We tweeted this already, but for those who don’t follow us there (shame on you!), Michael Shanks was interviewed this week about his playing superhero Hawkman on an upcoming two-parter of Smallville. In an attached blog post, the journalist, Jenna Busch, also spoke with Michael about his role on Sanctuary, and his views of Stargate Universe so far. Michael had very interesting things to say on all the topics! Here are a few excerpts, but we recommend you read the article and blog post too, since there is lots more to enjoy.
On the creation of Hawkman’s winged costume:
I have done five fittings. Yup! Yesterday was my fifth. I do believe there will be more. I have yet to shoot a frame of film on this episode. This is what I’ve been doing the most of, is going for fittings and you know, talking to the producers about the character and discussing the elements of the voices. But mostly it’s been focused on the costume and the logistics of the costume. Again, it’s a necessary thing. I really appreciate the reverence that these guys have. […] I said to James Marshall yesterday, ‘I want to take this home for the weekend. Just to get used to it.’ [laughs] Yeah, the character will fly and the logistics of that are pending. How we’re going to make that work without looking too silly.
Regarding his view of Stargate Universe so far:
It is different. I mean, it’s a completely different taste palate than the previous Stargate incarnations. It’s more realistic. The characters are much more dimensionalized. The visual of it is far more aesthetically pleasing and stunning. The camera work is more interesting. The visual effects are amazing. […] I just had a little…I just watched the first three episodes, and I just had a little issue with some of the drama. […] When I watch it, I’m really transported to the world that they’ve created. It’s really three-dimensionalized. I’m just not quite buying all of the mistrust elements and the tension elements just yet. But I think they’re one strong story from hooking me and turning the corner on that.
The strange thing about his career and the Letter “S”:
My speech therapist…we had a little sit down and he told me that, in order to get past my fear of the letter “S” I may only appear on shows that start with the letter “S” so I can build up my resistance to it. So yes. Smallville, Stargate, Sanctuary. I’m looking for some others. If you can reccomend any other shows that start with “S” that I could pitch myself out to that would be great.
On the likelihood of him joining “Twitter”:
Oh, uh, never. That’s that one. Let’s get that out of the way. Michael Shanks twittering is not going to happen. Let’s just go down that road. [Laughs] Although apparently I might. I made a bet with my wife and she had to choose what I would have to do if I lost the bet. She said, because she knows how much I don’t like the notion of twittering, if I lose, I have to twitter for a week. So that will be probably be the only way you will catch me twittering. I’m just not that guy.
Let’s hope Michael loses the bet with Lexa and has to tweet for a week! Read the article and blog.