Pop Culturalist Chats with Roswell, New Mexico’s Michael Vlamis

It’s no secret that Roswell‘s rabid fanbase (us included) was a bit skeptical about The CW’s reboot, Roswell, New Mexico. Luckily, there was no need to worry. Rosewell, New Mexico is still full of all of our favorite characters, but they’re presented with fresh, complex, and emotional storylines (hello Michael and Alex!).

Actor Michael Vlamis has stepped into the role of everyone’s favorite tough-guy alien Michael Guerin. Vlamis has been steadily making viewers fall in love with his cowboy-with-a-chip-on-his-shoulder character by showing not just the strong, powerful side of Michael Guerin, but also the caring and vulnerable side.

We chatted with him about joining Roswell, New Mexico, how he’s like his character, and what he’s excited for fans to see.

PC: What initially attracted you to the show?
Michael: My acting teacher, Sandy Marshall. She had coached another actor who auditioned for the show and felt I’d fit well in the world Carina built. She told me to get an audition, which I couldn’t, so my manager sent me the audition sides and had me tape an audition on my own. We sent it to casting and they decided I wasn’t just the comedic actor I thought I was. Thank god.

PC: You’ve talked previously about how you discussed the ten year jump with Carina MacKenzie—how the stakes in this reboot are higher because the characters are adults. Has there been a scene or moment that really exemplifies that for your character that you either loved exploring or had a tough time doing?
Michael: I’d say the moment Alex and Michael tell each other they love one another outside Michael’s trailer in episode 9 [“Songs About Texas”]. That is one of my proudest scenes because it’s so much more than young love or even a ten-year love. It’s ten years of love mixed with ten years of pain. Teenage love is one thing, but teenage love that never goes away and gets tainted by a horrific accident is a whole other beast. I remember being so angry with [Tyler Blackburn] during that scene and from that anger came the vulnerability.

PC: The relationship you have with Alex is one of the aspects of the show that initially got a lot of buzz. Have you ever felt pressure to get get it right for viewers?
Michael: I always knew the relationship would mean a lot to the viewers, but I never felt pressured. I knew that if Tyler and I gave the performances our all, that would be enough, and I think it was. I also love pressure, so bring it on!

PC: How are you most like Michael?
Michael: I like to stir the pot and welcome trouble.

PC: How are you least like Michael?
Michael: When I meet someone they start at 100 and either keep or lose my respect. When Guerin meets someone they start at 0 and have to earn his respect.

PC: How did you develop the chemistry between all the characters, especially Max, Isobel, and Michael?
Michael: I wish I had some crazy story about how we all went on a retreat to a deserted island and bonded, but that’s just not the case. The truth is, Lily Cowles and Nathan Parsons are just great actors who are beyond generous and that’s all it takes to build trust, which leads to chemistry.

PC: Shiri Appleby directed an episode. What was that experience like, having the “original” Liz on set and being part of this show?
Michael: Shiri is a joy to work with! Her first day on set she wore a shirt that was gifted to her when she wrapped filming the original Roswell pilot, which was pretty surreal. Her understanding of the world helped guide our performances, and her humor shined through her directing choices. I’m looking forward to working with her again.

PC: Is there anything coming up in the last few episodes that you’re excited for fans to see?
Michael: Episode 12 (“Creep”) has a scene that I’m really proud of. The location, combined with the subject matter, took everything out of me and called for one of my most raw performances. Crew members on set were coming up to me crying because of my work, which is maybe the coolest compliment for an actor.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

Last TV Show You Binge-Watched
Barry

Favorite Movie
Blue Valentine

Favorite Book
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

Musician You Could Listen to on Repeat
Frank Ocean

Favorite Place
Chicago

Place You’d Like to Go to
Greece

Person You Most Want to Meet
Jack Nicholson

Keep up with Michael Vlamis by following him on Instagram and Twitter. Catch episodes of Roswell, New Mexico on The CW.