arc Blucas, the new male lead on The WB's hit series Buffy the Vampire
Slayer, has big shoes to fill: those once occupied by Buffy's
247-year-old soulful vampire boyfriend, Angel.
But Blucas, who plays deceptively wholesome college-boy-cum-commando Riley
Finn, says he's had a great time since joining the critically acclaimed series in its
fourth season.
It's the first major regular television role for Blucas, who had small
parts in the feature film Pleasantville and the NBC miniseries
The 60s. He's also getting used to the celebrity that comes with
being part of a cult hit; he made his first appearance at the annual
Buffy charity party on Saturday, Feb. 19, where he mixed with more
than 300 Buffy fans from around the country.
Blucas took a break from shooting in Buffy's Santa Monica, Calif.,
sound stages to speak with Science Fiction Weekly about fans,
vampires and all things Buffy.
How have you been accepted on the show?
Blucas: The cast and crew are fantastic; they're great in the way
that they have welcomed me--and it's been a very difficult transition when
you've had so much cast to turn over, especially the male leads, Seth
[Green] and David [Boreanaz, who now headlines
his own show, Angel]. This year [the characters are] in college, and
there's a whole new set, practically a whole new show. It's been a hard
transition for everyone, especially Sarah [Michelle Gellar], who has
been such a pro and a friend in making this transition so easy for all of
us, from [creator] Joss [Whedon] on down, and for me too.
What's it like to step into a show that's already established?
Blucas: If there's such a thing as a well-oiled machine in hour-long
television, this would be it. Selfishly, this is the best job in town. The
show is established; it's a well-done, critically acclaimed, Emmy-nominated
show. And while it's difficult to come in as a new lead, whether to be
accepted by the audience or the production cast and crew, the
success of the show's not on my shoulders. It was established before I got
there, so that takes some of the pressure off me.
Are the fans accepting you as Buffy's new love interest?
Blucas: I've gotten a lot of support. I know that for the most
part, people who have a problem with Riley, it's relational issues. I
understand that they're protective of Buffy, and they know her with Angel.
And it's understandable. I appreciate their wanting that.
Is it true you've ventured onto the fans' Posting Board, where they discuss Buffy?
Blucas: So as far as the Posting Board goes, it's kind of like an
accident: You have to look, though Joss warned me not to. Seth went
through some of the same [fan] abuse [when he joined the show]. It takes a
while to win over the fans. I feel that is happening now.
Does fan reaction influence what's happening with the character or how
you perform him?
Blucas: No. You take any criticism, either positive or negative, for
what it is, and move on. I go in to have a good time, do a good job, and
make the job as fun as I can. … I am grateful for the opportunity and luck
that I've had in being on this show, and I'm so appreciative of all the fan
comments, good or bad. Criticism at any level is always something you can
take away to make yourself a better person … or better at what you do. It
helps me get to where I want to be.
Do you worry that Riley will be killed off?
Blucas: [laughs] Well, as you know, many people die on a weekly
basis on our show. So you look over your shoulder a little bit. But I'm
having such a great time … I just want it to go on as long as they want
me. I have no idea how long that will be. I just got a script this morning
and just learned what happens to my character next week. So I'm below a
need-to-know basis [laughs].
What's your favorite thing about Buffy so far?
Blucas: There are so many things so positive about this. Selfishly,
I think it's great both to see the role grow, as well as my performances.
And also I'm from a small town in Pennsylvania, so who I'm with means a lot
to me. I think I'll walk away from this with a good taste in my mouth. ...
I've made a lot of friends.
Do you hang out with the cast or crew?
Blucas: We have. Sarah and I have gone to dinner a handful of times,
as have Nick Brendon [Xander] and I. We didn't travel together, but we
spent time together in San Francisco for an NBA All-Star game. I also play
in an adult basketball league, and the cast and their families come out and
watch us play. … It's a good sign when you can spend 15 hours a day for
five days straight [working with people], and still desire to spend time
with them on the weekends.
How much are you like Riley?
Blucas: I think we're alike in a lot of ways. While we definitely
have our differences, we're both very dedicated and disciplined people,
very intense people, and we always know what we wanted. … You're going to
ask me now how we're different. I don't wear camouflage much [laughs]. …
Riley is a little socially uncomfortable and unconfident, whereas I can
talk to a lampshade; I don't have much of a problem in that department. And
Riley said, "I can't dance," and I would like to stake a claim that I
can [laughs].
Are you hoping to take movie roles when Buffy goes on hiatus?
Blucas: Always. I think every TV actor hopefully is trying to
position themselves to work over the summer. There's nothing confirmed. But
I have some irons in the fire. I'm not going to jinx it by listing
projects. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed until it happens. If no movie
works out, I'd love to do theater.
What's next for Riley on Buffy?
Blucas: I wish I knew. I really can't tell you a thing, and that's
not because they have a gag clause in my contract. It's because I don't
know anything. I honestly don't have any idea. The show hangs its hat on
leading us one way and turning us in the exact opposite direction. But I
can't wait to find out what it is. It's nice to be as excited as I am to do
what I do.
