Dr. Emett Roberts
Though his screen time is limited to the first half of the film, the Dr. Roberts character is central to not only the original film, but his valuable work was carried on in the following chapters as well. Dr. Roberts has unlocked the secrets of a formula that could change the world forever, so it�s not surprising that the character is viewed with such importance. Actor, Karl Sawyer aptly portrayed the dedicated doctor of science. Karl is the younger brother of producer, Darrick. Karl was available for just one shooting day(which explains why he went into hiding half-way through the story). The actor did little after The Trespassers.
Expanded �Special Edition� scenes: Using previously cut footage of the actor and new shots using a double, a new scene featuring a telephone conversation between Roberts and Dr. Argyle(played by Jon Kruithof who reprised the role he played in 1994�s Splitting Images: Trespassers II) has been integrated into the plot.
Tasker(John Tasker)
Everybody�s� favorite villain(or antihero, depending on whom you talk to). Tasker was the commander of the infamous, Renegade Warriors; a group of loose cannon-types ruled by the sinister Lord Holec. Tasker was at one time a friend to Dr. Roberts, but betrayed him and turned to evil. Tasker�s outspokenness contributed to his leadership qualities. The commander�s only real power came from his ability to manipulate others into following him. Jason Stewart portrayed the character in all three films. He went on to act in many other roles, yet the Tasker character has always been his favorite. Stewart�s other films include Poisoned Evil(1990), The Short Story(1995), The World According to Winkleberry(1996), and the upcoming Zine Nation.
Expanded �Special Edition� scenes: Since Stewart would be personally overseeing the new scenes as director, not to mention Tasker being the only character not requiring a double, Tasker�s new scenes are abundant. There�s a much hyped new scene showing Tasker in a confrontational meeting with Holec�s right-hand man, Commander Atwood(played by Jon Martyr of Concrete Robe fame). There�s also a new scene in which Tasker speaks with one of his warriors regarding a plan that had backfired. There�s a also a number of minor �branching� scenes featuring the character. Note: Stewart wore the exact same costume from the original. The result is seamless. For biography and contact info click here.
Kurtz(Curtis Horwitz)
Dr. Roberts� trusted lab assistant; Kurtz became Roberts� right hand after Tasker left the fold. Kurtz also oversaw the defense operation after the doctor went into hiding. At first glance a whimpy, timid individual, Kurtz had already started showing signs of greater possibilities toward the end of the film. Shane Michael S., who had previously appeared in the movie Poisoned Evil brought the character to life. Shane later reprised the role in the 1997 sequel, Utopia: The Return of the Trespassers.
Expanded �Special Edition� scenes: Only a few previously cut shots were added to the existing footage; however, Shane did participate in the 10th anniversary retrospective of the film, giving his commentary in the featurette, Behind the Renegade Warriors. For biography and contact info, click here.
Snake(real name unknown)
Dr. Roberts� hired protector, Snake was a professional motorcross racer who moonlighted as a bountyhunter in order to support his motorbike obsession. Little did Snake realize that what started out as just another hired job would eventually evolve into a long-term association with the doctor and his work.
Producer/actor, Darrick Sawyer brought the character to life, projecting much of his own personality into Snake. Sawyer and Stewart continued to work together shortly after the release of The Trespassers, but no longer keep in contact.
Expanded �Special Edition� scenes: A couple of minor, previously cut shots were included in the new version. Note: The Character would return in the third film, Utopia but the role was played by another actor, Jonathan Wilcox.
Storm(real name unknown)
The hardly spoken, yet effective protector to Dr. Roberts. The character had an aura of mystery surrounding him. Unlike Snake, Storm did not take sides in the battle between good and evil. He would work for whomever offered the highest rewards. Out of all the characters in the film, Strom has received the greatest level of cult following. One might liken him to Boba Fett of Star Wars fame. A. Joseph Baird played the role both effortlessly and brilliantly.
New �Special Edition� scenes: In addition to some previously cut footage which brings Storm and Dr. Roberts on screen together for the first time, additional scenes shot using a double were integrated into the film. These new scenes only add to the intrigue of the Storm character. The result is quite seamless for the double used was actually a distant relative of actor A. Joseph Baird.
Sloth(Reggie ??)
Tasker�s right-hand man and best friend. This tall, red hared warrior may not have possessed a lot in the way of brain power, but his loyalty, fearlessness and brute strength contributed to many victories for the renegade warriors. Although Sloth worked on the wrong side of the law, the character had enough charm and humour to create a likable presence. Peter Bissonette aptly portrayed this character which was basically an amplification of his own personality. The actor would go on to a brief but successful series of comic skits, but it is not known if he still acts. Note: Bissonette also played the part of the Pizza dude in the film.
New �Special Edition� scenes: A brief, previously cut scene showing a victorious Sloth running with a stolen disk has been added.
Tree(Terry Reid)
The soft-spoken follower of Tasker. His unconditional loyalty to Tasker made up for his limited abilities. Tree was the Renegade�s communications officer and leg man. Tree had the duty of calling the troops and storing valuable information for Tasker. Actor, Shannon Sawyer(another brother to Darrick) brought the character to semi-life. Unfortunately, due to his lack of acting skills, part of his dialogue had to be dubbed over by another actor. Also, Shannon was required to wear a black wig through the shoot for which he hated doing. Although he appeared in a number of walk-on roles following The Trespassers, the actor�s career quickly fizzled out.
New �Special Edition� scenes: Through rare footage and new footage using a double(including a wig), a new scene featuring Tree and Tasker speaking has been inserted. There are also a number of new action shots of the character throughout the feature.
Dekker(Derek Reid)
The over-zealous, cowardly kick toy for Tasker and his men. Throughout the film, Dekker was tossed around like a pillow due to his bad punctuality, his constant bickering, and his clumsiness. Michael Sawyer(the youngest brother) was only 12 when he played the role. He even performed all of his own stunts!
New �Special Edition� scenes: Apart from a new conclusion which uses stock footage of the actor, there are no new scenes for the character. A new scene had been shot using a double, but it never made it to the final print.
Dr. Ronald Argyle
A long-time colleague of Dr. Roberts, Dr. Argyle was the man responsible for recommending the use of outside help in the form of Snake and Storm. Although the character appears only briefly he would become a major character in the following chapter of the series. Actor Jon Kruithof, whom had once played the part of Dr. Argyle in Splitting Images: Trespassers II(1994), reprised his role for the Special Edition as a younger version of the character. Jon�s other acting roles include Concrete Robe(1994) and The Short Story(1995)
New �Special Edition� Scenes: Due to the fact that the character never appeared in the original version of the film; integrating a new scene featuring Dr. Argyle created quite a challenge, especially since the scene called for a conversation with the two doctors. Using stock footage of actor, Karl Sawyer, a double to fill in the necessary links, and the new footage of Dr. Argyle, a new scene has been integrated into the plot. The scene adds more depth and explanation, and links the first film to the following chapter. For contact info and bio click here.
General Commander Atwood
Holec�s pencil-pushing secretary. Atwood was Holec�s internal affairs officer. He also oversaw any and all of Lord Holec�s personal needs, making sure that the dark underlord�s identity was kept in secrecy. New �Special Edition� scenes: Since the character had not appeared in the original version of the film, new scenes featuring Actor/musician, Jon Martyr were shot and incorporated into the plot. Note: Although this is the first time that the character appeared on screen, the Atwood character had been featured previously in the movies� novelization, Trespassers- The Renegade Warriors of Holec(1997).
Lord Holec
The unseen leader of the underworld. Holec�s empire threatened to overthrow the existing government, though no one realized it. Holec through various connections was able to lured Tasker into his fold. Unfortunately for Holec, his deception was only effective to a certain point. Holec�s constant demands, along with his punishments for failure had merited a great deal of opposition from former followers of his domain.
The Holec character was so mysterious that even the actor or possibly actors who portrayed the character were left to mystery. Holec was more of a deadly force than an organic being.
New �Special Edition� scenes: Originally, Holec had always appeared off-camera. In the new version there have been a couple of inserted shots of the dark lord�s silhouette, but true to the character, his identity is still left to mystery. There is also a new shot of Holec being destroyed- seemingly...
