Unit Bruiser during the battle of Ramadi, he orchestrated SEAL operations that helped the "Ready First" Brigade of the US Army's First Armored Division bring stability to the violent, war-torn city. During his career, Jocko was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and numerous other personal and unit awards. In 2010, Jocko retired from the Navy and launched Echelon Front with Leif Babin where he teaches the leadership principles he learned on the battlefield to help others lead and win.

A REALLY important fact is that Tasut is more than muscle. In the final book, there is a scene that will require a very fine edge to be walked.  Jocko also has kids.  He knows that a man is "someone that does what he is supposed to do." 

What should you teach your son(s)? 
He wrote a book about it.  The Way of the Warrior Kid.  Haven't read it, yet.

Nathan Jones

Nathan Jones

Years ago, my youngest son suggested Nathan Jones as Tasut. I can understand why. Nathan is TALL at 6'11" and he's big - as in 331 pounds.  He looks like he could tie the average person in knots twice a day and not break sweat. 

Yes, he looked the part - but can he act?  

Well, Nathan is an Australian actor, powerlifting champion, strongman and retired professional wrestler. He held the WWA World Heavyweight Championship once in World Wrestling All-Stars and aligned himself with The Undertaker in World Wrestling Entertainment.

The only thing I've seen Nathan do is the fight between him and Jet Li in Fearless (my son was giving me an example).