Interview with Alex!
I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that I’ll be interviewing Alexander Skarsgard this Friday afternoon at 4:30 Eastern / 3:30 Central! Like last year, I’m going to use Blog Talk Radio, so you can listen live. Ideas for questions? Post ‘em in the comments! And this time, I’ll be attempting to keep track of the BTR chat room as I speak to him, so maybe I’ll pull some questions from there as well. If you listen to the show by calling in, please don’t choose the option to speak to the host, as I need to keep the switchboard clear.
Also? If there’s one thing I learned last year, it’s that a person with a busy schedule can’t always make it exactly on time. So don’t be surprised or confused if you tune in and hear nothing but silence or (even worse) me rambling nervously. Alex will be there. 
How lucky are we to be fans of a man who is so gracious and generous? He’s truly a gem.
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Awesome!! You’re one lucky lady DeeDee =)
Comment by Kat Mars — June 8, 2010 @ 4:07 pm
Here is a question to ask Alex!
Emily Jones from Nashville, TN
What is the most fun thing about you being involved with True Blood?
thanks
Comment by Emily J — June 8, 2010 @ 4:08 pm
What do you love most about Eric’s personality ?
Victoria Osborne, England- UK
Comment by Victoria Osborne — June 8, 2010 @ 4:12 pm
Score another one for DeeDee! Congrats, hon!
Comment by Jenni Lou — June 8, 2010 @ 4:23 pm
Thank you very much for your time and effort!! Question for Alex…
Will you be filming any movies this summer or fall?
Actually more important….if I am in Sweden during midsummer this month; what 3 things should I definitely see while in Sweden?
Comment by Traci P — June 8, 2010 @ 4:53 pm
Here’s a question: Eric is often labeled as the “bad boy” of True Blood. Would you agree with this statement, or do you think there’s more to his character than meets the eye?
Comment by Analise — June 8, 2010 @ 4:54 pm
Very Cool Dee, hmm what to ask him?
Does he have any movies lined up for the next hiatus?
Would he like to do stage work?
Does he watch any shows besides True Blood?
Comment by toni — June 8, 2010 @ 5:14 pm
I can’t think of something to ask, but if you could, DeeDee, tell Alexander we (his fans online) are really excited about Season 3, his being in it more than in Season 2 and SUPPORT HIM 150%. Puss, Puss and Good Luck, Alex! from the ASFanBlog! –ally
Comment by Ally — June 8, 2010 @ 5:18 pm
Ask him this:
Is there any special way you prepare yourself for violent or disturbing scenes? Do you listen to music or perhaps isolate yourself on-set to get into the vibe? Or are you just that GOOD and throw yourself right in?
Comment by AlexaCastro — June 8, 2010 @ 5:32 pm
[...] Post your questions for Alex in the comments on EricNorthman.net in their post [...]
Pingback by Alexander Skarsgard Over At EricNorthman.net Friday « — June 8, 2010 @ 5:37 pm
Just wondering how big a pencil can Vikings carry in those fur outfits anyway?
And congrats on all your success.
Comment by Margaret — June 8, 2010 @ 5:49 pm
Would you please ask him if he’ll be watching the FIFA World Cup this month? If he happens to say yes, which team he’ll be rooting for, since Sweden didn’t make it. Brazil, maybe? I’m really curious to know!
Comment by Deborah — June 8, 2010 @ 6:02 pm
One question that sticks out in my mind after seeing you play the character Geert in “Kill Your Darlings” is, “how the hell did you run so fast while wearing heels?”
Comment by Summer — June 8, 2010 @ 6:19 pm
do you have any movies coming up after straw dogs?
Comment by blair knight — June 8, 2010 @ 6:21 pm
You are one lucky lady, DeeDee
j/k
Q for Alex:
~What’s his baby brother Ossian like? Does he get to see him often?
~Are the flashback scenes in S3 anything that happened in Sweden during the Viking era? ~And do we get to hear him speak Swedish a lot in S3? (just love listening to him speak Swedish, especially since I can ALMOST understand it)
~Has he ever visited Iceland or plans to in the future?? if so, ask him to CALL ME.. LOL
…can’t think of anything else that hasn’t been asked already.
Comment by Hulda — June 8, 2010 @ 6:21 pm
I have always wondered about the vampire’s tears on the show. It really looks as if blood is rolling down from their eyes, it’s really cool.
I would love it if you’d ask…
What is it made of, how is it applied, and what the they feel like to act with?
Comment by Sabrina S. — June 8, 2010 @ 6:23 pm
Hey there great that Alex will be answering Q just had a few things I want to get out there.
Alex are you also a take control kind guy of the situtation like your character Eric?
What kind of music does Eric listen to is he into the Black eye Peas or better yet Miley Cyrus?
What were you doing for 6 hours in that basement with Yvetta and will there be a book out for us mere mortals to follow? Did she have a break or was she on work time?
What makes you happy right now? what brings a smile to your face, doesn’t matter what it is just off the top of your head.
What’s your favorite American food?
Last but surely not least, are you has kinky as your character Eric?
Thanks
Comment by saywatpepo — June 8, 2010 @ 6:31 pm
I wish someone would ask him what it was like filming the hilarious scene with Nelsan Ellis, where Lafayette drank Eric’s blood.
How many takes did they do and just that general experience.
Comment by angela — June 8, 2010 @ 6:32 pm
What’s been your most memorable time on the set of True Blood?
Do you feel any pressure from the Team Eric fans to keep your character interesting and sexy?
Comment by Fiona Anderson — June 8, 2010 @ 6:45 pm
Alex are you also a take control of the situtation kind of guy like your character Eric?
Comment by saywatpepo — June 8, 2010 @ 6:46 pm
Yeah the Eric/ Laf drinking his blood scene Were you laughing really hard inside when Nelsan was doing his booty shakes. How did you keep a straight face? It was really funny and great to watch.
Comment by saywatpepo — June 8, 2010 @ 6:48 pm
Where we often read that many of the characters on TB have to work on conveying their Southern accents. Is it easy to not slip/revert into using a Southern accent since you are surrounded by so much of it?
Comment by Ginger — June 8, 2010 @ 6:57 pm
I (we) have some questions – ya know, just in case you run out of any!
alex, if about 20-25 or so women wanted to start your very own personal harem, how would you respond? would you like to have 20-25 ladies take turns with you?
what is Alex’ 4 letter Myer-briggs personality type (god I hope he knows this!)?
Has he read all the books yet? what does he think? which eric is better, how so?
What do you think of current American politics? do you favor a party? any organizations? any specific people/candidates?
what future projects would he like to do, if given the oppurtunity?
is there any movie you would like to remake?
and of course..which he may not answer…
whose better, swede chicks or american gurls?
good luck with the interview!
Comment by Dina Marie — June 8, 2010 @ 8:05 pm
DeeDee – So lucky to be interviewing Alexander!
Is there any chance that Alexander might join Kristen Bauer, Sam Trammell, John Billingsley and Charlaine Harris and come to Australia to do the couple of True Blood conventions down here in September? We would love to see you!!!!
Comment by Janine — June 8, 2010 @ 8:11 pm
My random question, has nothing to do with anything, just curious:
Do you like to ride roller coaster? If not, Why?!
Comment by Nicki M. in NC — June 8, 2010 @ 8:23 pm
If you could relive one day of your life which would it be?
What’s the craziest, spur-of-the-moment thing you’ve ever done?
What is the one thing in your life that makes all the bad things bearable?
What song are you embarrassed to admit you like?
Do you think that you and Eric would be friends?
Comment by Emma — June 8, 2010 @ 8:46 pm
Ask him if he wants to go shopping with me to IKEA…
uhm..okok I know he won’t but ask him (how sad I got excited while writing this)..
Ok and a real question: Has he ever read any book of Mikael Niemi? Alex seems to have quite the same humour as Niemi.
And not he should read a book of him
Comment by Luna — June 8, 2010 @ 8:53 pm
Congrats on scoring another interview, DeeDee!
Q: We know you originally tried out for the part of Mr. Compton. Now that you taped Season 3, are you happy you were chosen to play Mr. Northman instead?
=^..^=
Comment by MicheleTES — June 8, 2010 @ 8:57 pm
What is your favourite play? favourite playwright?
What was your most cathartic acting experience? (either as an actor or audience)
Comment by ari — June 8, 2010 @ 8:57 pm
What’s the funniest thing that happened on the back stages of the show?
And
Do you listen to Melissa Horn? (She’s GREAT):)
Best regards from Brazil!
Comment by Amanda C. — June 8, 2010 @ 9:03 pm
Last I had read, he had read Books 1 through 5. I was wondering if he was up to date or if he stopped reading CH? If he stopped, why? Busy or on purpose decision to steer clear of too much mental character clutter?
Is he aware of Fanfiction? Is he aware of the all the interpretations of Eric? (I’m thinking of one in particular…)
How does he feel about becoming so iconically associated with a larger-than-life character that has evolved so beyond his origin, into his own mythos? (maybe that wording is a little out there, but I trust you got the gist).
Wow! I am so psyched for you! PLEASE TELL ME THIS WILL BE POSTED AFTER THE FACT?? 430 EST I will be working! PLEASE…..
Comment by Miral — June 8, 2010 @ 9:09 pm
Alex,Do you have a favorite North American ice hockey team? Who would you like to win Lord Stanley’s Cup?
Comment by maeve — June 8, 2010 @ 9:11 pm
Ask him why he and kate bosworth have never officialised their relationship. Is he shy or doesn’t he want to disappoint his fans?
Comment by loulou — June 8, 2010 @ 9:43 pm
Alex, I’m embarrassed to ask, since I know the answer already (and the answer is yes). However, as unlikely as it seems, some people (more than you’d think) actually need official confirmation. So here goes: Is the color of your hair this year your natural color?
Comment by Judy — June 8, 2010 @ 9:54 pm
Whats your favorite charity? How much do we need to donate to them to encourage you to grow your hair back? I LOVE YOU, Liz
Comment by liz — June 8, 2010 @ 11:32 pm
Alex, oftentimes you receive questions leaving you repeating yourself time and time again trying to make the same answers appear sparkly and new. What I want to know is what is something inane and sophomoric that gets you through the day, or that you may have encountered recently that you thoroughly enjoyed?
Comment by The Ria — June 9, 2010 @ 12:09 am
This is awesome DeeDee, you’re a lucky lucky girl!! And, how awesome was the Ultimate Trueblood fan event….anyway, only a few days until the season premiere, sadly, i’ll be working that night but thank god for DVR
Comment by Hilary (your cousin) — June 9, 2010 @ 12:38 am
Was it a culture shock coming from Sweden to the southern United States when you first started filming?
Did you find it easy picking up the many accents that come out of that region of our fine country?
Stacey from Ohio
Comment by VikingGirl — June 9, 2010 @ 3:29 am
Great, DeeDee, I can’t wait to hear it! How long will the interview be? Hm. I’d like to know if he’s considering doing any Scandinavian movies again, or if he’s sticking to Hollywood.
Comment by Astrid — June 9, 2010 @ 4:33 am
Ok i have a great one but i’m going to send it to you via e-mail because Xander is freaking out…arg! So look for it soon
Comment by Stephanie — June 9, 2010 @ 7:47 am
Hmm … I’d like to know if he has any worries that playing a character like Eric might reduce diversity in the acting roles he’s offered in the future.
The person who mentioned whether he’s glad he got the role of Eric rather than Bill – that’s a good one, I’d love to know the answer to that.
Comment by Janofarc — June 9, 2010 @ 8:31 am
Have you ever played a role of a person with a disability? If not would that be some thing you would want to do?
Comment by Lettie May — June 9, 2010 @ 8:32 am
Dee~ Would you please tell Alexander that not only is
he much loved in the United State but also in the
countries of the Germany,Italy,The UK~Anywhere that
TrueBlood is shown HE IS LOVED!!!!
AND I can’t see him as William Thomas Compton III!!!!
He was born to play Eric Northman!!!
Also tell him to wish Stellen a happy 59th Birthday!!!
Comment by MarleneEmmett — June 9, 2010 @ 10:43 am
I’m from the South, and Alex has such an incredibly good metro Southern accent that he uses even in interviews, unlike many actors from other countries.
When he was learning English, did he learn from an American/Southern source? Or is their another reason that his accent remains American/southern when he is speaking in interviews and not in character?
Also, has he thought of growing his hair out a bit more? He looked really, really good in the “cream satin sheets” scene with Sookie last year. That particular look is especially good on him.
And, though I know it would be a problem with him doing other projects in between–I personally would love to see what he looks like with his own long hair and blonder highlights. Bet it would be much better than the wig he originally had. A total viking God.
Though, even as his hair is now, uh–”not for eating crackers” is you want to explain that particular southern expression to him.
I love his work and the incredible depth of talent I’ve seen in him. If anyone hasn’t seen his work in Generation Kill, I recommend it highly.
Comment by Laura — June 9, 2010 @ 11:09 am
How many scripts does he read in a year for projects and how many auditions for new projects does he go on in a year?
What does he look for in his scripts and characters?
I think I read previously that he identifies with something in each of his characters that he holds something in common with them and I’d like to know what did he identify with and find in common with each of the following characters individually and specificly Gert(Kill Your Darlings), Brad Colbert(Gen. Kill), Eric Northman(True Blood) and Charlie(Straw Dogs).
How does he prep for his roles on a personal level in the period between getting the part and the first day on set?
Comment by Jacquelyn — June 9, 2010 @ 11:27 am
Dee, we are all jealous, congratulations! I’m curious to know what he’d like to be doing after True Blood; although I’m hoping it lasts forever, what are his career aspirations?
Comment by Cindy — June 9, 2010 @ 1:33 pm
Can he say something about his role in Melancholia? What kind of character will he play?
Comment by roy — June 9, 2010 @ 2:25 pm
I would like to ask Alex is there a character that he would love to play?
Comment by niki — June 9, 2010 @ 2:33 pm
Have fun with the interview! Here’s my question:
Alexander, you have said that due to Eric’s age, he’s sort of “over humanity” – which lord knows even we humans can all empathize with some days
. Godric, though, at over twice Eric’s age seemed quite patient with and protective towards humans. Do you think the difference in their attitudes is due to their difference in age – that Eric may evolve towards a similar view as his maker’s, or is it one of personality – that something in Eric’s character or experience just makes him lean more towards annoyance and away from patience?
Comment by Shannon — June 9, 2010 @ 11:16 pm
Looking forward to the interview!
I have a few questions:
1) There’s a lot about Eric’s personality and life that we know nothing about. I’d like to know if Alexander finds it helpful to create any of this unseen backstory in his mind to bring Eric to life. For example, very little about Eric’s home life is revealed in the books or the TV series. Now that Alexander has had 3 seasons to live in Eric’s persona in Alan Ball’s world, what does he think Eric’s house looks like? Is it architecturally interesting? What are his tastes in art and furniture? Is Eric really 100% focused on being a businessman and sheriff/politician or does he have a social life outside of Fangtasia? What music is on Eric’s iPod? Or maybe he prefers the richer sound of vinyl? Boxers, briefs, or commando?
2) True Blood is so popular and well done that it’s likely it will go on for several more seasons. Considering that the writers are so fantastic that it’s impossible to guess what directions the characters’ stories are going to go, could he talk about whether he has a different approach to playing Eric than he would take for a character in a movie or a play where the whole story is pretty much known from the start?
3) Are there any relatively unknown actors, playwrights, directors, etc., in the U.S.or abroad, whose work he really wants to see more of and will definitely look for?
Comment by sue — June 10, 2010 @ 8:08 am
[...] can post your questions for Alex in the comments on this post. Filed under: Interviews No Comments [...]
Pingback by Alexander Skarsgard Source » EricNorthman.net To Interview Alexander Skarsgård — June 10, 2010 @ 9:37 am
Congrats Dee Dee, I’ll definitely be listening in!
My questions:
Given that so far the character of Eric in TB deviates a lot from the book, do you still try to capture any characteristics of the book Eric in your TB performance?
Are you doing anything to prepare for Amnesia Eric?
Comment by CAT — June 10, 2010 @ 11:16 am
My question:
Can you give us any hint as to whether your association with Yvette make Sookie jealous and how Yvette will affect Eric’s relationship with Sookie?
Comment by Kim — June 10, 2010 @ 2:20 pm
Can’t wait to hear the interview!
Q1: Is there any type of role you are dying to play that you’ve not yet had the chance to explore?
Small request/Q2: After seeing what an incredible actor Alex is in True Blood and Generation Kill I decided to take a gander at his other films available in the US and came across “Kill Your Darlings.” While I had seen screen caps of this movie on the net, I came across one where Alex is in a wig and floral top. I like to pretend that this was from an “epic” movie, because that’s the only way I can cope with seeing him in drag. While KYD is a good movie and Alex is of course wonderful and endearing in his role…can you please ask Alex not to wear anymore dresses?
Comment by Emily — June 10, 2010 @ 2:44 pm
I came up with a fun one to ask:
What do sing when you’re taking a shower or bath?
Stacey a.k.a VikingGirl from Ohio
Comment by VikingGirl — June 10, 2010 @ 8:09 pm
Due to America’s sometimes puritan/conservative attitudes with regards to nudity in television and film, do you think that for you personally, there will be any backlash from fans or critics because of the increased exposure this season?
Comment by Jennifer — June 10, 2010 @ 9:19 pm
I’m looking forward to hearing this interview! I have a few questions to put out there.
1. In Eric’s first scene in Season 1, where he speaks with Sookie and Bill in Fangtasia, he spoke with a slight but definite (Scandinavian?) accent, which is very true to the character in the books. By Season 2, however, Eric no longer had such an accent. He usually sounded pretty generically American. What happened to the accent? Was the presence or absence of the lilt a conscious decision by either you or Alan Ball? Personally, I miss it!
2. It seems like many viewers / fans make quite a big deal about the nudity in True Blood, and this season, that buzz has increased significantly due to the fact that apparently viewers will be seeing *more* of Eric than they ever have before. I understand that the Swedish take on nudity is far more laid back than the rooted-in-puritanism American view, but are you affected by all the hoopla surrounding your upcoming True Blood nude scenes? If so, how?
3. Since, in the past, you have stated that you’ve read several of the books, you are most likely aware of the fact that Eric calls Sookie “my lover.” I’m taking one for the team here, and asking if you would please smolder out those sacred words for us…LOL. Thanks so much!
Comment by Kat — June 10, 2010 @ 11:25 pm
One of my many favorite scenes from season 2 of “True Blood” is when Lettie Mae points a shotgun at Lafayette and triggers a PTSD flashback in which Lafayette sees Eric in Lettie Mae’s clothing. I remember Alan Ball commenting–either in an interview or maybe one of the DVD commentaries (?)–that he found it liberating to wear women’s clothing (I believe he did it for an actor’s workshop). Did you have a similar response, when either playing Geert in “Kill Your Darlings” or impersonating Lettie Mae? Has playing female characters changed your understanding of women in general? In what ways?
How much does wearing the “right” clothing contribute to your ability to inhabit a character?
Comment by sue — June 11, 2010 @ 4:42 am
My question for Alex is: In the scenes where he has to portray Andy and Lettie Mae as Eric as seen through lafayette’s eyes. I was just wondering if you are just a good mimic? Or did you have to work real hard to get the mannerisms down as perfectly as you did. Those are some of my favorite scenes with eric and I think you did such an amazing job with them.
Comment by jill — June 11, 2010 @ 6:47 am
I recently watched the original Straw Dogs and I keep finding myself thinking about the rape scene, specifically about the fact that Amy seems to end up enjoying it – at least where Charlie is concerned. Since you play Charlie in the new version I’m sure you’ve given it a lot of thought as well. I would REALLY like to know your thoughts on the subject! I’m just really confused and trying to understand. What purpose does making the rape so ambiguous serve in the story? Is it trying to say something about the characters? Or is it trying to make some larger point? Also, how did you approach acting out such a difficult scene?
Was Eric’s shorter, darker, more slicked-back hair this season a deliberate choice for the character? (I liked someone’s question above about how much do we need to donate to his favorite charity to get him to grow it back out a little bit and maybe lighten it a little.)
“What makes you happy right now? What brings a smile to your face, just off the top of your head.” – I also thought that was a really good one!
Comment by melissa — June 11, 2010 @ 7:02 am