Navid Negahban – Legion

By starrymag | July 22, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) At the moment I am focusing on my passion project, Romany Studios – a center I’m developing in Boyle Heights; built for the artists, by the artists. I also have two projects – Asher’s Command written by Marilyn Felt, inspired by New York Times news articles. And Cash for Gold inspired by the short we did which you can see here, written by Deborah Puette and directed by Robert Enriquez.

Q) What can you tease is new this season on “Legion?”

A) It’s a journey within. Discovering the beginning. So, be ready to be surprises.

Q) What continues to challenge you about your portrayal of Amahl Farouk?

A) The complicity of the character and the new curve balls thrown by Noah [Hawley] and the writing team. It’s an actor’s dream to be challenged by an amazing creative team like what we had on “Legion,” to discover his own unknown abilities. I didn’t know I could sing that well, thanks to our composer Jeff Russo.

Q) How much research did you initially put into getting to know the comic book version of the character?

A) I was thrown into the character on the second season. I had to learn on the go. Aubrey Plaza, Bill Irwin, Rachel Keller and Dan Stevens were my crash course teachers.

Q) This is a pretty dark character. How do shake off a long day of filming?

A) Taking a walk and buying myself an ice-cream.

Q) Talk about working with costar Dan Stevens.

A) It was amazing. We had tons of fun with each other. He was very supportive and at the same time is a an amazing, giving actor to work with.

Q) Were you hoping to share any scenes this season with anyone in particular?

A) This season was a dream. I had the opportunity to work with everyone on the set and I loved every second of it. I will miss working with each and every one of them.

Q) What have been some of your favorite moments from working on this series?

A) Every day that I stepped onto set was a favorite moment for me. I was always like a kid, excited and I couldn’t wait to be there.

Q) As this is the final season of “Legion,” were there any pieces of memorabilia that you took with you?

A) I was given a few articles of clothing, but I have the glasses and I have the tie pin. Those were the items that would always help me to transform into the other dimension and become Amahl.

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you still enjoy the fan feedback you receive to the episodes?

A) Yes, of course. The fans have been very kind to us and I love reading their comments. It makes me feel like being part of their family.

Q) What did you personally take away from your time working on “Legion?”

A) Getting to know so many amazingly kind and talented people and it gave me a chance to learn and discover new things.

Q) You often take on dramatic roles. What makes this genre so appealing to you?

A) It’s always about the content and depth of the character, not the genre. When I received the offer to do “Curb Your Enthusiasm” with Larry David I eagerly accepted. It allowed me to get back in touch with my roots in comedy, which is actually how I started my career back in Germany.

Q) You have been a part of a number of incredible projects throughout your career. What were some of your favorite roles/projects?

A) That’s like asking a father to choose a favorite child. Each of them gave me something, helped me learned about myself.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work you do?

A) I’m grateful! Thank you for coming along and allowing me to entertain you.