GEOFFREY AREND TALKS "BATMAN: HUSH" & MORE (VIDEO)
It has been a couple of months since San Diego Comic Con 2019, and I think that my pulse is finally starting to settle down. While on assignment for Bleeding Cool, I had the chance to chat with the cast and crew of Batman: Hush. Now that Bleeding Cool has had some time to rake in all the traffic and clicks, I thought I might post my stories here. As I recall, it was just moments before we were to head into massive Ballroom 20 at SDCC for the world premiere of WB Animation’s Batman: Hush. The pressroom was packed and I wasn’t sure if I was seeing things. but I thought “ Is that the dude that eats too many mushrooms at the beginning of Super Troopers sitting in front of me? Indeed, yes. Geoffrey Arend (Body Of Proof, Madam Secretary) has taken time out from his busy San Diego Comic Con 2019 to chat about his role as the Riddler.
Geoffrey tells us that it is a little overwhelming for his first trip to SDCC to be the 50th anniversary of the Pop Culture Convention, as well as the Batman 80th anniversary, but after getting pushed around by a Wonder Woman at Starbucks, he shares his take on his latest character, the Riddler.
I was hoping to respect the Riddlers that came before me, particularly John Glover (Batman: The Animated Series) from the animated series , because I grew up with, and I love that series so much. I was hoping to be able to put a spin on it that we haven’t seen before. I come at it from (the) Riddler is almost a millennial in away . he thinks he is smarter than everyone else, and he wants them to notice him and see him. Think that works for that villain.
Its just fun to play a villian.
Preparing to play one of the most iconic villains in DC universe must be difficult, we asked Geoffrey which past Riddlers he used for inspiration:
“I listened to clips of all the Riddlers from the animated universe- Mathew Gray Gubler (Assault On Arkham), John Glover (Batman: The Animated Series) to like, Gorshin (Batman 66) , - you know the 60’s television show- and even a little Jim Carrey (Batman Forever), even though I don't agree with the Shumacher movies. I wanted to have all that in my head and be able to step away from it and play the character that was on the page. The writing was so good in this storyline. Its a very circuitous route, and it's a detective story, the intentions are clear.”
Arend tells us his first thoughts on being asked to play the Riddler.
“Edward Nigma he’s not a physical member of the rogues gallery. He is that cerebral character. He is that guy that needs to be smart, needs other people to notice that he’s smart. And isn't afraid to cross lines. I loved the comic book, I read it in graphic novel format. The comic has been out for so long that this is not a spoiler, He is such an integral part of putting together this entire setup, that it's his masterwork, in a way. It’s fun to be part of a story … very much respected in this story. In a way that he usually isnt.”
“Batman has so many friends, but he acts like he doesnt have any freinds. He's got so many people, he's got kids, he's got people dressed like Batman around him.” - Arend
