Season One Behind the Scenes Interviews

[Ashley]

All the interviews from the first season are now archived here in one thread.

[Ashley]

Originally posted October 6th, 2006

DISCLAIMER: The interview below is not real. It is purely for entertainment purposes.

In this first Behind the Scenes segment, we sat down Dylan Stone himself, Kyle Gallner. We asked him what it's like to play the little brother of a spy and what's coming up for his character.

BEHIND THE SCENES: So, what is it like playing Dylan Stone?
KYLE: Well, he is probably the most well-adjusted person I've played recently. I like him. He is a bit of a brat though, but he's been through a lot, so he kind of earned it.

BTS: So he is definitely nothing like Beaver Casablancas [the character Kyle played on "Veronica Mars"] then?
K: (laughs) That's an understatement! Yeah, he's not going to be blowing up any buses anytime soon. But that's not saying that Dylan doesn't his own issues, because he definitely does. Like I said before, he's been through a lot. He never had a normal childhood, and he's trying his best now to enjoy his teenage years. At the same time, his sister Angie is very protective of him. So he definitely rebels a little.

BTS: So far we haven't really seen much of Dylan's life. How is that going to develop as the season goes on?
K: Well, in episode five of this season we get to see what it's like for him in high school. That was fun to shoot, 'cause it was the first time I got to interact with people my age since I started here. And Dylan acts differently around his friends than he does his sister. So that's a great dynamic to explore. They brought in Hayden Panetierre ["Heroes"], Corbin Bleu ["High School Musical"] and Brenda Song ["The Suite Life of Zach and Cody"], and they're all fun to work with.

BTS: Any romantic happenings in Dylan's future?
K: Oh, yeah. Definitely. And just like a lot of teenage guys, Dylan thinks he knows what he's doing, but he really doesn't.

BTS: What's been your favorite episode to shoot so far?
K: We just finished episode seven, and to be completely honest, I liked it so much because it's the most I've had to do so far in an episode. I can't wait until we get to the Christmas episode though. It'll be the first time that Nathan [Fillion] will be on the show as Angie and Dylan's uncle. I'm a big "Firefly" fan and he sounds like a lot of fun.

BTS: Your character doesn't know his sister is a spy. Do you think Dylan will ever get suspicious of his sister and start asking questions?
K: That's a good one, and I really don't know. I guess it makes sense that he'd start asking questions, but I doubt he'll get in on the secret too soon. I don't think he'll be able to put the pieces together himself.

So that's it for Kyle. Check be sure to check out our interview with Adrian Grenier.

[Ashley]

Originally posted October 6th, 2006

DISCLAIMER: The interview below is not real. It is purely for entertainment purposes.

In this interview we asked Adrian Grenier what it's like going from playing an up and coming movie star on "Entourage" to playing the best friend of a spy. We also ask him some questions about what his character will be up to in future episodes.

BEHIND THE SCENES: You are best known for playing Vincent Chase on "Entourage." How is Vincent different from Adrian?
ADRIAN: There are very different people to say the very least. Vince is this hotshot young actor, while Adrian is this brainy college guy.

BTS: Playing the best friend can sometimes be a thankless role. How is your character going to grow and change?
A: Well, he is a bit of a pushover isn't he? I don't think I'd be moving someone else into their apartment, that's for sure. I think it's only a matter of time before he realizes how one-sided his relationship with Angie is. What he plans to do once he figures that out, I don't know.

BTS: What else is in store for him?
A: He's going to get romantically involved with someone pretty soon. That's going to be a big storyline for him. That's about all I can say about that.

BTS: What's been your favorite experience on the set?
A: Oh, I have the funniest story. I'm sure Evie [Evangeline Lilly] will hate me for this, but it's just too good. We were shooting episode three, when there's that lingerie party and Angie and Adrian get into that big fight. It's supposed to be very intense, right? But it's not easy to get all serious when you're walking around at like three AM in boxer shorts. I couldn't stop laughing. Evie had on these ridiculous heels that were way too big and she kept falling. I'm surprised we were able to get anything good on film. That entire episode was a blast. Hot girls in lingerie is always a great day.

BTS: Do you feel you miss out because you aren't involved in the spy side of the show?
A: On one hand, it would be kind of cool if Adrian could get involved in all that, but there's a reason he's not. He represents the real world. He's part of what grounds the show, and I'm glad to play that part.

That's it from Adrian. See you next time on Behind the Scenes.

[Ashley]

Originally posted November 7th, 2006

DISCLAIMER: The interview below is not real. It is purely for entertainment purposes.

WARNING: Do not read this interview if you have not read episode 1x06. There are spoilers for the events of that episode in it.

John Krasinski is known as the bored paper salesmen Jim Halpert on "The Office." In this interview he talks about why he's so excited to join the world of espionage on "Spy Like Me."

BEHIND THE SCENES: All right John, tell us a little about your character, Keith.
JOHN: Keith is a computer technician where the girls work. He's really smart and he loves his job. He just came back from working at the London branch of IEL [International Espionage League]. He's got an interesting role in the story. He's not like their friends who have no idea what they do for a living. But he's not a spy himself. He's not completely a part of either world.

BTS: I hear he's got a little bit of a history with one of the girls.
J: Yeah, he does. He used to date Jen a while back. I don't know when they broke up, but I'm assuming it was fairly recently.

BTS: Is that relationship going to be revisited by any chance?
J: I can't tell you that! You just have to watch to find out.

BTS: All right. How does it feel sitting behind a desk all day at "The Office," and then being back in an office on this show?
J: (laughs) Well, I do have a lot of practice with that, don't I? But Keith isn't always at his computer. Every once in awhile he'll be out in the field. But something happens to him in the episode that airs this week that'll keep him benched for a little while.

BTS: He gets shot, right?
J: Yeah.

BTS: How much can you tell us about how that will play out?
J: Um...I don't know. He's not going to be seriously injured or anything. But getting shot just isn't fun. It'll shake his confidence a bit.

BTS: Anything else you can spill?
J: Just wait for the Christmas episode. That's all I'm saying.

BTS: All right, we'll take it. Thanks for talking to me.
J: My pleasure.

[Ashley]

RACHEL BILSON

Originally posted December 13th, 2006

DISCLAIMER: This is not a real interview. It is purely for entertainment purposes.

Rachel Bilson plays tough as nails spy Jen Ruiz on "Spy Like Me." We sat her down in this interview to get her opinions on her character and what's in store next for the spies.

BEHIND THE SCENES: Let's get started. What is it what appealed to you about Jen when you first read the script? And what do you love about her now?
RACHEL: In the pilot script she came off as very spunky and also a bit bitter about her situation. And I loved it. It was so realistic. And now that I've been living in her world for awhile, I have to say I only love her more. She speaks her mind. She's tough. But she also has a sweet side. She cares about her friends. She likes to take care of people. I love playing her the most when she's the most angry with the world. It's so fun. It's a way of getting out my real frustrations, and all through a character.

BTH: Is it fun being in this ensemble cast? And what's different about it compared to working on "The O.C.?"
R: I know this is a cliche, but we all do really get along. It's very different than "The O.C." I spend so much time with the girls [Evangeline Lilly and Kristen Bell]. We train together for fight sequences a lot. We spend up to sixteen hours a day together filming. If we didn't like each other, it would be awful, 'cause we're always together.

BTH: What's it like working with John Krasinski [Keith]? And where do you think the relationship between your two characters will go?
R: I was very excited when I heard they got him for the show. I auditioned with him a few times, and he was my favorite out of all the Keiths they brought in. He's a hoot to work with. He's so silly. Sometimes you have to reign him in though, or you'll be too busy laughing at something he did to finish a scene. As for Keith and Jen, they're complicated. It's an always changing relationship.

BTH: What is it like on the show now that the bad guys are in the picture?
R: It's nice having a recurring storyline. And there's definitely more action going along with it. It's a blast. I don't get to work with them much though, at least not yet. It can get kind of confusing when Rachel McAdams [Carly Santros] and I are on the set at the same time. They ask for Rachel, and we always both show up. They've started calling her the Other Rachel. I don't know if she likes that very much.

BTH: Can you tell us where the show is heading when it returns in January?
R: I can't say much, but I can say we're kicking it into high gear trying to hunt down Carly Santros and her little motley crew and figure out what she's up to. And of course, all of our personal drama is causing problems as well. Jen knows Liz and Adrian are dating. Angie's been kissing her teacher. So much drama.

BTH: I see. Well, thanks for talking to me.
R: No problem. It was my pleasure.

That's it for Rachel. Be sure to check out "Spy Like Me" when it returns with new episodes in January.

[Ashley]

Originally posted January 30th, 2007

Milo Ventimiglia is most known for paying lovable outsider Jess Mariano on "Gilmore Girls" and the powerful Peter Petrelli on "Heroes." In this interview with Behind the Scenes he talks about what it's like to be the bad guy.

DISCLAIMER: This interview is not real. It is purely for entertainment purposes.

BEHIND THE SCENES: So, Ben is very different from other characters you've played in the past. What's it like being the bad guy?
MILO: I've always wanted to be the bad guy, so I jumped at the chance to play this part. Ben's an interesting character to play. He's got two very different sides. He really likes violence, which is sometimes hard to portray. But on the other hand, he's this romantic character. It's strange, but I love it.

BTS: What's so difficult about portraying his violent tendencies?
M: He really takes this glee in hurting other people, which was hard for me to wrap my head around at first. I've started reveling in it a little, getting to play this character who pretty much does what he wants, but I always get snapped back to reality really quickly. Like I had to shoot this scene for an upcoming episode where I have this knock down, drag out fight with one of the girls. I had to throw her over this table and I actually hurt her one time on mistake. It's acting, but it can get real very quickly. But I think you'll see that it takes a toll on Ben too. He has his limits.

BTS: What do you think of his softer side?
M: He's very protective of the people he cares about, like Marissa. I really think she's the only person he cares about. He depends on Carly, but he doesn't like her.

BTS: Do you think he would ever turn on Carly?
M: I really don't think so. I don't think he thinks he could go it alone.

BTS: So what's coming up next with him?
M: Well, like I said earlier, the good guys and the bad guys finally get all in one place, and of course that means there's a big fight. And you'll find out more about who the bad guys are. I think people will like it.

BTS: Okay, last question. Do you like working on the show and do you have any stories you can tell us?
M: Yeah, I really enjoy it. And I'm not just saying that. As for stories, I don't know. Well, I've definitely hurt myself a few times trying to do my own stunts. I've realized there's a reason they have stuntmen. And who am I to put them out of work?

BTS: Well, thanks for talking to me Milo.
M: No problem.

Look for Milo on Spy Like Me when it returns next week.

[Ashley]

Originally posted January 30th, 2007

In this interview Jensen Ackles talks about what it's like to be the only guy in a girls' world.

DISCLAIMER: This interview is not real. It's purely for entertainment purposes.

BEHIND THE SCENES: It's not hard to notice that your character Nate is pretty much the only guy at IIA.
JENSEN: John [Krasinski, who portrays Keith] is on set a lot, but our characters rarely interact. So most of the time it's just me and the girls. But hey, I'm not complaining.

BTS: Nate is a pretty straightlaced guy. What's that like to portray?
J: Yeah, Nate likes to follow the rules and for the most part he does what he's told. But it hasn't taken him long to get into the way they do things at IIA. There you're allowed to question things and speak your mind. I think he really likes that. But when he's back at the CIA, it's back to obeying the rules and calling everyone sir. I always have to remind myself in scenes with Kyle [Chandler, who portrays Nate's CIA handler Harris Butler], that I have to be in CIA mode. Kyle always calls me out if I get a little too snarky with my line delivery.

BTS: What is it like to bounce back and forth between all the facets of Nate's life?
J: It's fun to play, because he really is a different person to different people. Or at least different people react to him differently. When he's at IIA, he's rarely talked to directly. No one really wants him to be there. So he just kind of quietly soldiers on, hoping they'll all come around. At the CIA, he mostly just sits there and listens as his handler tells him what to do. I think he's only really himself when he's hanging out with his roommate Danny.

BTS: Nate's work life and his personal life are going to collide pretty soon right?
J: Yeah. In the episode next week, he makes a last ditch effort to get the spies at IIA to like him by throwing a party. So it's the first time some of them are thrown together in a social context. It's interesting to say the least.

BTS: Is there anything else you can tell us that's coming up?
J: We're really getting down to the central storyline. The good guys and the bad guys finally interact on a bigger scale. As for Nate, he's pretty much just along for the ride trying to figure things out just like everyone else.

BTS: I ask almost everyone this last question. Do you have any funny stories from the set?
J: I've been told I can't tell you because it would spoil an upcoming episode. But ask Evangeline when you talk to her next week.

BTS: I sure will. Thanks for talking to me Jensen.
J: No problem. It was fun.

[Ashley]

EVANGELINE LILLY

Originally posted February 6th, 2007

DISCLAIMER: This interview is not real. It's purely for entertainment purposes.

WARNING: Do not read this article before reading episode 1x14, as it contains spoilers for the episode.

In this Behind the Scenes interview, we talk to Evangeline Lilly about playing crazy and attractive CIA agents.


BEHIND THE SCENES: Let's get right down to what I'm sure everyone's talking about.
EVANGELINE: I wonder what that could be?
BTS: So, did you know all along that your character would be hooking up with Nate?
E: Yes, I did.

BTS: Angie and Nate seemed to get along pretty well, but it didn't seem like the two were attracted to each other before this episode.
E: Well, how I understand it is that when Nate came into the picture, Angie wasn't even thinking about him. At first she didn't like him anyway, and she had a boyfriend. And then all the crazy dreams she's been having compounded with her secret relationship, she didn't have any time to think about much else. But in episode 14, everything really starts to fall apart for Angie and Nate happens to be there.

BTS: Can you tell us anything about what's going to happen between the two characters?
E: The whole thing's going to affect them both differently. And of course, it'll make work awkward. If I say anymore, it'll spoil too much.

BTS: I understand. Earlier you were talking about the weird dreams your character's been having. What can you tell us about those?
E: Actually, in the next episode, all of the stuff with the dreams is going to get wrapped up. Of course all the questions won't get answered, but some will. I still don't know everything, but I've been assured that by the end of the season, it'll all come out.

BTS: Angie's dreams have affected Angie's demeanor. How did you go about making that change?
E: I just tried to play Angie as tired and on edge and a bit more emotional than usual. She's still the same person, but just a very desperate and confused version of herself. I mean, come on, she would never have thrown that trash can if she was her normal self.

BTS: We have to talk about the flying trash can since you brought it up. Was that fun to shoot?
E: It was fun, getting to throw things and break things. But it was a little weird having to get taught how to throw a trash can though. It took a long time to shoot too, which surprised me. Everytime I threw it and broke the glass, they had to set everything up again. Josh wasn't even in the room. They had a stuntmen sit there just in case I accidently hit him, which I did a few times.

BTS: Okay, one last question and then I'll let you go. When I talked to Jensen Ackles [Nate] last week, he told me to ask you about something funny that happened when you were shooting episode 14.
E: Oh, yeah! So when we were in the kitchen shooting the scene before he kisses me, my character was going on and on about how she was going crazy. Jensen's supposed to say something, I forget what it is now, and on one take, he just goes, "That is some f**ked up s**t," And I couldn't stop laughing. Our characters are supposed to be having this moment, and I could not keep it together. It was a little embarassing.

That's it for Evangeline. See you next time on Behind the Scenes.

[Ashley]

Originally posted March 26th, 2007

DISCLAIMER: This interview is not real. It's purely for entertainment purposes.

In this Behind the Scenes, we talk to Emily Blunt about being the other woman.

BEHIND THE SCENES: You've got quite the storyline going on now. Did you come into the story knowing you'd be playing the pregnant ex of John Krasinski's character Keith?
EMILY: Yes, I did. There a lot of surprises on this show, but I knew all about my character in advance. I'm enjoying the storyline quite a lot. Both characters are so uncomfortable with talking about it, the word pregnant has never been uttered by either of them. I also like that she found out really early on who Keith really cared about and decided to take the high road and not get in between them.

BTS: You mean Jen right?
E: Yeah. The little brat. (laughs) I'm kidding by the way. They are a cute little on screen couple aren't they? I personally want to see them work it out, even though that probably means less work for me!

BTS: What's happening next with Rachel? Is she really leaving and never coming back?
E: Rachel's going to take care of herself and her baby. At least that's her plan. As for never coming back, I'm only contracted through the end of the season. Of course I want to come back. We'll see how it goes.

BTS: Speaking of the rest of the season, do you know what's going on in the last four episodes?
E: Of course I do. We've filmed everything already. But I can't tell you much. But I think people will like it. There's a lot of twists and turns and action and all those exciting things.

BTS: Okay, we ask everyone this last question. Do you have any funny on set stories?
E: Nothing in particular springs to mind, except that John Krasinski is very funny. He makes me laugh a lot when I'm trying to be serious. I rarely get to smile on camera, so it is nice to have a few laughs. But then I forget my lines, which is not good at all.

BTS: Well, thanks for talking to me Emily.
E: No problem. It was fun.

See more of Emily when "Spy Like Me" returns with new episodes April 3rd.

[Ashley]

Originally posted March 26th, 2007

DISCLAIMER: This interview is not real. It's purely for entertainment purposes.

In this Behind the Scenes feature, we speak to Selita Ebanks about her first acting role as a sunglasses wearing butt kicker Marissa.

BEHIND SCENES: Most people know you as a model. What is it like now being an actor on Spy Like Me?
SELITA: It's a challenge, but I love it. And I love the character I play. She gets to be a badass, but she has issues as well.

BTS: Well, she has red eyes for one thing.
S: Yes, she does. That's her little flaw. It is a little difficult to act behind sunglasses, but the writers have found creative ways around that.

BTS: It seems that everyone who works for Carly has a flaw. Your character has the eyes. Ben has his rage. Is all of that related to the red serum we saw Carly inject into a boy a few weeks ago?
S: You've been doing your research! I think it's obvious that Ben and Marissa aren't your average twentysomethings. Something has been done to them to make them the way they are. And that's all I'm saying about that.

BTS: So, what's going to happen to Marissa next? The last time we saw her, she got taken away by a group of shady looking guys while Ben looked on, helpless.
S: Next time you see her, she'll be in custody.

BTS: How was it to shoot that scene? It looked very emotional.
S: It was strange for me because I've never had to do a scene like that before. It took a few takes for me to conjur up the emotion they wanted. I had to look upset and remorseful, but they made it clear I couldn't cry. You barely see Milo [Ventimiglia; Ben], so I had to carry most of the scene. I asked the director if he could get a least a little coverage of Milo, 'cause I knew he'd rescue me if I couldn't deliver. He did get some close ups of Milo, but they didn't use it. I'm very proud of myself for being able to pull it off.

BTS: I'm sure I won't get much out of you, but you give me a few hints about what's to come in the last four episodes of the season?
S: Just watch. It's good stuff. I know that's not what you were looking for, but I want to keep my job so I'm keeping my mouth shut on the details.

BTS: I understand. Okay, last question. Any behind the scenes stories?
S: Just that I accidently hit Milo in the face when we were filming "Make Your Move." He was so mad at me then, but we laugh about it now.

BTS: Well, thanks for talking to me.
S: It was my pleasure.

See more Selita when "Spy Like Me" returns April 3rd.

[Ashley]

GROUP FINALE INTERVIEW

Originally posted May 3rd, 2007

For this last Behind the Scenes interview of the season, we have gathered together four different actors from the show to quiz them about the finale and what's coming up in season two. So let's sit down with Kyle Gallner, Rachel Bilson, Milo Ventimiglia, and Jensen Ackles and see what they have to say.

DISCLAIMER: This interview is purely for entertainment purposes.

BEHIND THE SCENES: All right, let's go from the beginning. What was it like when you first read the script?
KYLE: It was kind of weird seeing it all there in print. The producers had pulled me aside a few weeks earlier to run it all by me so I wouldn't be surprised, but it was very different reading it. I couldn't wait to do it, but I was also anxious. I had to do a lot more than usual to prepare for this episode. I had to learn how to shoot a gun for one thing.
RACHEL: (laughs) Welcome to our world. It was great getting the scripts. There was stuff in there I didn't even see coming. I was very eager to bring it to life.

BTS: So, how was it to shoot those last two episodes?
MILO: Long. It took forever. That whole scene at the CIA was a very long process. Not only did we have lines, we had a lot of fight choreography. Or at least I did. And it was really sad. I didn't want Selita [Ebanks, who portrayed Marissa] to go.
RACHEL: It was very somber on set compared to usual. We're a pretty happy bunch usually, but this episode everyone was all business.

BTS: There was a lot of death and serious injury in this episode. So I have to ask Jensen about what happened to Nate. Did you know about it beforehand?
JENSEN: I did. I think I found out about two weeks before we got the scripts. I wasn't happy about it to be honest, but on the other hand, if none of the good guys got hurt, what kind of fight would that be? And given the twist that his CIA handler Butler was behind the whole thing, it made perfect sense.

BTS: Are you going to be back next season?
JENSEN: Honestly, I have no clue what's going on. I hope they'll wake me up. Nate's still got some fight in him.

BTS: How did you feel about the twist with your character Kyle?
KYLE: I'd been begging for more to do, and boy did I get it. It was great. Now that Dylan's been activated as they say, I can't wait to see how it changes him next season. He's not a normal seventeen year old anymore.
MILO: Hayden [Panetierre, who portrays Carrie] told me she enjoyed getting to push you around.
KYLE: Yeah, she plays a bad guy very well.

BTS: Is everyone happy with how the season ended up?
RACHEL: I know I am. From where we started to where we ended; it was such a great arc. I can't wait until we start filiming the second season this summer.
MILO: I think it was a great conclusion that the bad guys you've been getting to know all season were being used by someone else. I personally also loved how they had my character interact with Rachel's character.
RACHEL: I like the dynamic a lot too. That first fight between them crossed a line in Jen's mind, and she had to get him back. She was almost obsessed with it. But she couldn't finish him off. She's a tough cookie, but she's not that tough just yet.

BTS: Anything you want to happen next year?
JENSEN: I just want to be alive.
RACHEL: We want you to be alive too Jensen.
KYLE: I'm sure whatever they think of will be great.
MILO: Yeah, there are so many possibilites from where this season ended.

BTS: Are you even going to be back next season Milo?
MILO: I think so. We'll see.

BTS: All right, the famous last question. Any good behind the scenes stories?
KYLE: Jensen cracked me up in that last scene. He's lying on the floor in that fake blood. He's supposed to have one line. And then in one take, he just started laughing. I still don't know what was so funny. And then I couldn't keep it together for about three takes after that.
JENSEN: It was just a long day man. I'd been on that floor for a long time. I don't know what I was doing.

BTS: Well, thanks for talking to us again guys. See you next season.