Jesse Metcalfe and Josh Henderson
Dallas returned to our screens this year after a rather lengthy absence and now the Texas based power struggles come home to roost, with series one hitting DVD this week.
To celebrate JR and the gang coming home, two of the show’s stars (the gorgeous duo of Jesse Metcalfe and Josh Henderson) talked about their roles on Dallas and what it’s been like being a part of such a hit.
Jesse Metcalfe
Was it daunting joining such an iconic show as Dallas?
“Every great project starts with a great script. Once I wrapped my mind around the idea and read the script and saw the characters were fleshed out it looked like a contemporary show, while keeping it true to the series.”
Were you a fan of Dallas when you were younger?
I had to go back and watch some episodes – I watched about 33 - I wanted to set the tone and see my co workers in their younger years. There was a little Christopher, but you have no idea of who the man will be.
What was it like working with such a legendary cast?
Larry, Patrick and Linda are just fantastic and so welcoming. This show has so much heritage and so much history, it really feels grand and there are so many directions all the storylines can go in. The viewers from the original show are such fervent fans and I think we captured some of that fan base and bring in a new fan base. It’s great to be on a hit show.
What do you think has made Dallas a success this time around?
What I think fans love is that they tune in and see this wealthy family behaving badly and the dysfunction between them. It is still about money, power, greed, relationships, ambition and betrayal but in a more contemporary version of the series. Dallas is now more socially aware by moving away from drilling and looking to more renewable energy.
What is it like being seen as the new Bobby Ewing?
I think that’s what people expect of the character. Christopher is a chip off the old block he is an integrous character, at times heroic, at times the glue that is holding this dysfunctional family together.
But there’s a lot more grey area with the new generation. They’re struggling with their identities and have inner conflict. It is a great character to play.
What can we expect from the next series?
Nearly every episode John Ross Jr and Christopher are at each others throats I love it, so I’m sure there will be more of that. I’ve known Josh a long time and we were competitive in that we have been up for the same parts before in he past and we used to compete in a charity league so I think we brought a lot of that past rivalry to our characters.
Josh Henderson
What was it like to be part of such an iconic show as Dallas?
Well I’m from Dallas originally so obviously it was a big deal for me coming home I felt this odd connection to it.
Were you nervous about being seen as the new JR? Did he give you any advice?
The first day of shooting the first episode he told me to enjoy it and have fun. Then I kind of let all my worries go and I got really comfortable with everyone in the cast and with him and I had a great time.
Did you try and emulate JR in your role as his son John Ross?
I did my research on him watching youtube clips because I wanted to know how he made JR so magnetic. He was awesome. But I also think John Ross is a different character. I wanted to have that sprit of him in John Ross but he is a new wirey firecracker. He is very unpredictable and I love that, I love not know what John Ross will do next.
How has life changed for you since being on the show?
The fans are so passionate, people like to call me John Ross on the street. Everywhere on Runyon canyon, all the guys call me John Ross. It’s all been positive which is great. For me it has not only the nostalgic aspect of the show, the press and the attention on it is crazy. I had a billboard on Times Square 70 feet tall naked so I never thought that would happen
The first series was a huge success – were you surprised by that?
I think some people were skeptical. I thought at least the fans of the original would tune in to at least the first espisode. When I saw the first one and saw how good it was I was very proud of it
There was always a lot of conflict between JR and Bobby, is that the same between John Ross and Christopher?
We are kind of fighting for the same thing and at the same time fighting for very different things.
What can we expect from the next series?
Blink and you will miss a lot! The drama is fun I really enjoy the last half of the season it got so intense. The emotions were high and the were high stakes in every scene and I enjoyed that.
Dallas Season one is out now on DVD right here.
Tagged in Jesse Metcalfe TV