Interview: Andreas Katsulas | Read Pt. 1 | Read Part 2 |
Andreas Katsulas plays G'Kar in the SCI FI original movie Babylon 5: The Legend of the Rangers, a role he made famous in the original Babylon 5 series. We caught up with Katsulas on the set of Rangers and discussed his return to the Babylon 5 universe, his thoughts about G'Kar's future and his take on what fans will think of the new film.
Q: How did you end up being cast in the movie?
A: The way it happened was, I happened to bump into [J. Michael Straczynski]. I was having dinner with my son on Ventura Boulevard and [Straczynski] happened to be having dinner with his wife in the same restaurant and we saw each other. It was on the day that he'd gotten the green light for Rangers. So he took it as a sign — there I was in the flesh — so he sort of said, do you want to be in it? And I said of course I do. If it had been Peter [Jurasik] that he bumped into it would have been Peter that's in it. But I happened to be the one who was under his nose at the right minute.
Q: Do you think fans were excited to hear that G'Kar would be in Rangers?
A: I don't own a computer so I have no Internet news or activity so I know nothing at all about what the fan reaction to this is. It's just a logical guess that they are very very wise to put someone from the old series in it, and if you had to choose, it would be a very difficult decision. And I think it's a decision that's so awesome and difficult because Joe loves us all so much. You know, which baby are you going to choose to put on your knee? And the others are going to be starved for your affection.
Q: How do you think fans will react when they see the new movie?
A: I think they'll be, first of all, head over heels delighted that something is being offered again. And that this time, in this world Babylon 5 is still there. This isn't some future time when B5 doesn't exist. Sheridan is still there, he's the president of the Alliance, everything that was in place when the series is there is still there, we're just moving the camera over a couple of light years. I think there is enough tangible connection with the old show, and the fact of G'Kar's presence, is enough of the flavor of the old show; I think Joe's really brought the two worlds together and he's left if totally open that the two worlds can intermingle. So I think the fans will be totally interested in the new developments and delighted that the old developments are still there and that they can still see some of the old characters maybe reappear. I don't know where Joe's going go take it, but everything's open.
Q: If Rangers becomes a series, will G'kar be a recurring character, or is he just making a guest appearance in the movie?
A: I'm not clear on it. I've asked the question and I think Joe would like to see G'Kar be a part of things but what form that will take I don't think he knows himself.
Q: Do you miss having your long-time Babylon 5 antagonist, Londo Molari (Peter Jurasik), with you?
A: The way things are in the new situation, I just didn't think about it. I don't know how it would play out it the long run, if I were go to series with the story, I don't know. I just miss Peter so much on a personal level, that's about what I can say. He's my buddy and I wish he were around.
Q: What do the other original Babylon 5 cast members think of your being cast in Rangers?
A: I don't have an Internet [connection] or anything, but they do. So before I even knew anything was solid, Peter and Jerry [Doyle] were already phoning me to congratulate me. I said, what are you congratulating me for? They already knew more than I did before I knew it! Of course we have the kind of relationship, the three of us, where I'm gleefully rubbing their noses in the fact that I'm in it and they're not!
Q: Do you have any parting thoughts?
A: I'm just personally really happy and excited for Joe and Doug [Netter] that they're finding a way to continue a good thing. And I wish them much success whether I continue with it or not. I just hope that it goes and that they have a great time and do some good work.
