5:15PM, Oct 26, 2009
Having been crowned King of the Jungle, La Bamba star Lou Diamond Phillips has enjoyed a comeback this year.
We caught up with the 80s icon to discuss his Stargate Universe role, working with Robert Carlyle and the possibility of 'gating' to the UK.
How would you describe Stargate Universe?
It's grittier and edgier. Previous incarnations relied on the larger-than-life heroism of its characters, whereas Stargate Universe goes internal. Nothing's black and white – everyone has an agenda, an Achilles heel and flaws. The show focuses on this battle for survival, exploring how the characters respond to the situation, and what it brings out of them.
What attracted you to the project in the first place?
Robert Carlyle was a great calling card before I was even sent the script – I have great respect for his level of taste. My character starts off relatively slowly and is part of the ensemble, but he's intrinsically involved with what happens. He's very much a part of Stargate Universe's future and that's enticing.
What's it like working with Robert Carlyle?
I absolutely adore Robert and am looking forward to working with him more. I've had the opportunity to go head-to-head with Robert, and, man, this is what acting's about. It's like a tennis match, hot and heavy, and that's when you create something magical.
How would you sum up your character, Colonel David Telford?
A frustrated warrior. Telford is supposed to lead the mission through the gate, but finds himself on the sidelines. He feels like he's the one who can save them, but his input is limited.
Are you a sci-fi fan?
Blade Runner, a sci-fi touchstone, is one of my favourite movies, so yes.
Why do you think sci-fi appeals to audiences?
Sci-fi has always had the potential to be part of the mainstream stable, but was considered to be the domain of geeks and nerds. The reason it's at the forefront now is that it appeals to the imagination, and technology has advanced so much that anything can be realised – compared to 20 years ago, you needed to be a Spielberg to have a stab at sci-fi. There's an appetite for shows like Stargate Universe, but also a level of expectation.
The plot of the show is rooted in a battle for survival. How would you cope in that situation?
Well, I am the King of the Jungle (Lou won the American version of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here earlier this year), so I think I'd cope just fine. I decided to take part in I'm A Celeb because I knew my family would get a kick out of it, and I wanted to prove that I could back up being an action hero.
The Stargate series is renowned for its jargon. What tongue-twisters have you come across so far?
Thankfully, I haven't got a whole lot of techno babble to tackle. I'm just a military guy, so I'll leave all that fun stuff for Robert.
If you could 'gate' anywhere right this second, be it real or fictitious, where would it be?
I'd go someplace that I've never been, like Egypt or Ireland. If I could navigate time and space, I think it'd be pretty amazing to visit medieval England.
Finally, what are the ingredients of a successful TV show?
You have to tell a story that interests people, and tell it in a way that maintains their interest. Audiences have a big appetite for a good story, and you have to make sure you nourish them. Fortunately, Stargate Universe has all the right ingredients, a talented cast and strong writers. The creators have years and years of experience, and know what works and what doesn't.
Find out when Stargate Universe is on TV.
