Ian Ziering – Swamp Thing

By starrymag | October 20, 2020

By: Sammi Turano

 

 

 

Q) Please describe the premise of “Swamp Thing.”

A) “Swamp Thing” is a reluctant superhero. This is a story, a very dramatic story, of an opportunist who takes advantage of a town and poisons the swamp, but this particular swamp he poisons has some supernatural spirits in it and they fight back in a way that creates Swamp Thing. We have the top writers in Hollywood working on it, the top writers in film working on this…I had to pinch myself. The makeup, the special effects…It was like working with special op forces in each department.

When Len Wiseman showed up, the director and producer who did a hundred million blockbusters, when he called “action” each department delivered in a way that was nothing short of jarring. The special effects are done on set, not on a computer. It is going to raise the bar of television.

 

Q) How did you get the role of Daniel/Blue Devil? Was it a pitch or an audition?

A) Daniel Cassidy came to me as an audition. Every once in a while, I am straight up offered something and, while it is flattering, I am suspicious, because I wonder if I am being offered this, who turned it down? [laughs] I always prefer to win the part so they know what they are getting. I want the projects to succeed, so I want them to make sure they are getting the right person. So, when I got this audition, I was trembling a bit because the nine-year-old boy inside me was ridiculously excited to play a superhero for DC! This is what you dream about as a little boy and you are dressed in your cape and with a stick as a shield and sword and this is doing it for real.

I workshopped the scene with a friend the night before and when I went to the audition at Warner Brothers, there were people and executives in a theatre, gave it my best shot and realized that as an actor if I can win over the room, it is a win – even if I am rejected. I went home and put it out of my mind, but hoped to get it so I can share it with my kids. I found out I got it the next day and was surprised, but my agent told me they wanted me and it felt really good. It got better and better from there, especially when I saw the rest of the cast. I was a fan of everyone and was excited to work with them, as well as the directors and Fractured (the special effects crew.)

 

Q) How was your role initially described to you?

A) Daniel is a frustrated stuntman, who is on set as an understudy for the lead actor who plays Blue Devil in the movie.

 

Q) What were some challenges in playing the role?

A) As an actor, it is your job to act naturally in imaginary circumstances. You can draw on past experiences and memories to evoke whatever it is that is called upon for any particular part. For me, when I put on this Blue Devil makeup on. There is not one centimeter of my body that is exposed. This is not like a Halloween costume. It is high tech material. I wear contact lenses to cover the white of my eyes. There is nothing resembling me. I was in the makeup chair for three hours and when I opened my eyes, I did not recognize anything. It reminded me of college when a girl put cornrows in my hair….it completely changed me.

 

Q) Did you watch the original movie/read the comics to prepare?

A) This series is based on the Alan Moore version. The comics and movies are by different people and campier. this is more drama. The shock and horror are warranted a hard R in the original, but this is toned down but still jarring. The storytellers are on top of their game.

 

Q) What are some favorite episodes or moments viewers should look out for on “Swamp Thing?”

A) There is this one scene where Daniel is transforming into the Blue Devil when I got to work with Kevin Durand and Will Patton. I am a huge fan of both of them, so to have such a high stakes scene with them was very memorable. It was scary, spooky with water and smoke and I have goosebumps now. There are a lot of memories and I enjoyed every moment. I even went on set when I wasn’t working to watch and learn from everyone. It was a great experience.

 

Q) What do you think it is about this series that will make it a fast sci-fi favorite?

A) It is incredibly watchable. It pulls you in and you want to know more. The numbers are huge, especially with the online chatter.

 

Q) What other projects are you working on? 

A) I have a script I am working on with a producer friend of mine. It is kind of like a Jason Bourne type of movie where he tries to leave his life behind and start anew, but things pull him in. I have a few things in the works, but things are on the back burner on Hollywood now. I am just so excited about “Swamp Thing.”

 

Q) We loved your cameo on “The Order.” How did that come about and what was it like filming that extensive secret gag?

A) Chad Oakes, the producer, is a friend of mine and Jason [Priestley]. He called us and asked us to do a cameo. I will always jump at a chance to work with them. We spent the day in Canada with some buddies and it turned out to be a lot of fun. I loved the scenes. Jason was hysterical.

 

Q) You are most famous for playing Steve Sanders on “90210.” Where do you think he would be today?

He would probably be living life in the cloud forest in Costa Rica as the life coach of the most interesting man in the world.

 

Q) What would you like to tell your fans and supporters?

A) They can follow me on @ianzeiring on all social media platforms for behind the scenes stuff and I appreciate the support!