GateWorld: Is it frustrating at all that there hasn’t been any movement on the movie front? I mean, we know the official reasons why, but …
David Hewlett: What are the official reasons why? I mean, what are they?
GW: Officially, downturn in the DVD markets and financial troubles at MGM. They’re in process of being sold.
DH: Mmm-hmm. I think those legitimate reasons not to do it …
GW: Is it frustrating knowing that it’s a question mark that it may ever happen, especially since it was initially green-lit? And, you know, the script was worked on?
DH: Well, there was … I mean, there was a script, but we never saw it. It never got to the stage. It’s not like it was in full-force.
GW: Right, right.
DH: … and then it was taken away, or anything. Whenever they cancel a show they always talk “movie.” Because it’s the only way that … you don’t want to just drop it dead. No one wants to believe it’s going to stop. You know what I mean? But the reality is, especially, you know, in this day in age …
I don’t believe the DVD wouldn’t do well on a show like that. I think if we did it — if there was an Atlantis movie, I think it would do very well. And I think the fans have every right to want that, and to ask for it.
You know, please do ask for it because if it happens … I mean, I’d love it to happen. But as the years go by, it gets more and more difficult for that to happen because we’re all off in different directions. I mean Jason [Momoa] is Conan, for God’s sake!
GW: Yeah.
DH: It’s going to be … you know, who knows? I’m going to be some kind of weird director up in Bulgaria. [Laughter]
GW: From the beginning with Rodney’s first appearance on [Stargate] SG-1 to the end of [Stargate] Atlantis, how would you say that he grew over the years? Is he the same man?
DH: He definitely wore larger size clothing, I think. He definitely grew. But that was more about, I think, how much food I ate on set.
The weird thing with McKay was I never wanted him to get too watered down. Like, I mean, there was the fear of moving him from guest star to a lead. On Atlantis my fear was they were going to soften him. Because I felt the appeal with his character was that he wasn’t a sucky, little wimp. I didn’t want him to be nice.
And what I think was fun about navigating those five years on [Stargate] Atlantis was playing that line of going, “OK, he has to be a lead in a show, so he can’t be unlikeable.” But at the same time, I felt that he could have unlikeable traits. And they were very good about doing that. The writers were very good at keeping that character interesting.
I’d like to think I brought some of that stuff, as well. Some of that unlikeable stuff. I generally bring a bit of unlikeable with me wherever I go.
But it was a fun ride because it was about trying to make a character that was supposed to come in for one episode, cause chaos for Amanda Tapping, and then leave again – and try to sustain that for five years. So, it was just fun. It was like, “Oh, look. He’s got scenes with kids!” Well, what if McKay doesn’t like kids? You know what I mean? Like that kind of stuff. Like who the hell doesn’t like kids? Who doesn’t like dogs? Who doesn’t like animals? And allergies and hypochondria and all that kind stuff that I bring, generally, with me anyway.
You know, in a strange way I don’t think he grew so much as I — I don’t think McKay changed that much other than he realized that perhaps he needed people. Which, in a weird way, I guess that was almost my journey with that, as well. Because when I arrived I was this character. I was this standalone character who didn’t have … I remember in one of the first episodes someone came up and patted me on the shoulder. And I was like, “No. No, you can’t do that. You can’t. I’m sorry. But Rodney doesn’t … that’s not … he’s not a big physical …”
And they’re like, “Ooo! What’s your problem?” And I was like, “No, I’m serious. No one would come up and pat Rodney on the shoulder in a situation like that. Anyone who’s worked with him wouldn’t do that.” You know, and he’s like, “OK, fine. Whatever.”
And by the end of it, by the end of that show it was like he was a part of a family. You know? His family was Ronon, and — like Ronon was the mom, and …
GW: [Laughter]
DH: … and Flanigan was like the pet.
It was like he had surrounded himself with people and they’d become important to him. Even as an actor — I felt I came in as an individual and I left as part of a team. And it was one of the hardest … One of the reasons why it’s so hard to let a show like that go, you know.
It’s so nice to see Flan. I haven’t seen Flanigan for way too long. I see him here and, you know, he looks terrible without me. You know?
GW: [Laughter]
DH: He’s obviously … you know, time away from me has not been good for him.
GW: Absolutely. If “Enemy At the Gate” was it and that’s the last chance we get to see you in the Rodney McKay role, what would you take away from your association with the franchise for the (almost) past decade?
DH: I probably would’ve taken one of my jackets, because they went for a fortune!
NEXT: Being a part of Stargate, and what’s next
neat interview, very cool
I really love David Hewlett and wish him much success! I liked his observations about SGA and it being something the entire family could watch and that it had “heart.” He’s kind of changed his views about SGU, I guess, since he’s now going to be in an episode. Which, good for him as far as his career goes, but I know I was disappointed when he announced that he was going to do it. Oh well. I’d love to hear more of his observations about the rest of the cast and crew, they always talk about him being grumpy… Read more »
Great interview. Glad to see David doing well. Nice to see that he misses the Stargate family. And I am now following him on Twitter as he suggested so all of us Stargate fans can stay plugged in.
A wonderfully funny guy. Eccentric as heck, but that’s a part of the charm. Follow him on twitter, and it’s great that the cast of SGA consider each other as family. Insane ribbing between Hewlett and Flanigan. Good to see that These guys are doing great projects and are not “starving artists” as some expected after the end of SGA. Great Draws at “Cons”. I’m sure other non SG1/SGA “actors” feels envious about the reception that SG1/SGA cast receives at places like the Dragon con.
He seems like such a fun, and funny, guy. I wish I had enjoyed Atlantis more so I could have seen more of him than his few appearances on SG1. As it is, I can’t wait to see him on SGU.
should have asked him why there was so much filler episodes in seasons 4 and 5. they could have ended atlantis and not have to worry about making movies to cap it off.
Great interview. David Hewlett is a very nice guy and great actor.
i miss atlantis so much.i have watched all 10 seasons of sg1 and i loved it but my heart was broken when atlantis went off.david just made the show for me.he’s great.love to all
I can’t say enough good things about David Hewlett. He impressed me with McKay, consistently acting out his many character flaws. And he inspired me with A Dog’s Breakfast, as I have an interest in filming. He is definitely someone I would appreciate meeting one day.
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I am a huge fan of David. I’ll watch what ever he’s involved in. I miss Atlantis!!!