Paul BlackThorne Interview, The Dresden Files

At the Sci Fi press upfronts, I had the opportunity to catch up with Paul Blackthorne. We talked briefly about Sci Fi’s latest series, "The Dresden Files" where Blackthorne plays Harry Dresden, TV’s newest twist on paranormal detective mysteries.

Jerrica: What do you like about playing in "The Dresden Files"? What do you like about playing a wizard?

Paul Blackthorne: I think what I like about playing a wizard is the unpredictability, not having any idea what might be coming next. It’s the wonderful world of sci-fi and fantasy. And putting a regular kind of guy in a supernatural environment and how he reconciles that world in the regular world. It’s what I find kind of fascinating, are his attempts to reconcile the human world.

J: What drew you to this project initially?

PB: A phone call from my agent saying you’ve got an audition for "The Dresden Files." No, I read the script and immediately enjoyed it. I was actually on a train leaving London, and I had barely left the terminal when I realized that I was really interested in the script.

J: What was it that drew you? Are you interested in the supernatural?

PB: No, not particularly. It was the character, the reluctant nature of the character, the reluctant hero sort of aspect. He saves the world because he can, rather than because he really wants him to. He goes, "Well, I suppose I should, because I can. And the girl’s cute, and I wouldn’t rather be at home." He’s real reluctant. I’m really generalizing this character now.

J: Is that the type of hero you imagine that you would be?

PB: I guess there may be something in there, yeah. You never know.

J: Are you enjoying filming here?

PB: We’ve been filming in Toronto, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying it.

J: On this continent, you’re not missing across the pond?

PB: Oh, absolutely. Of course, I miss it. But I’ve been having a great experience filming over here.

J: Are you doing any other projects at this time?

PB: I’m waiting at the moment on a few projects, waiting on a few things. There’s a film I did with Michael Rapaport called "Special" which is coming out in August. It’s his film, and he’s fantastic. I’m just lurking in the shadows.

J: That’s wonderful, and good luck with "The Dresden Files."

Though I only got to speak with him for a few minutes, Paul was very nice and very cool. "The Dresden Files" is Sci Fi’s new series airing Sunday nights at 9 p.m. EDT.