Scottish actor Robert Carlyle has had a long and successful career in film, including roles in “Trainspotting” and “The Full Monty.” But since last year, he’s been settling into a regular TV role on “Stargate Universe,” the third series in the popular “Stargate” franchise.
“It wasn’t something that I went out to try to find. It was something that found me,” Carlyle says of the career change. With the show’s second season set to debut, Metro caught up with Carlyle in Vancouver on the set of “SGU.”
How do you relate to your character?
It’s interesting that the one thing that has helped me — the strange thing, sad as well — my family is home in the U.K. I’m on my own here in Vancouver. I don’t really know too many people. I don’t really go out at night, I’m not that kind of guy. I mean, of course, I’m not stuck up in a spaceship millions of miles away, but anything for an actor helps. And the sadness in my life at the moment, which is missing my family, is actually helping me in the role. [Laughs]
How often do you get back home?
I don’t get back at all, no. I stay here from February to November. It’s a long time.
Were you a fan of science fiction?
Not that I’m not a fan, I just don’t really know it, you know? For instance, I’ve never seen “Star Wars.” Never interested me. But other types of science fiction — “2001” was just a classic film. I think the very first “Alien” film is a fantastic film, also. These are slightly different, I guess, from the norm. And I think this is what this is as well. It wouldn’t do for me to be pressing buttons and blowing things up. Anyone can do that. It’s not my bag.
Do you feel a lot of pressure in taking on a franchise?
I haven’t really thought about that too much, to be honest. I recognize it, but I don’t really take part in it, in the nicest possible way. It would drive you crazy, otherwise. I don’t tweet, I don’t Facebook. A lot of the cast do and they get upset if someone says something on Twitter. Well, why are you doing it? Don’t give yourself that monkey on your back.
