Alexander Skarsgard Spills Specifics to Swedish Magazine

Swedish magazine “Onyanserat” got down to specifics with Alexander Skarsgard — True Blood’s Eric Northman — in a recent interview translated by AlexSkarsgard.net.

In the interview, Alexander describes a typical day in his life, his favorite things, and ideas for an Eric-centric spin-off of True Blood.

Alexander said he’s busy shooting True Blood Season 3 this spring, and his off-screen schedule is pretty tame.

“I get up, drink my tea, read “DN” (Swedish newspaper) on the net, go to work, come home, have dinner and go over next day scenes.”

When asked if he would consider doing a True Blood spin-off focused on his character, Alexander called the idea “brilliant.” He event suggested a possible plot for the series (though from the looks of it, he’s being facetious).

“I think Eric the Viking King would be a brilliant sitcom. Probably set in a high school environment. Kind of like an updated version of Fresh Prince.”

Alexander confessed that he doesn’t get a lot of job offers from his home county, Sweden. He has worked on Swedish movie sets in the past though, and he said the main difference from American sets is that “the hierarchy is more evident” in the states. He also said that for $10 million he would play himself in a movie.

He also answered some quickie questions about a few of his favorite things. Here are his answers:

Movie: “A Prophet” (Oscar nominated French film released in 2009)

Actor: “Jeff Bridges did deserve winning that Oscar this year.”

Director: “Would love to work with the Cohen brothers”

Line: “They pissed on my fucking rug.” ( The Big Lebowski)

Tagline: “When you deal a fast shuffle, love is in the cards.” (The Lady Eve)

TV: “The Colbert Report”

TV host: “Bill Moyers”

Most underrated actor of all times? “Woody Harrelson”

Source: www.alexskarsgard.net

Photo credit: HBO Inc.

Alexander Skarsgard Conquered Childhood Fear of Fame

It is hard to imagine Alexander Skarsgard being afraid of anything, but the actor who plays True Blood’s Viking vampire Eric Northman said he was frightened by fame as a child.

In an interview posted on UK Web site What’s On TV, Alexander said the public recognition he earned from early TV roles was too much for his young self.

“My parents never dragged me to auditions, things just happened. I had lots of TV roles when I was a kid, but the fame was scary and I hated people staring at me on the street. When I was 13 I decided I didn’t want to do it anymore.”

The son of Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard (“Pirates of the Caribbean“)  moved to Leeds for six months when he was 20. After spending time “watching football, hanging out, getting drunk and into trouble,” he decided to give acting another chance.

These days, he’s more at ease with fame and the attention that goes with it.

“Actually, I am flattered by the attention. People come up and want autographs and take pictures, but I have no crazy stalkers after me.”

Alexander said he enjoys playing Eric, a complicated character with more depth than a typical leading man. Eric may be the bad guy, but there’s more to him than meets the eye, Alexander said.

“As an actor, the last thing I want to play is a typical handsome leading man. It’s always great when you play a complicated character like Eric. In the first series, people thought he was just a bad guy, but there’s a lot more to him than meets the eye. We’re now seeing his loyal, caring and sensitive side. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still the same old Eric – there’s just more to him than being an evil vampire.”

Alexander describes True Blood as an “over-the-top, wild, sexy and funny” show that also allows viewers to “draw parallels with our society in terms of alienation and prejudice.” He said he doesn’t have a problem portraying the show’s sex and violence, even when it requires him to show some skin.

“It’s pretty full-on and very graphic and gory, but sex and violence are always something that attracts an audience. I don’t have any problems with getting naked.”

He also commented on his stint as a pop music video star, opposite Lady Gaga in the video for “Paparazzi,” and his secret desire to be a rock star.

“I didn’t know Lady Gaga at all before. She was really cool and interesting. She’s very driven and we had a blast. I’d much rather be a rock star than an actor. My favorites are Van Morrison and The Clash. Because I’m Swedish, people think I must like ABBA, but they were always much bigger in the rest of the world than they ever were in Sweden.”

That’s just as well — picturing Eric Northman grooving to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” might prove a bit much for his fans.

SOURCE: What’s On TV

(Photo credit: HBO Inc.)

Alexander Skarsgard Talks About Fame, Celebrity, and Not “Going Hollywood”

Alexander Skarsgård, who plays vampire sheriff Eric Northman, is definitely not the type of celebrity we’re use to in America. No entourages, no outrageous on-set demands, no tabloid exploits… no “going Hollywood”. Alexander sat down with Leslie Gornstein from the LA Times Magazine at a recent photo shoot to discuss his childhood acting career, his “Skarsgårdians“, and how he keeps a level head about his growing fame.

Alexander is the son of a Swedish actor, Stellan Skarsgård, and began acting as a child. At the age of 13, he grew uncomfortable with being recognized and written about.

It can be really, really tough being a child actor. A lot of them have huge problems growing up. I didn’t like being famous when I was 13. I didn’t like people recognizing me.

After telling his parents that he no longer felt comfortable being an actor, his father told him that he “only become an actor if you feel like you don’t have a choice” and at the age of 13, Alexander quit. It wasn’t until he was 20 that he returned to acting.

I missed it—being onstage or in front of a camera. I thought, All right, I’m 20 now instead of 13. Maybe I’m a little different from how I was seven years ago, and I owe it to myself to try it now, and at least I can dismiss it if I’m still not comfortable. I will know for sure, and I can move on. But it was just like my father said: I felt like I didn’t have an option.

Now at the age of 33, Alexander has become a sexual icon- 6′4″, striking features, and muscular body, he is constantly recognized, written about, and idolized. With a multitude of fan sites, Alexander has found that he is no longer uncomfortable with this attention, but flattered.

So, how does one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors remain sane while also not “going Hollywood”? By doing things the way he’s always done them: going to the movies alone, parking his own car, and volunteering to help his crew members.

I’m not a “Hollywood” actor. I am a social guy, but I’m not one of those actors who will show up to a shoot with 15 agents and managers and publicists. An entourage like that just makes me uncomfortable.

While flattered by all the attention he is getting from fans he admits that in order to stay sane he stays away from fan sites, blogs and Twitter.  Which to answer everyone’s question: Alex is NOT on Twitter.  So that person who says they are Alex on Twitter is a fake!  While Alexander’s character, Eric Northman, may ride the line between good and evil, Alexander proves to remain levelheaded during his rise to fame.

Check out Alex’s amazing photo shoot in LATimes Magazine here.

SOURCE: LATimes Magazine

(Photo credit: HBO)

True Blood Season 3 Casting News: Role of Eric’s Father Has Been Cast

The decision is in.  Actor Hans Tester has been selected to play the role of Eric Northman’s father in Season 3 of True Blood. Ulfrick, a Swedish Viking King, will be seen in flashbacks to 900 AD.  He will be portrayed in his 40’s-50’s, a battle-scarred warrior who loves his son (played by Alexander Skarsgard).  However, (and does this sound familiar to anyone?) Ulfrick wants Eric to behave in a more responsible manner as befitting royalty.  Expect some tension and Swedish dialogue between the two.

Hans makes his debut in Episode 5 titled Trouble.  He has an extensive background in TV and film, from animated voiceovers (Open Season 1 and 2) to roles in Better Off Ted, The Informant, Nip/Tuck, Company of Heroes, Melrose Place, For Caroline and more.  He has also worked behind the scenes.  And…he speaks fluent Swedish.  But is he as tall as Eric? We’ll have to wait to see for ourselves.

SOURCE: IMDb.com

(Photo credit: facebook)

The Annual TrueBloodNet.com Truebie Awards (TATTAs)

True Blood scored a fist-full of nominations this awards season, but largely lost out (to Mad Men, curse them) apart from a People’s Choice Award for Best Television Obsession and a Golden Reel Award for Best Sound Editing: Short Form Dialogue and ADR in Television.

Given the dearth of awards we thought we’d come up with a few of our own for our favorite True Blood characters. We have called them The Annual TrueBloodNet.com Truebie Awards or TATTAs. We tried very hard to come up with an acronym that spelled VAMP but had to admit defeat. Perhaps one of you guys can have a go…

So here they are in no particular order…

The Award for Best Crying, Screaming and Frothy Gurgling (often simultaneously) Moment:
Sookie Stackhouse

The Award for Best Sexy Snarl:
Bill Compton

The Award for Best Arrogant Sneer (shared):
Eric Northman and Sophie-Anne LecLerq

The Award for Highest Number of WTF Moments:
Sam Merlotte

The Award for the Cutest Ever Black-Eyed Demon Couple:
Arlene Fowler and Terry Bellefleur

The Award for Best Let’s Cross That Chicken Before it Burns Moment (shared):
Andy Bellefleur and Jason Stackhouse

The Award for Best Gratuitous Washboard Ab Exposure (shared):
Jason Stackhouse and Eggs Benedict

The Award for “Being Kept in this Dungeon is Bad for My Skin” Moment:
Lafayette Reynolds

The Award for Best Maniacal Laugh While Tied to a Chair:
Tara Thornton

The Award for Best “Vampers Gave Me a Really Bad Hair Day” (shared):
Steve and Sarah Newlin

The Award for Best Clueless Sexual Innuendo Relating to Puddings:
Steve Newlin

The Award for Best 80s Killer Disco Diva Styling:
Pam Ravenscroft

The Award for Best Insane B***h Moments (shared – couldn’t separate these ones):
Lorena, Maryann Forrester, and Sophie-Ann Leclerq.
With an honorable mention to Maxine Fortenberry

The Award for How to Channel Pennywise the Clown and Still Look Hot:
Eric Northman

The Award for I Totally Like Missed That Jesus Dude Moment:
Godric

The Award for the Best “I’m 28 and Still a Virgin” Confession Moment:
Hoyt Fortenbery

The Award for Best Cackle Above and Beyond the Call of Duty:
Maxine Fortenberry

The Award for Best “My Hymen Came Back and I’m Really, REALLY, Pissed About It” Moment:
Jessica Hamby

Congrats to all the winners! Next year we hope to have voting, a trophy and everything! Hope you enjoyed the round-up!

(Photo credits:  HBO Inc.)

Different Vampires, Same Fan Love

Most of us know that True Blood is not the first show or movie to feature vampires. After all, the concept of vampires dates back to Ancient Rome, if not earlier, and vampires can be found in all sorts of texts, as well as some earlier movies. However, some vampires affect us more than others, and as we’ve seen, True Blood has several great vampires, like Bill, Eric, Godric, and Pam, who all have strong fan followings. They’re not the only ones, though. After all, who doesn’t remember Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with Angel and Spike? Or even The Vampire Diaries and the Twilight saga? How about the vampires from Moonlight? After all, the lead vampires of Moonlight had a similar fan following to what I see here on TrueBloodNet.com, with people in love with the vampires and the world they survived in.

Actually, True Blood and Moonlight have a lot in common. That’s probably why people like myself wish we could tune into Moonlight on Friday nights, then have Sundays to enjoy True Blood. Unfortunately, that isn’t going to happen any time soon, as Moonlight was canceled after only one season, while True Blood is thankfully still on air. However, the two shows still have much in common, and if you’re really in need of some good vampires while we continue to wait for Season 3 of True Blood, renting or purchasing the season of Moonlight may help you survive the vampire addiction we all share until True Blood begins airing again in June.

Moonlight is a show that vampire fans everywhere should be able to sink their fangs into. First, like True Blood, when it first came out, there were instant comparisons to another show. Unlike True Blood, which was compared to the Twilight movies, Moonlight was considered by those who didn’t watch it to be a direct rip-off of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer show’s spin-off, Angel, simply because the lead character, Mick, was a vampire P.I., like Angel was.

Even with the charges against it, Moonlight and True Blood have a lot more in common than any of the shows or movies they’ve been compared to. Let’s begin this comparison with both shows in general terms. Both are, as I’ve stated before, shows about vampires. However, there are many different “rules” to both universes. In the Moonlight universe, vampires can go outside during daylight (unlike the True Blood universe), but need to wear sunglasses and take general precautions to protect themselves from the sun, including staying in the shade while outside. Plus, if a vampire in Moonlight is outside too long, they require a lot of blood to replenish themselves from the nourishment they have lost. Another difference between the two shows is the writing and plotlines. Moonlight focused on episode-centric arcs, with only a few season-long arcs, which is very similar to a crime drama. True Blood focuses more on season arcs, like the Maryann story arc, which was the majority of Season 2.

Another similarity between True Blood and Moonlight are their lead characters, Mick St. John and Bill Compton. Both vampires are very similar in the physical way, and often carry very similar attitudes, wishing they could be closer to their humanity again and yet reveling in their strengths as vampires, since that strength allows them both to save and protect others. Both men also have saved their heroines in the past, and also see them as great assets. (Mick has Beth Turner, a young woman whom he saved as a child from another vampire, and Bill has Sookie, of course.) It also turns out that both Mick and Bill were turned by their makers unwillingly, as Lorena forced the vampirism on Bill, and Mick’s own wife, Coraline, did the same to him, but instead of on the way home from war, it was on his wedding night.

That’s not the end of the similarities between the two, though. Both are also quite young in terms of vampire age, and both also have to work as underlings for another vampire. Bill works for the vampire Sheriff, Eric Northman, and Mick works as an underling to his mentor and friend Josef Kostan. However, the relationships between the men and their “bosses” are very different. Where Bill and Eric often squabble and seem to respect yet dislike each other, Mick and Josef are very close friends, and Mick often turns to Josef when he needs help. Both vampires also have girlfriends. Bill has Sookie, starting with the instant connection between them the first time they meet. Mick, on the other hand, has to wait a bit longer for Beth, who is dating a DA when she first meets Mick. For most of the series, Mick and Beth are playing the “I want you but I can’t have you” game, until circumstances change towards the end of the series.

The similarities between the shows don’t end there. Even the leading ladies are similar! Sookie and Beth are both beautiful women. They’re blonde, smart, and able to think on their feet. Both are also great supporters of their men, with Sookie helping Bill and Eric using her skills, and Beth helping Mick solve crimes by being an observant reporter and noticing minor details that not everyone would see.

Other similarities between the two women are not quite as pleasant. Sookie and Beth have both survived a lot. Beth was kidnapped as a child, though luckily found and saved, and Sookie lost her parents in a flash flood. Later on, when both women were adults, they both suffered even more loss via murder, Sookie from the loss of her grandmother and coworkers, Beth through the loss of her boss. However, each woman has the strength and fortitude to get back up whenever life trips them up, and that saves both of them numerous times.

Beth and Sookie are incredibly strong emotionally, and neither feels the need to be turned into a vampire. However, their human strength is nothing compared to a vampire’s strength, which is why they both also get protection of sorts from the friends and allies of their boyfriends, namely Josef and Eric.

Josef and Eric can both be very suave, and they’ve both experienced centuries of history. Eric was a Viking, and Josef was alive to see the French Revolution take place. In many ways, both men are old-fashioned, believing that some of the traditions of their lengthy pasts over current practices, like drinking blood. Eric and Josef are both purists, preferring a direct source for blood, unlike Mick and Bill, both of whom practice modern alternatives (Bill drinks TruBlood, and Mick drinks bags of donor blood).

There are also days where a fan watching either show can alternatively love and hate Josef and Eric. Sometimes, you’re just irritated by how they act, but other days, you see the “mask” each of them wears. An example of this was in Season 2 of True Blood, when viewers were shown Eric’s deep and abiding love for his maker Godric, then his grief at losing the man who had been there for him for a century. In Moonlight, the example of Josef’s “mask” being off was an episode where we were introduced to Josef’s girlfriend, whom he tried to turn. Unfortunately, Josef’s attempts only brought over an immortally comatose woman. Moments like the ones above, as well as flashbacks for all the characters on both shows, help us see past the “masks” as to what they are: a singular prism through which to see mere facets of the characters.

Both Moonlight and True Blood are strong shows that are easy for the average viewer to feel emotionally connected to. They remind us that even if someone is a vampire (or anything else for that matter), there are still challenges to face in daily life, and sometimes even though immortality is a good thing, there’s more to life than just drudging through it. Besides, nothing is ever what it really seems to be on either show. There’s always something new brewing on the horizon for the characters to deal with.

(Photo credit: IMDb.com)

True Blood Fan Shows Her Creativity

Since 2008 when the show aired on HBO for the very first time, True Blood has drawn to it millions of fans. They’re not just your ordinary fans, either. A quick glimpse into the online communities dedicated to the show or a story from one of the conventions will prove beyond any doubt that these people love True Blood with a passion. The excitement they feel while watching an episode is broken up by periods of anxiously waiting for the next episode, whether it be a week away or, even more painfully, nine months away (but now only three!).

True Blood viewers have also been known to make some really creative fan art. We heard about one woman in particular named Lorrie Krause who does True Blood-themed embroidery. She uses a software program that takes pictures of the actors and creates a basic outline. She then sits down and does all the stitches by hand. She can make anything from patches to t-shirts. The pictures below of her “Northman Gang” and “Wanted: Eric” projects were entries in a Facebook contest. Each of them took a couple of days to complete because the composite is pretty big with each individual picture measuring about 7×10 cm. Not surprisingly, people were impressed by her creations, and “Wanted: Eric” was voted as the favorite.

Lorrie likes to include all of the characters in her work, but, as you can see, she has a soft spot for Alexander Skarsgard, the handsome actor who plays Viking vampire Eric Northman:

“By now I think I know every line of that man’s face. I could probably stitch it blindfolded.”

Lorrie has also showcased her designs on the True Blood wiki, which you can view here. She has even gotten some offers to buy her work, but she says that she would want to make sure she had the actors’ permission before doing that.

This show is such a combined creative effort from the actors, writers, directors, and everyone in the crew–each component makes True Blood so amazing for us to watch–so it’s fun to see fans expressing their appreciation for the show through their own unique creative talents. Thanks to Lorrie for speaking with us, and to Marcia de Rousse (the actress who plays Dr. Ludwig) for letting us know about this beautiful work!

(Photo credits: Lorrie Krause)

True Blood Season 3 Spoiler News: What’s Happening With Eric and Sookie

Not a very big spoiler news report and maybe nothing really new or shocking, however, it is always fun to hear these little tidbits that allows us to speculate further as to what may happen in season 3 of True Blood.  SpoilerTV responds to a fan’s question regarding Eric and Sookie’s relationship and provides the following answer.

What’s coming for Eric in Season 3? And what about his relationship with Sookie?

We’ll get alot more backstory seeing both his parents in flashbacks. As for Eric/Sookie they continue to have the same sexual tension as season 2 but they won’t be a true couple anytime soon. Eric will also
have other love interests this season.

So there you have it.  Eric and Sookie may not be getting hot and bothered with each other, but it seems Eric is going to have some fun anyway.

SOURCE: SpoilerTV
(Photo credit: HBO Inc. screencap by James)

True Blood Figures Featured at New York Toy Fair

DC Direct showcased many new figures while at the New York Toy Fair, including a new True Blood Bar sign that appears to be set to release in November of 2010 (according to io9.com), and is not yet shown on the HBO True Blood online store. Additionally, because it’s not in the HBO store yet, there is no price set available for the True Blood Bar sign, unlike the rest of the figures already announced, like the Bill Compton figure ($69.99), the Eric Northman figure ($69.99), the Sookie Stackhouse figure ($69.99), the Merlotte’s sign ($89.99), and the Fangtasia sign ($89.99).

Again, as cool as the True Blood Bar sign is, since HBO does not yet have the figure in it’s online store (all the other figures are in the store and are set to be released in July 2010), we are not sure when it will be released, but hopefully it will be soon.

SOURCE: io9.com

(Photo Credit: io9.com)

True Blood’s Alexander Skarsgard: All About Sookie

True Blood’s Alexander Skarsgard reveals that Eric Northman’s attraction to Sookie Stackhouse is more than a lust for forbidden fruit in an interview recently posted by Digital Spy’s Tube Talk.

Eric’s feelings for Sookie are based in genuine curiosity, rather than a desire to irk her beau Bill Compton, Alex said. While Eric is generally nonchalant about humans, there’s something different about Sookie, he said.

“He’s intrigued by her, for sure. When he meets her for the first time, he knows there’s something different about her and that intrigues him. He doesn’t care too much for humans in general – he thinks they’re pathetic – but when he meets her, there’s something about her.”

When asked if the attraction is “a case of forbidden fruit,” Alex said:

“No – he’s curious and he’s not gonna let Bill stop him because Bill’s just this little kid!”

Alex said that while Eric couldn’t ask for a better match than partner-in-crime Pam, Sookie appeals to a more lustful side of his personality:

“He’s already got his Pam - even though that’s not a sexual thing, he’s got his partner. For sexual attraction, it’s all about Sookie.”

Alex said that while he doesn’t know where Eric will end up at the end of Season 3, he hopes the audience will get to know his character better along the way:

“I just trust Alan and the writers – they’re doing such a great job. I don’t know where I want him to go. When reading the scripts, I wanna continue to be surprised and discover different sides of Eric. Hopefully we’ll get to know him a little better.”

More intimate knowledge of Eric? Now there’s a notion his fans can really sink their teeth into.

Source: Digital Spy

(Photo Credit: HBO Inc., screencap by James)

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