 
GW: Do you feel like the series, by the end of Season Five, had hit its stride? That it wasn't necessarily ready [to be cancelled] ...
DN: Yeah, definitely. I mean, not only had we hit our stride, but it was such a [good] chemistry between the characters. The problems we had started to introduce, like the whole Asgard characters that were in the new suits and all that. So it felt like Season Five, we were setting up stuff that then had to rapidly get chopped down.
" I kind of regret a little bit that the Zelenka character didn't get sort of tied up in any kind of way."
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I'm holding out hope -- I keep saying the movie -- that these things will be addressed in the movie. Because there are some open-ended questions. The Replicators, I think, are sorted. But the Wraith aren't. And neither are these new bad guys.
GW: Have you heard anything at all in terms of a start date for production? I know we had seen they were kind of looking at a spring [date] as far as getting things going.
DN: Yeah, but that's no longer I think the case. I don't know anything more than you guys would know. I go to GateWorld to get my information. [Laughter]
GW: You heard it here first!
DN: As far as the script goes, I'm not even sure if it's completed yet, or if it's written yet. [As of May 2009, the film's script has been completed. - Ed.] Of course, then getting all the rest of the actors together and putting it all together ...
GW: It takes time.
DN: It all takes time, yeah. It all takes time. So hopefully.
GW: The character of Zelenka started out just as a bit player in "Thirty Eight Minutes," back in Season One. And over the course of five years, he evolved into so much more. You averaged basically half a season [of episodes] each year. Over the course of five years, [a] wonderfully realized character. How did you approach the role and what do you think spurred his popularity?
DN: Well, thank you for saying that. It's difficult for me to assume what the popularity was based on.
Certainly, the approach that I had to it was to try to be the everyman in such extraordinary circumstances. Not the hero who can figure it all out. Not necessarily the brave guy who can overcome it. Just an ordinary scientist who's now in one of the best labs in the world. One of the most fascinating places to be. Not even in the world. In the universe. Let's go with that.
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Zelenka was often called in to solve problems when McKay was occupied. |
My approach is always to be humble towards the surroundings. And intrepid -- as intrepid as possible -- as the science can dictate. And with respect to the character. I think to caricature, or to assume a relationship that isn't there doesn't do the character any favors. And doesn't do the writing any favors as well. So, honor the writing as much as you can, and honor the character.
GW: And the rest comes naturally.
DN: And the rest comes naturally.
GW: Were there parts of Zelenka's character that you wish you had more time to develop on-screen that you didn't get [to]?
DN: Yeah. I was really happy for the work I got to do with David [Hewlett]. I wish that there was more opportunities to work with some of the other characters. Notably Ronon and Teyla, whom I didn't get to see much of on-screen. I certainly talked with them a lot on set, but didn't get a chance to work with them that much.
I was hoping for some more time also to develop a working relationship with Picardo. I should say with our captain. [Laughter]
I was hoping that could develop more. So yeah, more. More character development. More relationships with the other characters. But I guess every actor will tell you that.
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