Thursday, 25 Jul 2024

A Casual Chat With Stargate: Universe Actor David Blue

Last week, the highly anticipated debut of Stargate: Universe aired on Syfy. If you missed it, you can catch it on Hulu. The show has already generated a lot of buzz and excitement among fans of shows like Battlestar Galactica and Lost. Universe sets itself apart by leaving viewers with more questions than answers, creating an intriguing mystery that will keep fans theorizing until the very end.

One of the main characters, Eli Wallace, resonates with gamers. His gaming addiction becomes a driving force for the plot and delivers the show’s most powerful message: gamers are smart and resourceful. Without giving too much away, Eli finds himself making references to Star Wars and video games in uncharted territories of space.

David Blue, the talented actor who portrays Eli, is an avid gamer himself. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing David for our magazine. Our conversation was a riot, and I decided to leave in some of the pleasantries because David’s personality shines through.

GI: Hello David, how are you doing?
DB: I’m great! I’m flipping through a Stargate: SG-1/Atlantis magazine and looking at photos of us. It’s kind of surreal.
GI: You’re looking at photos of yourself?
DB: Oh, no – mainly Robert Carlyle. I’m just in the background. [laughs]
GI: Right, right. I just spoke with Brad Wright, and he had a lot of great things to say about the show.
DB: Oh, that’s fantastic. Do you want me to pass along the message?
GI: [laughs] Actually, I’m calling from a video game magazine…
DB: Woohoo!
GI: We’ll be talking a lot about video games. So, rest assured, people are definitely talking about video games.
DB: [laughs]
GI: Let’s start with a quote from Brad…
DB: Uh-oh. “David was awesome, and we’re going to miss him on the show…”
*GI: [laughs] We were discussing your character, and Brad said, “My daughter’s a gamer, and so in a way, Eli represents her and her friends.”
DB: Oh, God. [laughs]
GI: How much of yourself are you bringing to the character? I’ve heard you’re a huge fan of video games.
DB: Yeah, I am hesitant to call myself a huge fan because there are fans out there who are way more devoted than I am. But I’ve played all the SG-1s and Atlantises, and I love video games. I have a collection of consoles, and I recently had a Rock Band 2 get-together at my place with some of the cast members. I definitely connect with Eli on many levels, which makes playing him easier.
GI: Grey Munford mentioned that studios usually bring in consultants for video game references, but they don’t have to do that with you.
DB: [laughs] Yeah, that’s probably true. I’m the go-to guy for anything about quantum physics or the show’s details. Video games, too. Sometimes I have to be careful not to let people think I’m actually Eli. [laughs]
GI: [laughs] So, you’re a method actor then?
DB: Yeah, that’s right. I’m actually a cool motorcycle guy, but I pretend to be a geek for the role. [laughs]
GI: It sounds like the character hits home for you.
DB: Yes, it does. There are definitely differences between Eli and me, but the things we have in common allow me to connect with the character quickly. It makes Eli more believable, and it’s fun to explore those shared interests.
GI: I noticed your character plays an MMO in the show.
DB: Yes, they actually had someone from an actual MMO design the game. They incorporated elements of the MMO into the show. It’s not just a random video game; they put a lot of thought into it. I definitely had fun playing it during filming. If they release it, I’ll be first in line to buy it.
GI: It’s refreshing to see video games portrayed realistically on TV.
DB: Absolutely! We use state-of-the-art special effects that make the gaming scenes look awesome. It’s nothing like the old-school Pac-Man sound effects. It’s more in line with what you would expect from today’s technology. I’m sure the fans are even more immersed when they see the final product with all the special effects.
GI: What has it been like working on the show? I saw you on Ugly Betty, and now you’re on a spaceship with explosions.
DB: [laughs] It’s definitely different! Before Ugly Betty, I played a vampire on Moonlight. So I’m covering a wide range of acting experiences. Working on Universe has been amazing. The cast is great, and we all get along really well. That creates a creative environment where we can take risks and push ourselves. And of course, the inner geek in me loves the explosions, guns, and spaceships. Seeing the Stargate spin is mind-blowing. I wish you could experience it too!

This casual chat with David Blue gives us insight into his passion for gaming, his connection to the character of Eli, and the realistic portrayal of video games on Stargate: Universe. It’s clear that the show has a great balance of thrilling sci-fi elements and relatable characters. If you’re a fan of gaming and sci-fi, this is a show worth watching.

FAQs

Q: Where can I watch Stargate: Universe?
A: You can catch Stargate: Universe on Syfy or stream it on Hulu.

Q: Does Eli’s character represent gamers?
A: Yes, Eli Wallace is portrayed as a gamer, and his gaming addiction influences the plot of Stargate: Universe.

Q: Does David Blue share the same passion for video games as his character?
A: David Blue is an avid gamer himself and shares some common interests with his character, Eli.

Q: Are video games realistically portrayed on the show?
A: Stargate: Universe employs state-of-the-art special effects to create realistic gaming scenes, departing from the clichéd portrayals often seen on TV.

Q: What can viewers expect from Stargate: Universe?
A: Stargate: Universe offers a compelling storyline filled with mystery, explosions, and exciting space adventures. It’s a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and gaming.

Conclusion

Stargate: Universe brings together the worlds of gaming and sci-fi in a captivating and realistic manner. The show’s portrayal of video games and the character of Eli Wallace resonates with fans on a personal level. With a talented cast and a thrilling storyline, Stargate: Universe is a must-watch for anyone looking for an exciting blend of action, mystery, and relatable characters.