Taylor Kitsch has joked he would have "murdered" for his role in Savages.

The film is directed by Oliver Stone and is based on a book by Don Winslow. Taylor is a huge fan of the novel and was desperate to get involved with the big-screen adaptation.

"I had read the book before it had been announced that Oliver was involved, but there were rumours that he had optioned it. I thought, Man, I would murder to play this guy.' When I found out that Oliver was attached, well that was it. I felt that I would be a great fit," he told flicksandbits.com.

The actor plays a former SEAL in Savages and he trained with a military member for the role.

"What I love about the SEALs is that you can walk by them on the street and you wouldn't think twice. They don't telegraph. But if you see them in their element, they are something to behold. I'm fortunate to call some of them friends now, too," he said.

In the film, Taylor's character Chon and his friend Ben are in business together. The two men share a lover called Ophelia, who is played by Blake Lively, with Salma Hayek and Benicio Del Toro also appearing.