"The Flash" Interviews (1)

"The Flash" Interviews (1)

October 30, 2014 at 7:15pm

THEWRAP.COM

Wentworth, Thanks for taking the time to speak again. I thoroughly enjoyed being on set with all of you guys Friday, and I can't wait to see your appearances on the show.

1) We spoke during the interview about advice you would hypothetically give to Grant Gustin who is an up-and-coming TV star, like you recently were. What advice might you give to star of the Flash movie Ezra Miller, who becomes the first open member of the LGBT community to tackle the leading role in a big budget superhero movie?

With respect, something I like to practice in my relationships is asking people if they want my opinion/advice before giving it. I've never met Ezra Miller and I'd never just assume anything I might have to say would be useful and/or of interest to him. Let's just say I'm a fan and I wish him continued success.

2) Following on that, do you think the TV/film industry in general is more LGBT friendly than it was five or ten years ago, or even when you wrote your passionate letter in 2013? Where do you see it going from here?

I'd like to believe the industry is more LGBT-friendly. I see LGBT characters on TV and I can think of actors who are out and paying the rent. Again, mostly on TV. Most out actors I can name are either exclusively or primarily associated with television. I don't know why that is, why I can't think of more out movie actors. It feels like change might be coming more slowly on the feature side.

3) What do you think it means for comic fans in the LGBT community to see themselves represented onscreen and in comic books -- whether it be in characters like the Pied Piper and Arrow's Black Canary, or in actors like yourself as Captain Cold, Ezra as The Flash, or John Barrowman as Arrow's Malcolm Merlyn"

I don't know what it means for them. I'm sure it's different for everybody. Obviously my hope is that someone or several someones respond positively to my presence onscreen. LGBT or not. That said, when I show up on set I'm not thinking about being a symbol or pushing an agenda. I'm there to work and help color in a corner of the DC universe.

4. There are so many wonderful examples of openly LGBT actors/actresses in superhero roles right now, perhaps more so than with traditional action roles. Why do you think the comic book-loving community is so much more accepting of diversity?

I'm not an expert on comic books. Or the people who read them. But if I had to hazard a guess, I'd say the "outsider stigmatized/punished for being different learns to embrace being different and finds empowerment" theme, which seems to fuel so many comic book arcs, has helped lay the foundation for comic book readers to be more open to - even celebrating of - diversity.

5. Since publishing your letter in 2013, has there been a difference in what roles you're being offered or asked to audition for?

It's hard to say. I haven't noticed a significant change in the kinds of parts I'm offered. Then again, I'm not in the room when my name comes up in casting discussions. So I don't know what people in the industry are saying or thinking about me now. And I don't spend much time worrying about it. In my heart I believe I'll play the parts I'm meant to play and tell the stories I'm meant to tell. It's like when my mom used to write "Wentworth" in my t-shirts when I went off to summer camp. If it's got my name on it, it's mine. If it doesn't, it's not mine.

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HOLLYWOODREPORTER.COM

It's been a few years since we've seen you on the small screen, save for a spot on House in 2011. What about The Flash and Captain Cold made you want to get back into the swing of TV again?

I'd been writing for a few years and it was a lonely experience. Initially I enjoyed sitting at my desk and setting my own hours. Being my own boss. But I started missing the community and the connection you find on set. Especially a TV set. The cast and crew of "The Flash" bust hump every week putting together something great. And that creates this really tight, close-knit dynamic. A certain electricity. And I was looking for some of that in my life again.

Producers Andrew Kreisberg and Geoff Johns intimated that it was your idea to bring Dominic Purcell in for Heatwave. Why did you believe he would be a good fit and what was it like reuniting for the first time on screen since Prison Break?

As soon as they described the character to me I thought of Dom. "Unpredictable, force-of-nature, a little rough-and-tumble..." But I never dreamed it would actually come together. And I'm so glad it did. As men, we couldn't be more different. But he gets me and I get him. And that's true of our characters as well. What I would have had to generate from nothing with another actor - history, intimacy - Dom and I already had the moment they yelled "action."

Speaking more specifically do your character, what was most intriguing about Leonard Snart/Captain Cold?

Snart's a villain but he's also very human. That's one of the things that drew me to him. The chance to play his various levels. When I watched the pilot I thought, "This is a show where there seems to be a real balance between action and character. They're investing in both." So I knew it wouldn't just be Snart blasting things with his Cold Gun. We get to see the man too.

What similarities might he have to Michael Scofield?

They're both clever, but where Michael is willing to sacrifice himself for others, Snart likes it the other way around.

The Rogues are a big part of The Flash mythology and it appears Captain Cold is building up his army. What's his drive in stopping The Flash at any cost?

It feels like his motivations are pretty classic. Dominance. Supremacy. First prize in the local pissing contest. It's how men like Snart pass the time and keep themselves amused. Taking what they want when they want. And anyone who gets in the way of that has to be eliminated.

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VARIETY.COM

What was it about this role that succeeded in luring you back to the small screen after your success in screenwriting?

Speaking frankly, I'd never heard of "Captain Cold." But I'd heard of Greg Berlanti. I have a great deal of respect for what Greg's accomplished, and I was interested in working with him in some capacity, as an actor or writer or both. So when the offer came in, I was open to coming on board even before I'd read the script. The fact that it was a great part was icing on the cake.

Geoff Johns has described Leonard Snart as the best at what he does -- comparing him to De Niro in Heat. What makes Leonard such a pro -- and such a dangerous adversary for The Flash -- in your opinion?

Snart's street smart but he also understands people. What makes them tick. Or vulnerable. Then he uses those insights to press his advantage.

Does he see Barry as a true threat, or more of a nuisance (and why)?

I think the answer is "both." Snart recognizes The Flash is a game changer. When meta-humans start popping up around Central City, it's not just the good guys who have to adjust. The bad guys do too. Nothing's the same now. Snart knows he needs to adapt in order to compete. Or go the way of the dinosaurs.

What makes Dominic's Heat Wave such an ideal ally for Captain Cold, and what do they see in each other?

I think their dynamic speaks to balance. Hot and cold. Brawn and brains. And so on. Snart's aware enough to know he'll need help taking out The Flash. As far as the specifics of how that goes down, naturally I can't tell you.

In the comics, Captain Cold is the leader of the Rogues, something alluded to in the title of Episode 10 -- how might we see that role explored or teased in upcoming episodes?

You know, the beauty of being a guest star is that I get to show up, say my lines, have some fun, and go home. It's not my job to explain the show's themes, tease storylines... I can leave that to the leads. Which I'm happy to do. They know better than I what can and cannot be revealed about upcoming episodes.

Courtesy of:  www.facebook.com/wentworthmilleractorwriter

Painting by:  Grant Barnhart.