True Blood Exclusive: Michael McMillian on the Return, Meaning of Steve Newlin
Michael McMillian sort of saw this coming.
When filming episodes of True Blood Season 2, the actor says he always thought Reverend Steve Newlin was carrying a torch for Jason Stackhouse, and viewers finally saw this play out in a positively hilarious scene from last Sunday's premiere, Turn, Turn, Turn.
Shooting that was just fun, McMillian told me over the phone this week.Ryan [Kwanten] and I love working together. He's an actor I can try anything with and vice versa. We spend most of our time trying to crack each other up, and then trying not to laugh as a result.
But even though the scene was True Bloody in nature - over the top, humorous, full of nudity - McMillian said those involved wanted to make sure Steve was coming from a real place.
This is really something he's been struggling with, the star said. We never really saw Steve's inner life on Season 2. You were seeing the public figure and wondering what is going on with him. So it's fun and kind of a relief as an actor to play a scene where his soul is coming out.
McMillian, who co-writes the True Blood comic book, found out near the end of Season 4 that he'd be returning, as creator Alan Ball simply said, We're gonna turn you into a vampire.
I thought it was great! McMillian laughed. Anyone who plays a human would love to get supernatural powers at some point.
Now what, though? We know Steve has serious feelings for Jason, but does he also have a larger agenda?
We really can't trust a lot of what Steve was saying in that moment, the actor said, referring to his speech to Jason about how he was turned. It was a mixed bag of truth and lies… he's definitely in love with Jason. He's coming after him. As for where he falls into the larger vampire picture, you'll see as the season goes along.
Overall, Steve Newlin deals with some seriously controversial topics (religion, sexuality), but the actor says he has no fear at all tackling them and the character is integral to the satirical theme of the series.
What interested me was exploring how much of the old Steve still holds water. How much has he changed now? Has he changed his beliefs? Was he always just repressing? The season as a whole takes on the concept of religious beliefs and how God can be used as an excuse for a lot of different behavior. I see Steve as an avatar for that.
Still buzzing about the re- TURN of Tara? Chat live with True Blood star Rutina Wesley on Monday at 2pm ET to discuss the Season 5 premiere. (Rutina Wesley had a chat on HBO and I'll post the important questions that surrounds Tara Thronton)
what are some new challenges that Tara will face?
A:Rutina Wesley
Dealing with her hatred for vampires and her relationship with Sookie and Lafayette.
Is there any thing happening to Tara's outfits?
A:Rutina Wesley
umm . . you'll have to wait and see but pam is my maker now so . . . ;)
Whats Tara and Pam relationship going to be like?
A:Rutina Wesley
That's going to be the thing to watch. Pam will be Pam and Tara will be Tara. :)
How do you feel about Pam as your maker?
A:Rutina Wesley
Kristin Bauer is a goddess. I love working with her and I LOVE her as my maker. Just wait . . . :)
What about season 5 are you most excited about?
A:Rutina Wesley
Seeing tara deal with the thing she hates the most. Here journey will be interesting this season.
How will Tara and Lafayette's relationship weather the turn?
A:Rutina Wesley
They're relationship is definitely changed. You will have to keep tuning in to find out. She's got a bone to pick with him.
How upset do you think Tara will be when she finds out she's the creature she hates the most?
A:Rutina Wesley
Well, let's just say she ain't happy. Not in the least. It's definitely a game changer.
So glad my BB Newlin is no longer repressed, I'm so happy for him! <3
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