Overton talked with Poptimal about shifting into “pack mentality” on True Blood. Below is part of the interview with Kelly.
“I’ve seen every episode from the first season on, I’m a huge fan of the show. I’ve always been obsessed with the genre. Love vampires, especially,” Overton began. “I was a huge fan of Anne Rice growing up and of all the cult classic vampire movies, like Fright Night, The Lost Boys. I was just obsessed. So when [True Blood] came out, it was the highlight of my week. So I was very familiar with everything happening in Bon Temps,” she laughed.
When asked about Rikki’s personal contribution to the season’s narrative, particularly the notion of sparking a romance with the newly single Alcide Herveaux (Joe Manganiello), Overton was coyly cryptic.
“Well, I’m a werewolf, and he’s a werewolf, so our paths definitely cross,” she teased. “There are a lot of different colors and levels to Alcide and Rikki’s relationship, but I can’t really say more. You’ll have to watch and find out.”
Overton did offer specific commentary on the notion of Rikki filling the void left by Alcide’s spitfire fiancée Debbie (Brit Morgan), whom Sookie (Anna Paquin) shot dead at the end of Season Four.
“You know, there’s definitely no replacing Debbie Pelt,” Overton chuckled, before discussing Rikki’s own defining traits. “She cares deeply about the pack and is willing to risk anything for the good of it.”
For former star athlete Overton, the physical strength and agility required to play a werewolf came naturally, but the psychological implications of such a role provided an educational experience for the seasoned actress.
“I’ve never played a supernatural character before, so that’s been really, really amazing,” Overton said, crediting her diverse background in film, television and theater, including a starring role on Broadway in The Graduate, as a culminating creative preparation for True Blood. “I’ve always been a very physical person; I played sports my whole life and have always been naturally athletically inclined, and it’s always been a passion of mine to utilize that strength of mine in my work,” she affirmed.
“Werewolves are kind of explored more this season, and we see them in action in ways we’ve never seen before,” Overton continued. “The whole aspect of the pack mentality is really different. The way people are, and the way wolves themselves are a family in that way. But also, we’re actual animals and I think that makes a huge difference … I’m learning more and more about what it means to be a werewolf every episode, and this is a character that I hope to explore more in the future.”
The community-driven nature of the werewolves within the show also mirrored the close-knit environment among the cast, about whom Overton couldn’t rave enough.
“The talent across the board is just phenomenal. And it’s such an honor to be working with these actors, and Alan Ball and the producers and writers,” Overton proudly gushed. “There’s such a true collaboration that’s happening. That’s what’s so unique and so special, and what makes the show so amazing is having that kind of creative atmosphere. Everybody [in the cast] loves the show, and has welcomed new members with open arms. Being part of a pack on the show, there’s definitely that sense of family.”
Read the rest of this interview by going to: poptimal.com