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Interview with David Hewlett
David Hewlett reprises his
recurring role as Dr. Rodney McKay, a clever and quick-witted astrophysicist
whose arrogance often proves irksome. McKay is a character he originally
played in season seven of "Stargate SG-1" in the episodes "48 Hours" and
"Redemption."
His other television
credits include guest starring roles on 'ER', 'Without a Trace', 'The
District' and recurring roles on 'Kung Fu - The Legend Continues', 'Beyond
Reality' and the Canadian hit series 'Traders' for which he garnered two
Gemini nominations for Best Performance in a Featured Supporting Role. He
had leading roles in Sylvester Stallone's television pilot 'Lefty', as well
as 'The Triangle', 'And Never Let Her Go', 'The Penthouse' and the
critically acclaimed "The Boys of St. Vincent'. Hewlett recently completed
two films for the SciFi channel; 'Darklight' and 'Boa vs. Python'.
Among his feature film
credits are 'Nothing', 'Get Down,' 'Cube.' 'Clutch.' and John Boorman's
'Where the Heart Is.' as well as cult favourites like 'Scanners II.' 'Desire
and Hell at the Sunset Motel,' and 'Pin.'
Hewlett states that he is a
self proclaimed computer nerd who loves small dark rooms and large
computers. Born in England, he now resides in Santa Monica. We've got the
chance to interview this cool guy in cooperation with RTL II and here is our
Interview!
How is it like being the "super-brain" of Stargate Atlantis?
Lonely! It also makes it very
hard to go back to my real life and find that after having an answer for
everything as McKay, I've got none as David!
When McKay first appeared in SG1, nobody really liked him. Do you think
that this has changed now?
They what?! I think that it's safe to say that McKay is still a lot of fun
to hate! I don't think that McKay has changed so much as we've been able to
delve a little deeper in his psyche. Behind all that snarky sarcasm there is
actually a human being that can find things overwhelming and has a few
troubles of his own, as well as just making trouble for everyone else.
Seeing behind the "first impressions" McKay, like anyone, tends to soften
the brash and opinionated...a little.
What was your favourite episode so far?
Impossible to say! I've got favourite action episodes, like the "The Storm",
"The Eye", "The Defiant One", "The Siege 1&2",
and
favourite "acting" episodes
like "Home", "Letters from Pegasus" and just favourite
episodes like "Underground", "Brotherhood"...I should really list
them all, they all have something that makes them stand out. I'm a geek, I
love them all!
How did you get the part of McKay in Atlantis?
I believe that Robert Cooper had seen me in a show that I was shooting up in
Toronto, Canada. He didn't think I was too awful in it
I'm pretty sure that
it was the quirkiness that he liked. He was kind enough to write a part for
me. I wasn't available to do it, if you can believe that! So they tried
again with another character, good old McKay! It worked out and I got a call
saying they wanted me up in Vancouver for the SG1 episode "48 Hours"...that
started the whole thing. It was a surprise to me that they wanted me back
for "Redemption" and almost didn't do it because of scheduling nonsense!
Thankfully they put up with my back and forth on whether I'd be available
and it all worked out. Cooper still hassles me about messing them around for
so long before I finally showed up...Hey, someone's got to try and keep them
on their toes!
How was your reaction when you heard you can be one of the main cast in a
brand new Stargate series?
I couldn't believe it! I had heard that Atlantis was
happening and had asked my various agents and managers to look into it. I
was thinking maybe McKay could show up for a couple of episodes here and
there, like what had happened with SG1. I had no idea that it could get as
good as a leading role!
What do you think which woman is more attractive to McKay - Teyla or
Weir? And what does David Hewlett think?
What, are you trying to get me in trouble!? McKay wouldn't be able to
choose, why should I have to! Teyla and McKay don't really interact all that
much, something I hope will change in coming seasons. Weir's McKay's boss,
so I don't think he'd like that power imbalance. David Hewlett loves them
both, I actually get paid to act opposite [to] two of the brightest and most
pleasant actresses in sci-fi, can't beat that!
Can you tell us what we can expect from the end of the first Season of
Atlantis?
It's going to be utter mayhem! We've got all sorts of deep dark secrets
coming to the surface, a serious Wraith attack on Atlantis,
tons of action, and sadly, the
loss of one of our crew. And look out SG1, McKay's might just be
popping by for a visit! Work that one out! I can't wait to see it myself!
Your performance in "Hide and Seek" ("He shot me" [...] "I'm
invulnerable") was unbelievable. How was it to play this episode, because
McKay got into serious troubles at the end of this Episode, while at the
beginning he was very cool and funny?
First off thanks! But you've really got to hand it to the writers and the
producers of SG1 and SGA! One of the keys to the success of SG1, and it's
something that they've brought to SGA, is the humour. Life isn't always
dealt with in a serious, "action hero" manner. Humour can really add to the
threat and the character development by making the stories more "real" and
contemporary. It's a balance that I think they've really mastered with SG1
and that I'm now getting the benefit of being able to play as McKay!
Will you ever attend a convention in
Germany?
Just tell me when and where! I'm all for it!
After the record breaking rating, do you think or hope there will be a
second season? Have you already been asked?
Just got the official word that we're going back to Pegasus! We're all set
for Atlantis Season 2, can't wait!
Many fans are hoping Samantha Carter (played by actress Amanda Tapping)
will come to Atlantis so we can see some cool
scenes between McKay and Carter. Do you think this will happen in the
future of Atlantis?
Definitely! Well, I shouldn't say that because it's not my call. I'm
certainly going to be making a case for it! Those SG1 episodes are
still some of the most
interesting scenes I've had the pleasure of acting in. Amanda is such a
star, love her to bits! That said, keep an
eye out during season 8 of
SG1 for a little McKay/Carter banter...but I didn't tell you!
www.sg-atlantis.info
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