A couple of months back we tried to get an interview with Steven Yeun but things didn’t go
our way. We kept missing each other and then at C2E2 we still weren’t able to connect. I thought all was lost. Luckily for me, it finally happened.
Steven who has done his share of comedy, including a guest spot on The Big Bang Theory has become a fan favorite on AMC’s The Walking Dead. He took some time during filming to answer 10 questions about the show, the behind the scenes and some crazy fans.
Geekstronomy: It has been said that no one is safe on the show…when a character’s time is up how do you find out?
Steven Yeun: The producers on our show are great and gracious. They let people know, usually, a bit before. Just so they can prepare.
Geekstronomy: Glen has really grown as a character. We have seen him go from a bit awkward to having a girlfriend and becoming more self-confident. Season 3 just started filming, other than surviving until season 4 what do you want to see for Glen this season.
Steven Yeun: I think this season you will see Glenn really step up. The group is hardened as a whole and relationships have really bonded, so you are going to see people really having nothing to lose but each other. Glenn is going to grow.
Geekstronomy: You have a background in comedy do you prefer comedy over drama? Also where do you find humor in The Walking Dead? The show can be quite intense at times is there a lot of laughter off camera?
Steven Yeun: Our show is nuts. We are all very serious because it is a dramatic, intense show. I think all of us are very funny people and we do have fun in between takes, but sometimes it’s just time to buckle down and do work. I think that’s what I love about my experience on TWD. I’ve been afforded the ability to hone a skill set that I haven’t really had before. I was way into comedy and still am, but I definitely love them equally.
Geekstronomy: Speaking of humor are there any practical jokers on the set? Also who is the first person to flub their lines?
Steven Yeun: I would say Norman (Reedus who plays Daryl Dixon) is can be a pranker. I have my moments as well.
Geekstronomy: Are you a fan of the zombie genre? If so what is your favorite zombie movie? If not, is it hard to work with “the undead?”
Steven Yeun: I’m not really that big of a fan of zombies. In fact, I hate them. I think that might be why I really feel connected to Glenn.
Geekstronomy: It is a real zombie apocalypse. So what is your weapon of choice and why? What is your first order of business? Arming yourself, feeding yourself or finding a place to hide? Lastly if it were a real zombie apocalypse who from the cast, not their character, would you chose to be at your side and why?
Steven Yeun: Stock piling food. I love food. Lauren’s (Cohan who plays Maggie)pretty great. She’s funny.
Geekstronomy: The Walking Dead is a worldwide hit what did you do celebrate finding out that it has been picked up for 2 more years.
Steven Yeun: I don’t even remember. I think the whole thing in Hollywood is to try to meter yourself, because you never know what will happen. I probably got a beer and watched a movie?
Geekstronomy: Not that there is a way to research something like this what did you do to prepare for the role of Glen? What books or movies did you watch to get in the zombie mindset? Did you read the comic? And if so did you read ahead to see what direction your character might take?
Steven Yeun: I had read the comic before the show even was in casting. I didn’t read more after I got the part, just so I didn’t inform anything in my character. Preparation was interesting because I think they cast people that really fit the characters, so I just kind of looked inward.
Geekstronomy: If (I say if because I never want to see Glen die) the time comes that Glen is to meet his maker, how do you want to go out? Please elaborate.
Steven Yeun: I’d love to have my death be via explosion. I’d be on a motorcycle and a heard of walkers would be chasing me down a highway. They would also be on motorcycles (it’d be way down the line, when the walkers eventually figure out how to ride). I’d look behind me and say, “Oh F-” but it would cut to me looking ahead, right before I said the F word, to a giant Chevron semi. I’d look back one more time. Grit my teeth, then pull out a comically large stick of dynamite from my pant leg. It would say, “TNT” on it. Trinitrotoluene guys… come on. Then I’d take an large match, I’m talking like 3 feet long and drag it on the ground to light it. Then I’d light the stick of dynamite and throw it at the truck in front. I’d do a front flip with my motorcycle over the blast and the blast would project me on to the road in front of me. The explosion would kill the giant walker biker hoarde and I would look back in satisfaction.
Shortly after, I’d realize that I’m physically fine but will to live would diminish as I had done maybe the most bad ass thing I possibly could in my life. Then a harem of bodacious babes would come of from the sides and we’d cut to black because it’s still basic cable. Then we’d reopen on me with lipstick kisses all over my face and I would say, “all in a day’s work.” Then I’d fall to sleep/death with a smile on my face.
I’d reanimate immediately, and would have to be sexed to death again. As my brain would be realized to be actually located in my nether regions.
I hope this happens.
Geekstronomy: I heard about how you were greeted in Korea…have you had any strange (or scary) fan encounters in the U.S.?
Steven Yeun: I’ve seen some tattoos of my face on people’s legs. Flattering, but nuts.
Thanks again to Steven for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck to the cast and crew of one of the best shows on television, The Walking Dead!
