Following in the footsteps of such actors as Jack Larson, Marc McClure, Michael Landes and Aaron Ashmore, Mehcad Brooks is the latest actor to play Jimmy — err, James Olsen in live action, portraying the character in Supergirl, premiering October 26 at 8:30PM on CBS.
We caught up with Mr. Brooks at the recent TV press tour to ask him about his take on the role, and what the experience has been like… and we also talk to him about a co-star from his past, and whether or not he’d like to see her on the show.
Enjoy:
KRYPTONSITE’s CRAIG BYRNE: In your version of James Olsen’s past, did he have all of the gadgets like the Superman signal watch and all of that?
MEHCAD BROOKS: We have the Superman watch. That is the first gadget we introduce… that’s all I know right now. They don’t tell me everything.
Lucy Lane (Jenna Dewan-Tatum) is coming on to the series. Can you talk about the history between her and your character?
I can say this: Lucy Lane comes in as James’ ex-fiancee, and that’s about all I can say! I can’t say a lot.
What was your reaction upon getting the role in such a high-profile project?
I screamed at the top of my lungs. I called my mom, and I said “mum’s the word, but this is happening!” I cried.
What brings James Olsen to National City?
A new job! He’s Art Director, it just so happens at the same media company as Kara.
What was the experience like of doing Comic-Con?
I loved it. It was amazing. I geeked out myself. It was multi-faceted for me, because one, all of the love and support for Supergirl; but also, I’m a comic book nerd myself. So I was kind of geeking out at the outfits myself. I really wish I had time to actually walk the convention floor.
On one of your first very high-profile roles, you worked with a famous Lois Lane (Teri Hatcher). Is she someone you would like to see on the new show?
I would love to see Teri on the show. I don’t know if Teri even wants to work — she’s made enough money at this point. But I’d love to see Teri on the show. She’s a good friend of mine. I love her to death.
Is there anyone you didn’t get to work with in the pilot episode that you’d really like to work with more?
David. I really want to work with David Harewood. He and I both have a lot of fun on set…. the whole cast is a lot of fun on the set, but he and I have similar personalities, so I would love to see how that works out.
What’s it like to work with director Glen Winter?
He’s amazing. Glen is a consummate artist, and I trust him implicitly. He’s a visionary.
Supergirl premieres October 26 on CBS. Follow @KryptonSite on Twitter and be sure to come and talk Supergirl on our forum!