Jake Gyllenhaal comments on his British accent from ‘Prince of Persia’

The North American theatrical release of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, which stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Prince Dastan, is scheduled to occur Friday, May 28. Gyllenhaal was required to fake a British accent in order to accurately portray the role of Prince Dastan. During an interview with UK newspaper Daily Record, Gyllenhaal revealed that his apprehension towards speaking with a British accent prevented him from pursuing other roles in the past.

The reason why the 29-year-old actor passed on previous roles with British accent requirements was that he was unsure about whether or not he would be able to pull it off. When he was asked about altering his vocal delivery for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Gyllenhaal responded by claiming that his sister Maggie Gyllenhaal, who has starred in critically acclaimed films such as Secretary, The Dark Knight and Crazy Heart, does a better British accent than he does.

In regards to his adaptation of the British accent, the actor told the UK’s Daily Record, “It didn’t come easily. I worked very hard at it and was worried because I can’t tell you how much I respect the British accent, and how much I know the British respect the accent. I recognize it for all the wonderful qualities and politeness that is the British culture. I know they can be touchy on that, too, and it was a challenge.”