HBO’s True Blood Comic-Con 2011 Panel: Spoilers and More!

The Cast and Alan Ball Answer Moderator and Audience Questions:

The True Blood cast came out on stage at Comic-Con to rousing applause and it’s clear from these videos, there were many die-hard fans in the room. Many spoilers were announced and teasers were uncovered. The panel included: Anna Paquin (Sookie), Stephen Moyer (Bill), Ryan Kwanten (Jason), Rutina Wesley (Tara), Alexander Skarsgård (Eric), Kevin Alejandro (Jesus), Kristin Bauer (Pam), Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette), Deborah Ann Woll (Jessica), and Alan Ball.

A few juicy bits gleamed from these videos:

• Rutina Wesley “secretly loves the UFC”.
• When an audience member asked if Eric will remember his time with Sookie, Alan replied: “I feel like that’s too much to give away…no, yes, maybe” Of course, the one question we all wanted answered!
• When asked if there was any hope for Bill and Sookie the audience started to cheer, but it quickly turned to boos.
• Anna takes you through the “sausage party” that consisted of her, Joe and Alexander filming the scene at the lake – minus the clothes for the men.
• The panel is asked what their favorite parts of the season have been so far – some answers might surprise you!
• The Comic-Con panel contains actors from many nations and it’s apparent when the audience starts asking questions that they are just as multinational.
• My favorite question of the night was to Alexander Skarsgård: “What in his (Eric’s) history created such a straight up badass?”
• The most interesting bit of news came from an audience member who asked if the show keeps up the pace it has with the books (a book a season). How long will this show stay on the air? Alan’s response: “As we get further down the road less and less, this season is based on the book…I think the show has a tremendous amount of life. I hope to get to the point where it becomes a problem for us in the writers room why the vampires are aging.”
• Noticable absences were Sam Trammell home expecting his baby twins, and Joe Manganiello who is working on a film project.

There is so much more to see in these videos. Check them out and tell us what questions you would have asked, or what answer you would have liked to hear!

 

Sources: Wetpaint: True Blood Comic-Con 2011 Panel Video, Part 1

WetPaint: True Blood Comic-Con 2011 Panel Video, Part 2

WetPaint: True Blood Comic-Con 2011 Panel Video, Part 3

(Image credit: Comic-Con.org)

Video: True Blood Cast Interviews at Season 4 Premiere

The Buzz on the Red Carpet:

We have another video for you from the Season 4  premiere red carpet.  You’ll hear some of the cast members speak briefly about the new season, and see a few quick snippets from upcoming episodes.  Nelsan Ellis’s parting words:

“You know, you think the vampires are the baddest kids on the block — but this season’ll make you rethink that thought.”

Hear from Alan Ball and practically the whole cast by watching the video below.  Is it just me, or does Skarsgård look like he’s got a buzz going at the after party?

Source: The Buzz – True Blood Season 4 Premiere (HBO)
(Image credit: HBO, Inc.)

True Blood’s Nelsan Ellis Directs Short Film

A New Venture For Nelsan Ellis:

The fine actor who plays Lafayette Reynolds on HBO’s True Blood, Nelsan Ellis, has made his directorial debut.  It’s a short film titled Page 36.  Starring Roger Guenveur Smith, Edi Gathegi, and Sidney Poitier’s daughter, Sydney Tamiia Poitier,  it will do the festival rounds later this year.

Here’s the synopsis:

“Roman Wilson is a two time felon recently released from prison. Faced with no positive prospects for employment and a terminally ill child, he is recruited by a company that promises immediate wealth and a new way of life for his family languishing in poverty, but at what cost?”

We’re looking forward to being able to see this short film by our beloved Lafayette.  Thank goodness we’ll be seeing him very shortly, when the new season of True Blood premieres June 26!

Source: IndieWire.com – Nelsan Ellis Of “True Blood” Is Directing Now… Trailer For His First Effort

(Photo credit: indiewire.com)

Video: True Blood Withdrawal PSA

Waiting Sucks a Little Less:

For those of you who just can’t wait for your next fix of V, we have some encouraging words from the cast of True Blood.  Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Ryan Kwanten, Joe Manganiello, Sam Trammell, Rutina Wesley, Nelsan Ellis, Kristin Bauer van Straten, and Deborah Ann Woll have all pitched in to offer us a PSA on TBW: True Blood Withdrawal.  They offer one suggestion — visit HBO‘s new website, TBWithdrawal.com.

 

Here we have Ryan Kwanten flying solo:

 

What did you think, Truebies? Does it get any more tongue-in-cheek?

Source: HollyWoodCrush.MTV.com - Ryan Kwanten Offers Relief For ‘True Blood’ Withdrawal In EXCLUSIVE PSA

Joe Manganiello Announced for Tru Blood 2: A Second Bite

Australian Fans Are Excited:

There is a coup for Australian fans of HBO’s True Blood this September! Not only will this year’s Hub Productions True Blood convention, Tru Blood 2: A Second Bite, have Nelsan Ellis (who plays LaFayette), but Sam Tramell will be returning for a second year. To add to the list of True Blood stars, Joe Manganiello, who plays hunky werewolf, Alcide, has just been announced as a part of the line up!

Aussie fans can order tickets online here. There are two events, one in Sydney and the other in Melbourne. Ticket prices start from $100 for a day pass, right up to $950 for a platinum pass (which includes an evening function with the stars of True Blood, as well as front row seating.)

I will be attending the Melbourne event, so if you want me to ask your fave star a question, make sure you comment below.

Source: Hub Productions – Tru Blood 2: A Second Bite

(Photo Credit: Hub Productions)

Abri van Straten to Play the Viper Room in LA!

Abri van Straten @ The Viper Room

You LA True Blood fans are so lucky! Once again there’s an opportunity to listen to the sultry tones of Abri van Straten. And, of course, Kristin Bauer will be there to support her husband. As all Trubies know, Kristin plays the sultry Pam in HBO‘s hit series True Blood. (Scheduled to start season 4 on June 26th!) Abri is a very talented singer and his songs are inspiring, romantic and emotional. He’s involved in many activist movements including Tails for Whales and other IFAW (The International Fund for Animal Welfare) events. As most of you know, Kristin is also very active in the animal welfare realm supporting The Amanda Foundation — buy Amanda Foundation items at their Zazzle store to support their good works! — and the Animal Legal Defense Fund. (Go sign the petition to Free Tony the Tiger if you haven’t already!) If any of you get the chance to go, please consider writing up the event for us. We’d love to hear about your experiences! And don’t forget, Kristin will soon have her very own column here at TrueBloodNet.com called Kristin Rants! Where she’ll keep us all up to date on what’s bugging the beautiful, talented and outspoken Mrs. van Straten.

Here’s the Press Release:

Thursday, May 19th, Abri van Straten is performing alongside some other terrific artists in the world famous Viper Room on the strip in W. Hollywood.
These shows are incredibly intimate. They are ideal for taking in every note and lyric.The Green Room bar offers serious drink specials for its guests. Well drinks are only $5.  Pabst cans are only $4. These amazing drink specials are only good for those who ASK for the happy hour specials (proving you’ve caught wind of our promo efforts, otherwise it’s full price!)  Free street parking is easy for the early shows.  Yellow, loading zones are safe parking after 6pm, as are any green curbs. Otherwise there’s a lot on property, which is only $5 after 11pm. and a block away, across from Red Rock there’s a lot that’s $5 all night long. 21+, $8 w/ flyer. Guests will have access to the entire venue. Come early and find a good spot (parking and seating). 8852 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069

May 19
8:00 Lilly Carrico
8:45 Kara Clark
9:30 Tati Rabell
10:15 Abri van Straten
11:00 Triproy

Nelsan Ellis on The Hunkies

Lala is Definitely a Looker:

Fans of HBO‘s hit vampire series, True Blood, all know who Lala is — the fabulously flamboyant Lafayette Reynolds, Tara‘s cousin and cook at Merlotte’s bar.  Played by Nelsan Ellis, Lafayette is definitely a pillar of the show, and a gorgeous one, to boot.  No surprise, then, that he should appear on a website called The Hunkies!  Apparently, posters on the site get to nominate their favorite hunks — of which there is no shortage.

Head on over to The Hunkies to check out all the other nominees.

Cheers to Nelsan, keep up the good work on True Blood!  We love you!

Source: TheHunkies.com – Nelsan Ellis

(Photo credit: HBO)

True Blood at PaleyFest 2011: A Fan’s Perspective

Wow! I went to PaleyFest 2011′s True Blood panel, and I’m still blown away by how amazing it was! It felt like the entire cast was there (all major characters were well represented), including the brains behind the show, Alan Ball. I should also mention that this Paley Fest panel actually took place at Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, rather than at the actual Paley Center, which has far fewer seats.

The panel started late, and opened with a clip package from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Those of us in the audience who are/were Buffy fans cheered and clapped at this, since it can be argued that True Blood is the vampire show that took Buffy’s place on television and in film history. Afterwards, Alan came back to the podium to share a special clips package from True Blood seasons 1, 2, 3, and a special unfinished clip from season 4! The clip featured Jessica, Pam, Hoyt, and followers from the Fellowship of the Sun who were protesting in front of Fangtasia. Hoyt was a good boyfriend and defended himself, Jessica, and their relationship to the protesters. He told them that he felt he was a better Christian than they were because of the love in his heart, rather than the hatred. It was a beautiful scene, and I can’t wait to see the finished version when Season 4 finally begins this summer!

Right after that, the panel and it’s attendees were announced. My ears are still ringing from all the cheering for the cast! As shown in order in the photo below, there are 18 total people on stage. From left to right, they are: the moderator of the panel, Alan Ball, Anna Paquin (Sookie Stackhouse), Stephen Moyer (Bill Compton), Alexander Skarsgard (Eric Northman), Rutina Wesley (Tara Thornton), Sam Trammell (Sam Merlotte), Marshall Allman (Tommy Mickens), Ryan Kwanten (Jason Stackhouse), Chris Bauer (Andy Bellefleur), Carrie Preston (Arlene Fowler), Todd Lowe (Terry Bellefleur), Jim Parrack (Hoyt Fortenberry), Deborah Ann Woll (Jessica Hamby), Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette Reynolds), Kevin Alejandro (Jesus Velasquez), Kristin Bauer van Straten (Pam de Beaufort), and Joe Manganiello (Alcide Herveaux). Please click on the image of the cast to see a larger, cleaner version.

A majority of the panel focused on basic questions and answers, though lots of detail came out about the stars, their characters, and the future of True Blood. One of my favorite moments was when the actors all shared about their most embarrassing/awkward fan encounters, and Joe once again shared his story about a fan who asked him to lick her. Though the debacle has been shared before, the way in which Joe presented it had the audience groaning, laughing, and in my case, blushing furiously while trying not to laugh. Another favorite was Chris Bauer’s story, which ended up being a case of someone who didn’t recognize him, but instead told him that he had bird excrement on his back while at lunch with his wife. The audience howled at the story!

The story that I most appreciated came from Anna Paquin, and it wasn’t so much of a story as an experience she’s had several times over. Anna described how amused she is by fans who come over to say hi to her and Stephen Moyer, only to ogle Stephen and then pretend to be interested in Anna as well. Anna made the audience smile appreciatively after saying that she totally understands and is actually pretty okay with fans ogling her husband.

Several spoilers were spilled, and a couple of my favorites were very minor. When the moderator asked each actor who they hadn’t worked with yet but wanted to, Rutina and Kristin said that Tara and Pam should meet. Alan Ball confirmed that Sookie’s best friend and Eric’s right hand woman will meet in Season 4. The audience was ecstatic from the news and the cheers echoed quite a bit in the theatre! Once confirmed, Rutina and Kristin looked at each other and smiled.

Another spoiler I liked came from a question about what animals will be seen in Season 4. Of course, some are obvious, like dogs, wolves, and a few panthers. One that’s not so common? An alligator. When Alan confirmed that particular new creature, I was stunned to say the least. It leaves me curious as to why it might be important to the series.

One other comment made in the panel really made me think. When a fan asked if Bill and Sookie are still soul mates after everything that’s happened, the response was yes, but it will take a long time for them to get back together. While continuing to answer the question, Alan referred to Bill’s actions against Sookie as a “perceived” betrayal. That definitely leaves the show open to possibly have a flashback where we see what happened from Bill’s point of view, rather than just seeing what happened to Sookie and her take on it.

Aother sort-of non spoiler was about Jessica and Hoyt. We knew their relationship wouldn’t be easy (which was shown by that special clip aired at the panel), but I’ll be very upset if anything happens to them. I find them to be one of my favorite couples on True Blood, and they’re just so cute together!

Of course, a lot more was said, with hints for fans to not expect to see Niall yet (my fingers are remaining crossed that David Bowie will somehow play the part), more clues about Arlene’s evil baby, new shifters on the horizon, and some very important wiccans. Season 4 is going to be awesome!

To get a bit of a feel of what the panel was really like, check out this video clip that the Paley Center posted on their website:

Anyways, after the panel closed, fans rushed the stage to talk to the stars and get autographs. I became trapped in the throng, which was quite uncomfortable, but I did get to talk to Carrie Preston about her film That’s What She Said and tell her how excited I am to see it when it comes out. I also spoke to Todd Lowe as well as Alexander Skarsgard for a moment (he was very sweet to everyone and stayed later than almost all of the stars who were signing). Just when I figured that I couldn’t have any more luck, Sam Trammell came over and I got to speak with him as well!

As always, I came with gifts for a few members of the cast, but I was unable to deliver them to the stars by hand. Instead, one of the people at HBO took them from me and handed them out backstage. Kristin Bauer confirmed that she got my gifts, so I hope that everyone else did too.

I gave Kristin a pillow I created that was inspired by her character, Pam. (Though you can’t see it, the actual pillow within is made of a black fabric with silver spider webs on it in honor of Pam’s tough-as-nails-persona. The pink case is in honor of Pam’s favorite color.) I also gave Kristin a t-shirt I’d made previously that says Ravenscroft/Stackhouse 2012 on the front and ‘Pam for President’ on the back. (At the time I made the shirt, Pam’s last name had not been changed.) I also created a similar shirt for Anna, which says ‘Sookie for VP’ on the back. The final gift I brought was for Alan Ball. He too got a pillow, but that one was directly inspired by True Blood.

Kristin Bauer van Straten’s Pillow

 

Alan Ball’s Pillow

The True Blood panel at Paley was absolutely fantastic, and I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to get to go!

(Image Credits: Isis Nocturne)

Fresh Spoilers for Season 4 from Alan Ball and Cast

Spoilers Galore! What to Expect From the Main Characters:

Alan Ball and most of the True Blood cast were at PaleyFest 2011, spilling beans left and right.  If you’d like to remain in the dark and be surprised come June, please stop reading!

The scoop on Sookie: Only four episodes have been shot, but she’s already kissed two people.  Hint — neither one was Bill!  Ball assures us Sookie won’t be forgiving Bill any time soon.  Well, no one can blame her.  As you may recall, it was revealed last season that Bill was actually sent Sookie’s way by the Queen (Evan Rachel Wood).  He let Sookie get beat up so that he could heal her, by way of making her drink his blood, thus guaranteeing a bond between the two.  According to Ball: “The betrayal is so deep that I don’t think she sees a way back from that.  That’s why we need 17 seasons!”  In the meantime, Sookie’s learned a few things while cavorting with the fairies.  Just not how to control her “microwave fingers”.

What’s happening with Bill?  Last we saw, he and Queen Sophie-Anne were in full attack mode in mid-air.  The only thing Ball will say is, “There is a bite-off [between Bill and the Queen]. Things happen.  It’s not just the two of them involved”.  Hmm… cryptic, much?

And finally, the lowdown on Eric: to the delight of many, it’s been confirmed he will have amnesia.  How does it happen?  Why?  We don’t know the details, but here is Alexander Skarsgård‘s take:

“He messed with the wrong people, he’s definitely not stable.  He doesn’t know who he is anymore… Eric needs help.  There are a lot of friendly people in Bon Temps kind enough to help.  The powerful character he was is just gone.  He’s the polar opposite of who he used to be.  He’s just completely lost… and very vulnerable.”

The Merlotte’s Gang:

What is the deal with Arlene‘s baby?  Or, as Ball puts it, her “evil” baby?  Rene’s progeny will be born tout de suite, and Terry will become a loving, proud papa.  Says Carrie Preston (Arlene), “That problem grows exponentially”.

Where is Tara Mae?  Thankfully, we’ll find out soon enough.  The old Tara is back in Bon Temps, minus the long hair.  What can we expect from her? Rutina Wesley says, “She may find some happiness, but just for a bit… You’ll find out early on where she’s been”.

Ring ring, hookah, ring ring.  Lafayette‘s gentleman caller, Jesus, revealed himself to be a brujo (witch), and clearly, a spell has been cast.  Whether it’s a literal spell, or Lafayette is simply in love, we don’t know for sure.  But we are certainly looking forward to finding out.

Speaking of lovers, things are looking good for Jessica and Hoyt.  Well, to a degree.  They’ll be facing many obstacles, but at least they’ll be facing them together.  Or will they?  Remember Mrs. Fortenberry?  “Mom is awful”, says Jim Parrack.  The rest of the anti-vamp populace also adds to their problems.  However, according to Parrack, we need not despair.  “Jessica is the one,” he says.

Last but not least, we have Mr. Merlotte himself, Sam.  The poor guy hasn’t had much luck in the love department, but he’s being given another chance.  According to Trammell, “I get another shot.  I’m at bat again.  I think Sam will sober up.”  But leave it to Alan Ball to throw a wrench in things.  Concerning Sam’s sobriety, Ball says, “He can do that for one episode”.  Why would that be?  Ah, remember how Sam shot his brother?  That may come back to bite him in the butt.

As for the Rest of Bon Temps (And Its Environs):

Jason Stackhouse (Ryan Kwanten) was last seen in Hotshot, delivering a sweet, heartfelt speech.  Entrusted with the care of his werepanther girlfriend’s kin, we can only assume he’ll be doing his “Jason” best.  The only thing we’re going to get out of Kwanten is, “He should not be looking after an entire village of meth addicts — he’s Jason Stackhouse.”

While we’re on the subject of drugs, let’s talk about V – vampire blood.  Who’s it going to affect this season?  If you recall, Andy Bellefleur kept a vial of it, and curiosity’s going to get the better of him.  Oh, Andy.  What kind of mishaps are we going to see now?

Who’s rising from the dead?  Or is it the undead?  The final death?  Whichever one it is, the answer is no one.  We will, however, see Godric again, presumably by way of flashbacks.  Can you guess who else is back, but in the flesh?  The Vampire King of Mississippi, Russell Edgington.  Says Alan Ball, “We have definite plans to bring him back — and he’s gonna be pissed”.

Now for our favorite were, Alcide: Will he be hooking up with Sookie, or is he still not over Debbie?  As for Debbie, Manganiello says, “she’s still alive and at large, so you never know”.  We do know for certain, however, that Alcide will be spending time with Sookie.  Which is sure to set Debbie off.

A few last tidbits from Alan Ball: coming to the show will be “some new witches, new vampires, new humans, a new werewolf, and a child”, and in animal form, “a gator, a rattlesnake, and an attack owl”.

There you have it, folks.  Those are all the official spoilers we have for now, but rest assured we’ll keep them coming.  Who’s excited for Season 4?!

 

Sources: TVGuide.com – 15 True Blood Spoilers: Plus, Why Powerful Vampire Eric Is “Completely Lost”

FearNet.com – Breaking News!  First Hints at ‘True Blood’ Season 4!

(Photo credit: SookieStackhouse.com/WENN)

Edited by: Shanea O’Connor

 

True Blood’s Lafayette is Lonely No More

Nelsan Ellis Talks to The TV Junkie at PaleyFest 2011

If you haven’t already heard, this year’s PaleyFest was raucous good fun for the True Blood cast and fans. We got a little delicious sneak peak at season four and we saw a lot of great interviews. The TV Junkie has just released a short video interview with Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette Reynolds), in which Ellis chats about his alter ego’s (sometimes) lonely life. As Alan Ball has said in the past, characters are only allowed to be happy for one episode, which is evident in the rollercoaster of emotions that the characters ride from one episode to the next. When asked about Lafayette’s loneliness, Ellis disagreed that his character appeared to be one of the lonelier habitants of Bon Temps, but then changed his mind:

“…yeah, it sounds like a sad life, like a very sad life…he did go home by himself and service people when they came…but now he has somebody who’s a fixture in his house and he’s certainly not lonely this season. We learn last season that Jesus is a brujo, which is a witch, a wiccan…and he’s my protection.”

While Ellis doesn’t delve deeper into the flourishing relationship between Lafayette and Jesus, he has (coyly) said recently that Lafayette trusts Jesus because he’s under his spell. Does that mean that Jesus has literally put a spell on Lafayette to get him to fall for him? Or, is he figuratively speaking about the spell-like feelings evoked by Jesus’ charm and handsomeness?! What do you think Truebies?

Watch the interview in its entirety below.

Source: The TV Junkie - Nelsan Ellis of ‘True Blood’ at PaleyFest2011

(Photo Credit: weneeded.info)

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