Echo Kellum – Arrow

By starrymag | October 26, 2016

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

Q) What makes this season of “Arrow” one of the finest?

A) They have talked a lot about how it is kind of the legacy season and back to basics. I really think that’s what we are going for. There is so much good stuff in terms of the new team’s dynamics. And what I think the new actors bring to the table is so palpable and powerful. I think people will really, really like this season. We have had a blast shooting it so far. We’re really doing some special stuff for “Arrow” and I think it has come out awesome.

Q) How will Laurel’s death and this breakup of the core team might continue to shift dynamics this season?

A) I think you definitely see how Oliver (Stephen Amell) treats the new team. You can see what happens to Laurel (Katie Cassidy) effects how he treats us all. He just wants us to be prepared and realize that our lives are at risk when we go out there to fight for the city. I think you see those parallels play out a lot throughout the season. You’ll see that Oliver is definitely trying to honor her memory and keep the team together as much as possible.

Q) How is Curtis fairing with Oliver’s training?

A) It’s tough on him! I think the one thing about Curtis is that he has a determination unlike any other. Once he sets his mind to something he goes for it and pushes through it. I think you’ll see that he definitely brings that aspect to his training. You’ll see he definitely has a lot of stumbles and some hurdles, but he’ll get over them and fight through it.

Q) Talk about the stunt work and how much you get to actually do yourself.

A) I get to do a fair amount. Whatever they are looking to do, I’m definitely down to do it. They have us boxing, doing Mui Thai and training as well. But it is definitely challenging more than I’ve ever had to do in my career, but it is very rewarding. As an actor, you put your body on the line and go for stuff like that. It’s something I’m really loving.

Q) For many fans of superheroes, it is kind of a form of escapism to watch people fight crime. You get to play in it!

Q) It means the world to me! It’s something I’ve always wanted my entire life since I knew I wanted to be an actor. I think it is so cool to see that this is an LGBTQ character and still gets to suit up and do things just like everyone else. I think the exciting thing is that I get to represent that in a real way without playing it up. This character really stands out for who he is and not who he loves. I think it is really important to have those characters on TV that have that depth and different backgrounds.

Q) What has been your favorite or most rewarding part of Curtis’ character development?

A) For me, the best part and the coolest part has been trying on this Terrific Suit. It was very surreal and kind of put me in that childlike state of going back to always wanting to be a superhero. That was one of the coolest memories for me.

Q) What else can you tease will we get to see from Curtis this season?

A) He is definitely facing a lot of vigilantes in the city. I’m most looking forward to with Curtis is the crossover episode because it is nice for him to step into these other worlds. I’m really looking forward for people to check that stuff out. It was a lot of fun to play with them.

Q) There is this big four DC show crossover. Where does Curtis find himself in the mix?

A) I think Curtis, as you saw last year when he first came into The Arrow Cave, he just was in awe and totally fanboyed. You’ll see Curtis kind of go through the same motions realizing how much being a computer technician that is completely involved in science testing to see if his theories are true is very exciting for him.

Q) Will we see more inner turmoil for him as well?

A) Absolutely! You see him dealing with stuff at home with his husband and what being a vigilante means to that. Hey are trying to see if they can fight through that stuff as that. It will be a very interesting season for Curtis in general.

Q) You are a part of social media. Have you been enjoying the instant fan feedback you have been receiving to the season and your character?

A) The fans are so passionate and overall positive. It’s such a wonderful feeling to see how they are reacting to what we are doing because we kind of live in a bubble while we’re shooting it. The fans have been really vocal about the season. I really feel like we are headed in such a wonderful direction.

Q) Are there upcoming scenes that you are nervous or excited for fans to see?

A) Yes, this next episode Curtis gets to do a lot of fun stuff. I really can’t wait for what fans have to say about this next episode.

Q) What do you feel is it about “Arrow” that continues to set it apart from other superhero series?

A) I like the realism that goes into “Arrow.” It’s realer and grittier. They deal with people without superhuman powers. I feel like those stories hit sometimes closer to home because we are just put into these characters that are as vulnerable as we are. I think it really adds a lot and brings a lot of depth and human quality to the show.

Q) Superhero shows are often dark, but you have this wonderful comedic background. How do you bring that balance to your role?

A) I think the writing helps a lot. The writers are really talented and really get Curtis’ voice and really get my voice, too. They make it really easy and with my background I am able to go with the flow and play along sometimes and improv a little bit. The writers deserve the credit and I’m thankful we have such great writers on the show. I’m working with some really great dialogue.

Q) What else can you tease about the upcoming episodes?

A) My only thing is that I think it is going to be one of the best if not the best season of “Arrow.” Everyone should give it a shot. I think people will be pleasantly surprised by where we are going.