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Q&A: Michael Rosenbaum Dishes on Smallville
By Kristin Veitch
Feb 14, 2007 4:33 PM
Maybe I'm just in the Valentiney mood, or maybe Michael Rosenbaum was just that darn charismatic in our latest chat, but after talking to him I just can't get this George Michael-meets-Weird Gal Veitchovic song out of my head. It's called "I Want Your Lex."
Trust me, there is good reason to be Smallville-ainy giddy right now, 'cause Michael Rosenbaum (aka Smallville's Lex Luthor) directed an episode that airs tomorrow (Thursday) night on the CW.
In honor of this special event, Michael and I spent some time talking bout divas on set, that big wedding right around the corner, his character's "darkest moment yet" and why Lex's days in Smallville are definitely numbered.
So, Mr. Big Pants Director, tell us, how did you like running the show for the first time?
It was amazing. Honestly, it was the biggest challenge of my life. It was a crash course in filmmaking. Im not the most decisive person in the world, but it forces you to be that person. The prop people are coming up to you and asking, Do you want this gun or this gun? Wardrobe wants to know if you want this shirt or that shirt, and then you have actors [needing your guidance]. You have to know what you want. You have to know the story. You actually have to read the script this time!
Who was the biggest diva?
People always ask what the hardest part was and I say, "Directing myself because Im very hard to work with." I like that little joke. No, everybody was great. I told myself that if I fail at this and if I dont get good performances, I wont do it again. But I was really happy with the way things turned out, and I honestly think it is a great episode with exciting twists in it.
Give us scoop on the ep.
The story in a nutshell is there is this kid who was blinded by the meteor shower a couple of years ago and he now has the ability to see other people who are meteor freaks or meteor infected. Lex Luthor hires this doctor to kick the kid around and find all the meteor freaks in Smallville, so Lex can do all these tests on them. Eventually, Clark, Chloe and Lana start to unravel what the hell is going on and we find out that one of them is
well, lets just say somebody is found out. One of our beloved characters is involved in a big twist. I cant give too much away, but its cool, really cool.
Of course, I have to ask you about the Lex and Lana relationship. Shes pregnant now, which is huge, and the wedding is coming up. Should we be happy for them?
I, personally, think Lana found the right man. I think Lex loves her more than anything. Hes getting as honest as he can be. Lots of people think Clark is the right guy, but look at Clark. I mean, Clark lied to her throughout their whole relationship. It was a sham. Why wasnt he honest with her? Hes supposed to be this great guy, but hes not such a great guy if he lies. Everyone looks at Lex like hes the bad guy. Why is Lex so bad? If you ask me, Lex is trying to do the best he can. He is trying to protect her, just like Clark was, and I think if something happens and he loses Lana, there is no telling what Lex is capable of doing. But there is a big wedding scene coming up in a couple of episodes...
Yes, tell us about the wedding!
It was beautiful. A big, beautiful, rather archaic wedding, and Ill tell you what, there were a lot of fans in the beginning who were saying they didnt want to see Lex turn evil, but four years later, they are like, "I cant wait till he gets really bad!" Well, the wedding is the biggest moment of the series for Lex. Its the darkest moment ever, and thats the honest to God truth. We shot it yesterday. Let me tell you, it doesnt get more sacrilegious than it does on wedding day.
There are some weird rumors surrounding Lana's pregnancy. Have you heard them?
There are stories, people are talking, and thats cool. I dont want to say theyre completely wrong, but theyre not all right. There is a big twist coming with that. At least I hope so, otherwise the writers are going to piss me off! They have me going. Im a viewer, too, so I hope there is a big payoff at the end.
It seems like the show has gotten a second wind in the last year or so, no?
Yes, people say that. There was one year when I thought, This is it, we are going to end the show. And then, all of a sudden, last season just took off and I dont know what happened, but the story became really interesting and they amped everything up. I think we are getting some of the best ratings ever this year, and its amazing.
Do you feel like one more season is a sure thing?
I think next season will definitely happen. I think we are pretty much the favorite on the CW. Well, one of the favoritesI dont want to piss anyone off.
Alexis Bledel is going to come and kick your ass.
Yeah, people love the Gilmore. But there is so much girl power, sometimes you need some superhero and super violence.
So, are you in it for the long haul?
Next year will be my last year. I had a great run. I loved it, but that will be it for me.
Really? Is that how the whole cast is feeling?
No, I think other people have longer contracts. Im not going to say who, but I know that next year is the last for me. So, it will be very sad when it happens, but all good things must come to an end.
Youve done a few films already. Is that what you want to pursue after Smallville?
Yeah, Id like to have the opportunity to do movies all year, and not just in a span of two months over the summer when I can grow my hair. Every hiatus I have gone off and done a movie, so I cant wait to have as much time as I need.
You have a movie coming out soon, right?
Yes, its called Kickin It Old Skool, and it comes out Apr. 20. Its hilarious. Jamie Kennedy, Maria Menounos and I are in it. I play this guy, Kip Unger, and I host a dance contest called Get to Steppin. My mantra is "Im just Kip, Kip, Kippin it real."
Will you direct another episode?
During the process, I was saying, "No way, I wont do it again," but as soon as I saw my cut, I wanted to do another one. Weve already talked about it a little bit, so why not? Well see what happens. If the fans like my episode, I will do it! This year, its a good year for me. Ive directed my first episode, Ive got a big movie coming out, Im working on getting my first script made. Its like, all right, I cant be more excited about all of this, so Im just gonna keep it going.
) my last year [of Smallville]. It's my last year on my contract. I'm ready to move on, and it's going to be a really sad moment when it happens. A lot of people, they look at me and think "Oh he's bald!" I have a full head of hair, and I'm kind of a nerd.[/FONT]
