Often, you find journalists trying to break through the rehearsed answers given by actors and filmmakers during press tours for their projects. Otherwise, you’re left with an interview that is boring and similar to the other 100 interviews with the person that are floating around. However, when an actor speaks plainly, it’s almost shocking and unexpected. And that’s exactly what happened when Ed Harris was recently interviewed by Vulture about his work on the new season of “Westworld.”
**Spoilers for ‘Westworld’ Season 3, though nothing too in-depth.**
With the latest episode of “Westworld” in the books, fans have finally seen Ed Harris’ character turn from the Man in Black to the Man in White, marking a new era for the character and more challenges for the actor who portrays him. However, it doesn’t appear that the actor is really all that happy to be part of it. For Ed Harris, he’s not super happy with filming this season of “Westworld,” and he’s not scared to talk about why.
READ MORE: ‘Westworld’ Season 3 Premiere Saw A Massive Viewership Decline From Season 2
During the interview with Vulture, Harris is asked about the secrecy of the series, including how the actors don’t really know what’s happening in the longterm to their characters, instead only getting scripts for the current episode that they’re filming. And this means, Harris has no idea what the future holds for his character, and that’s not how he likes to work.
“They pretty much leave it up in the air,” explained the actor. “Being a person who enjoys doing theater and making it new and fresh every night, I’d just as soon know the full arc of my character. But, unfortunately, I do not.”
In one of the scenes in the most recent episode, Harris’ character is subject to intense torture, described in the interview as “Clockwork Orange”-style. And when the actor is asked if those scenes were a pain to film, Harris doesn’t hold back.
READ MORE: George R.R. Martin Wanted A Much Bigger ‘Thrones’ Presence In Last Night’s ‘Westworld’
“You do what you gotta do,” he said. “I mean, I signed on to play the Man in Black. I didn’t sign on to play the Man in White. So it wasn’t the most joyous season for me, I gotta say.”
Again, as people who love film and TV, it’s great to hear an actor talk plainly and bluntly about the working conditions and how he feels about a project. It’s refreshing. However, to know that Ed Harris is unhappy with the way “Westworld” is going, it sort of takes the wind out of the sails for fans and puts a damper on the viewing experience. But hey, at least he’s being honest!
“Westworld” airs on HBO on Sunday nights.
