INTERVIEW: Johnathon Schaech Discusses His Debut As 'Jonah Hex' On LEGENDS OF TOMORROW
Tonight's Legends of Tomorrow features the debut of a DC cult favourite: Wild West gunslinger, Jonah Hex. Click for an exclusive interview with than man who'll bring him to life, Johnathon Schaech
Fans of Showtime's Ray Donovan will know Johnathon Schaech from his turn as the unfortunate Sean Walker in season 1, but he's also starred in numerous other TV series and movies over the years - including Tom Hanks' directorial debut, That Thing You Do.
Tonight Johnathon makes his first appearance as Jonah Hex on Legends of Tomorrow, and he was kind enough to take the time to chat to us about his passion for Hex, possible future plans for the character, and much more.
CBM: Tell us a little about how you wound up nabbing the role of Jonah Hex, and were you aware of the character beforehand?
JS: Yes, I grew up reading Jonah hex westerns and Sgt. Rock war comics. I auditioned and won the role, the description I was given read: "Late 30s-50s. A true legend of the Old West, a morally ambiguous gunslinger with a penchant for danger. Surprisingly, he knows a thing or two about time travel and the future."
CBM: The character as he's written in the source material is a pretty complex individual. He's a good guy, for the most part, but there's definitely some shades of grey there too. Did you try to being any of that to this depiction of Hex, or did they have a very set idea of what they wanted him to be already? #
JS: They wanted The Hex I grew up with. The one I read. Tough, pissed, dark with a sense of humor. A Quick draw with a good heart. A conflicted soul who has a personal oath to protect the innocent. Everyone was excited to bring the legend of Hex to life.
CBM: Could you tell us which, if any, of the Legends of Tomorrow Hex clashes with?
JS: He has a past with Rip. It's addressed in the episode. Some unfinished personal business.
CBM: I had an idea it might be The Atom for some reason!
JS: Nah, Hex actually takes a liking to the brave Atom and is impressed with the costume.
CBM: The Jonah Hex movie wasn't a great success (to pit it mildly) but I actually though it had its moments. Did you watch it before preparing to play this role or did you think it'd be better not to?
JS: I had actually seen it already. Brolins a great actor. I looked online to see him speak, the way he looked etc - but went back to my comics to really research. One thing about working for Tom Hanks I learned to study and bring the truth. The right chords. And to try and bring the experience of the character - no matter how much time I'm given. I've been preparing to play a role like this. I had a feeling it was coming, and I'd been fighting, shooting and lifting to be ready even before the audition arrived.
CBM: We've heard rumors that there's a possibility of Hex not only appearing in more episodes of LOT, but maybe even becoming a full member of the team at some point, too. Is that something that's been discussed?
JS: Well, let's just say for now it's a guest spot - but there's major potential for a larger presence down the line!
CBM: Thanks so much Johnathon. Before you go can you tell us about any other projects that you have in the pipeline?
JS: Sure. I'm on Bluebloods and have a very good action film coming out with Dave Bautista, Christopher Meloni. Adrien Grenier, and Bruce Willis called Marauders. It's coming this August, and it's badass!
Be sure to tune into Legends of Tomorrow tonight at 7/8 C on the CW to see Johnathon in action as Jonah Hex, and give him a follow on Twitter HERE.
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