Bradley interview with Series Mag magazine (English translation)
Many thanks to gealach_ros for providing the English translation of this French language interview with Bradley from Series MAG. The original French version (scan) was posted at the Merlin Le Groupe Francais Facebook page. (Warning: contains mild series 4 spoilers).
In Season 4 of Merlin, Arthur finally becomes King of Camelot. A change that suits the voluntary nature of Bradley. The actor is back to filming on the new series in France and the friendship that connects him with Colin Morgan, aka Merlin.
What has changed on the set during season 4?
Now Arthur is surrounded by a crowd of knights and it changes the atmosphere on set. I am delighted to be surrounded by all these tough guys who all have a great sense of humor. We're a tight-knit team. When I celebrated my birthday they all came to London and we spent a day and an amazing night. Tom Hopper who plays the role of Percival came especially from Liverpool for a few hours so that the whole gang was reunited. We're all great friends now and it shows on the show. We work hard, but we also laugh a lot.
What do you like most about coming to France?
The food, of course, and the castle! We come to Châteaux de Pierrefonds in the spring and summer, and it's much warmer than in Britain. Since I wear chainmail and armour in most scenes, I sometimes lose a pound or two because I sweat [so much]. But if that's the price I have to pay playing this role, I'm fine with that.
What do you think of season 4 now that Arthur has become king?
I think it was time to happen. The writers had been preparing us for this since the beginning of the series. Arthur proved to everyone that he could succeed his father, or even become a better leader than him. It remains to be seen though because Arthur is still wary of magic and refuses to legalise it throughout the kingdom.
How long will Arthur will still be unaware of Merlin's magical powers?
Until now the producers didn't seem to want to reveal the truth to Arthur. Season 5 could be the last, we shall see. But it's clear that when Arthur will learn the truth, the dynamics of the series will be completely different. Merlin and Arthur will no longer behave the same way towards each other. That said, I'm looking forward to playing the scene where Arthur really sees Merlin with Colin Morgan.
Are you still close to Colin?
Yes, I'm so lucky. I share many scenes with him and if we wouldn't get along, it would be hell on set. Fortunately we spend much of our time laughing. We are very different, but we enjoy spending time with each other.
We see you shirtless more often in the series. Do you mind or not?
It amuses me. I know we are a show watched by a younger, mostly female audience and the writers seem to think they enjoy it. I don't consider myself a sex symbol, though. But hey, I know where the producers are getting at when they ask me to drop my shirt! [laughs]
How would you like to see the series end?
I'd like to see Arthur being able to rule the kingdom without Merlin's help. But until then he really needs him in his fight against Morgana. But I'd like Arthur to become more wise and mature, a sovereign worthy of Camelot.
In Season 4 of Merlin, Arthur finally becomes King of Camelot. A change that suits the voluntary nature of Bradley. The actor is back to filming on the new series in France and the friendship that connects him with Colin Morgan, aka Merlin.
What has changed on the set during season 4?
Now Arthur is surrounded by a crowd of knights and it changes the atmosphere on set. I am delighted to be surrounded by all these tough guys who all have a great sense of humor. We're a tight-knit team. When I celebrated my birthday they all came to London and we spent a day and an amazing night. Tom Hopper who plays the role of Percival came especially from Liverpool for a few hours so that the whole gang was reunited. We're all great friends now and it shows on the show. We work hard, but we also laugh a lot.
What do you like most about coming to France?
The food, of course, and the castle! We come to Châteaux de Pierrefonds in the spring and summer, and it's much warmer than in Britain. Since I wear chainmail and armour in most scenes, I sometimes lose a pound or two because I sweat [so much]. But if that's the price I have to pay playing this role, I'm fine with that.
What do you think of season 4 now that Arthur has become king?
I think it was time to happen. The writers had been preparing us for this since the beginning of the series. Arthur proved to everyone that he could succeed his father, or even become a better leader than him. It remains to be seen though because Arthur is still wary of magic and refuses to legalise it throughout the kingdom.
How long will Arthur will still be unaware of Merlin's magical powers?
Until now the producers didn't seem to want to reveal the truth to Arthur. Season 5 could be the last, we shall see. But it's clear that when Arthur will learn the truth, the dynamics of the series will be completely different. Merlin and Arthur will no longer behave the same way towards each other. That said, I'm looking forward to playing the scene where Arthur really sees Merlin with Colin Morgan.
Are you still close to Colin?
Yes, I'm so lucky. I share many scenes with him and if we wouldn't get along, it would be hell on set. Fortunately we spend much of our time laughing. We are very different, but we enjoy spending time with each other.
We see you shirtless more often in the series. Do you mind or not?
It amuses me. I know we are a show watched by a younger, mostly female audience and the writers seem to think they enjoy it. I don't consider myself a sex symbol, though. But hey, I know where the producers are getting at when they ask me to drop my shirt! [laughs]
How would you like to see the series end?
I'd like to see Arthur being able to rule the kingdom without Merlin's help. But until then he really needs him in his fight against Morgana. But I'd like Arthur to become more wise and mature, a sovereign worthy of Camelot.
