VIDEO: Sam Trammell Talks About Season 3 At The Spirit Awards
March 9, 2010
Everyone’s favorite True Blood shapeshifter, Sam Merlotte, was recently spotted at the 25th Annual Film Independent’s Spirit Awards. The Spirit Awards are held each year to celebrate the work of independent film makers.
Prior to the event, About.com’s Rebecca Murray managed to catch up with True Blood star, Sam Trammell, and ask him some questions about the HBO hit drama’s upcoming third season. Sam promises that the third season is going to be the best season yet.
When asked about a raunchy scene that Sam Merlotte will share will Bill Compton, Trammell replies,
“The cat is out of the bag, I mean I can’t say anything more than that…people want to be surprised…but there is something people will be talking about, for sure.”
Also please visit Rebecca’s blog to read her latest reports from the entertainment world.
SOURCE: Rebecca Murray, About.com
(Photo credit: HBO Inc., screencap by James)
The Annual TrueBloodNet.com Truebie Awards (TATTAs)
March 1, 2010
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.)
True Blood Season 2 UK Premiere With Sam And Michelle
February 24, 2010
True Blood’s UK fans are in for a crazy, sexy ride when Season 2 arrives on FX this week. Sam Trammell and Michelle Forbes, whose characters are both major players in Season 2, told Scotland’s Daily Record what the show’s U.S. fans already know — the season is rife with new characters and plenty of excitement.
Sam, who plays bar owner Sam Merlotte, said the show took off in its second year, and attributes its success to Alan Ball’s writing. The exciting, fast-paced tone of Season 2 bolstered the show’s success in a way no one anticipated, he said.
“It’s different, it’s scary, it’s serious, it’s funny, it’s sexy, it’s bloody. It bridges so many different genres and there is nothing else like it on television. Not many programs can mix the fantastical with very good drama but this has both, with social commentary and relationships as well as fantasy and these great creatures.”
Sam’s character is one of those fantasy creatures, a shape shifter who turns into a dog. To prepare for his role, he took some cues from his West Highland Terrier, Flossy, he said.
“She is very helpful. In one scene last season, I had to sniff someone’s bed like a dog would, so l was rolling around on the bed naked, and l watched the dog to see how she would do it and got some good tips.”
Michelle Forbes, who plays a central role as Maryann in Season 2, shies away from maligning her character as evil — though Sam makes a point of saying she’s “bad news.
“It’s better to say she is enigmatic. Everybody thinks she is bad but, as an actor, I have to play her straight, as no one who is evil thinks they are evil. I think she is warm-hearted.”
She also praised the show’s global success, musing about its mass appeal.
“I love the fact True Blood is popular in Scotland and the way it has worked around the world. It means there’s something universal about the story, and that’s just gorgeous, isn’t it?”
Season 2 starts this Friday in the UK at 10pm on FX (Sky Channel 64 and Virgin Media Channel 157).
Source: Daily Record
Photo credit: HBO Inc.
Sam Trammell Talks Vampires and Sam Merlotte
February 20, 2010
The vampires from “True Blood” have picked a great time to “come out of the coffin” as the vampire craze doesn’t show any sign of wavering. Speaking to the Sunday Mercury, Sam Trammell discusses why he thinks vampires have taken over the screen and what makes his character, Sam Merlotte, interesting despite not being a vampire.
Sam talks candidly about the appeal of “True Blood” and how it differs from other television programs, noting that the elements of “True Blood” resonate across a range of people.
“I guess, in a way, our show has a lot of universal themes that different cultures can latch on to, like the archetypal themes of good and evil. These are very simple themes that are cross-cultural as opposed to say, an American doctors show or something like that. There’s a real fascination with vampires and fantasy in general; it is an interesting time.”
Life during an economic recession is definitely an interesting time, and could possibly be one of the reasons programs like “True Blood” have reached such popularity.
“… when real life isn’t great then who wants to watch entertainment about real life? You want to escape. That definitely could be part of it.”
Of course, we know Sam is not a vampire, but the lovable and protective Merlotte’s bar owner who also happens to be a shapeshifter. Throughout season one and season two we witnessed his longing for Sookie Stackhouse, played by Anna Paquin, and trouble with Maryann Forrester, played by Michelle Forbes, but Sam always seems to be able to hold things together for the people in Bon Temps.
“It’s interesting to play someone like that, who has had to fend for themselves on streets and who didn’t have parents and who knows how he found the money to buy the bar? That to me is the most interesting thing about Sam. More than the fact that he’s a shapeshifter, just the fact that he had a difficult childhood.”
Sam admits that with such a strong cast, great writers and the popularity of the characters, things don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
“This is the kind of show and these are the kind of stories that definitely don’t get boring very quickly. Anything can happen in our world and the writing is so good, and I’m definitely happy to go on. We’re all having a great time and it still feels very new. It really feels fresh like we just started.”
With season three currently being filmed, “True Blood” fans can rest assured that the future looks very bright for the series (even if our favorite vampires have to stay in the dark).
SOURCE: Sunday Mercury
(Photo credit: HBO Inc.)
True Blood Season 3 Spoiler News: Sam, Sookie and Werewolves
February 17, 2010
We have all seen Sam Trammell who plays our favorite shapeshifter, Sam Merlotte on True Blood, talk numerous times about what we can expect on the upcoming season 3. Well he is at it once again, this time speaking with Digital Spy. Sam’s character was at the center of season 2 being involved with the whole Maryann mystery and season 3 promises to put Sam right back into the thick of things.
One thing Sam has said about season 3 is that fans will finally be introduced to his character’s biological family. This plot circles around the fact that more and more characters, such as Sookie, Jason, and Andy, have been exposed to the fact that Sam is a shapeshifter. Sam had this to say about the introduction of his character’s family.
“Screw it! I want to go find my parents.’ It’s going to lead to some pretty dramatic and interesting stuff for him this year.” Sam also revealed to fans that his character’s family can best be described as “pretty bad news.”
This should lead to some interesting twists in our True Blood saga.
Sam has also talked about how his character will always share a connection with Sookie, who is played by the lovely Anna Paquin, even though she has chosen to be with Bill. Sam states,
“I think Sam and Sookie will always have a connection. I think that’s an anchor for him and for the show that he will come back to again and again, season after season.”
As we all know we will be seeing the introduction of werewolves in season 3 however how the scenes with these new characters will be played out is still a mystery and we will have to wait until the new season airs. However, Sam did state some of his own theories regarding the werewolves.
“I’m not sure — I did read the books but I’m not exactly sure how the werewolves are going to be put into the show,” he said. “I do know the werewolves are disgusting creatures. They’re dirty, they’re not shape-shifters — they’re disgusting, low-level, smelly creatures. Perfect for Sam!”
Sam has also admitted that he hopes True Blood’s writers will place Sam in some more danger as the series continues. We can only wait and guess as to what is in store for our shapeshifter. But no matter what True Blood holds in store for Sam we know it will make for an amazing season 3!
(Photo Credits: HBO Inc.)
Sam Trammell To Appear At Dragon*Con 2010
February 13, 2010
According to Dragon*Con’s list of guests, Sam Trammell will be thrilling True Blood fans at the 2010 pop culture convention in Atlanta, GA. The convention will run through the Labor Day weekend from September 3 through to September 6, 2010.
While we all love Sam’s portrayal of shape-shifting, bar owner Sam Merlotte on HBO’s vampire series True Blood, some may not be familiar with Dragon*Con. Think science fiction, fantasy, comic books, anime/manga, art, music, film and games and you get what the Dragon*Con folks claim is the largest multi-media, pop culture convention in the United States. These conventions are no longer just for Star Trekkies fans anymore. Fans come dressed as their favorite characters from these genres, get autographs and attend forums on various topics conducted by famous authors, artists, film and TV personalities. So will Sam be participating in the Dark Fantasy track? Hmmm. Guess we’ll have to keep checking dragoncon.org to find out!
“Dragon*Con membership covers all four days, all panels, events, demonstrations, concerts, performances, contests, snacks and munchies in our Consuite (as available) and a host of other activities.”
The cost of attendance goes up as you get closer to the dates (see below) and tickets are available for purchase at Dragon*Con’s online store. Children under 7 years old can attend free. The 2010 membership pricing is:
- until 2/15/2010 – $70
- until 5/14/2010 – $80
- until 7/15/2010 – $90
- thereafter – $100
So if you are in the Atlanta area during the Labor Day weekend here is your chance to see the charming Sam Trammell in person.
SOURCE: Dragon*Con website
(Photo credit: HBO Inc.)
True Blood Spoiler News: Sam Trammell Talks About Season 3
January 22, 2010
A lot of True Blood fans are very excited to see where season 3 will take our lovable, furry shapeshifter, Sam Merlotte. From the word we have been getting from Sam Trammell, who plays our awesome, shapeshifting bartender, it looks like there might be quite a bit in store. We have already caught wind from Alan Ball that there will be some sort of erotic connection between Sam and Bill due to the fact that Sam drank quite a bit of Bill’s blood at the end of season 2. We also know that Sam is on a hunt to find his biological parents and to have some questions about his past answered.
Hollywoodcrush.mtv.com caught up with Sam on the red carpet at the 2010 Golden Globes and was able to get a little more information on what fans can expect for season 3.
“Well, my character is going to find his biological parents, which is definitely going to end up in some bad stuff for me. They’re very sketchy. Sort of, uh… I’ll just say, trailer trash. That’s what I come from, so I can just say that.”
We also know that several new faces will be visiting Bon Temps this season.
“There’s a werewolf, another vampire. I think there’s another shapeshifter or two in there.”
Wait a minute, we know that J. Smith Cameron is going to be playing Sam’s biological mother and that she is a shapeshifter, so who is the other one that Sam is talking about? Hmmmmm….
Fans can also look forward to the action heating up right from the starting line. Sam promises that the first episode will have some jaw-dropping moments.
“There’s going to be some shocking stuff. I can promise you in the first episode there’s going to be a shocking scene.”
WOW! I am so ready for season 3 now! Fans everywhere can hardly contain their excitement!
SOURCE: Hollywoodcrush.mtv.com
(Photo credit: HBO Inc.)
Sam Trammell’s Connection in St. Augustine
January 22, 2010
We all know that the world is infatuated right now with vampires. We see them in film, books, and TV. One person that might know a thing or two about the supernatural is Paul Trammell as Paul is the brother to our lovable shape-shifter, Sam Trammell, who plays Sam Merlotte on True Blood. His brother Paul, a local musician and artist, resides in Lincolnville, where Sam has been making trips over the past decade to visit. Sam had this to say about St. Augustine:
“I love it. It’s just such a picturesque, beautiful town.”
Sam’s brother moved to St. Augustine back in 1997 for the warm weather and the awesome surf.
“I just drove through St. Augustine and saw the art galleries, the architecture and all of the street musicians and, you know, being a musician and an artist that really appealed to me.”
When the brothers get to see each other, they usually spend their time on surfboards. Paul taught Sam how to surf.
“He was on my long-board … I helped him into a wave and I remember seeing him stand up and go down the line and then turn around and look at me with this huge smile on his face at the end of the wave. I kind of knew at that point that he was hooked.”
They also spend quite a bit of time over some beers at the White Lion Restaurant & Pub or Stogies Jazz Club. They also like to check out local tourist sites such as the Alligator Farm and the St. Augustine Lighthouse. During Sam’s most recent trip he came to see his brother’s band, “Wormzilla” play at The Nest. Paul’s band is a hip-hop/funk type of band. Paul remembers this about the evening:
“It was kind of funny. At first, he was just standing there watching us in the front row, and then I’d see someone tap him on the shoulder and ask him a question. Before long, there was a mob around him and he was signing autographs. I think he enjoys the fame he has because he’s kind of new to it.”
The cast of True Blood is now in full swing filming season 3 of this epic series. When Sam was asked what fans could expect from the new season he had this to say:
“There are going to be some new creatures introduced …,some werewolves in the mix and I’m going to be dealing with a brother and a mother that’s been cast — dealing with a really messed up biological family situation … a family of shape-shifters who are bad news.”
We can hardly wait!
SOURCE: St.Augustine.com
(Photo credit: St.Augustine.com)
True Blood Season 3 Spoiler News: Bill and Sam’s Erotic Connection
January 19, 2010
True Blood fans may be in for some big surprises according to Alan Ball, the creative genius behind the hit HBO TV vampire series True Blood. According to Michael Ausiello from EW.com it seems Alan will be addressing the issue about Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell) drinking Bill Compton’s (Stephen Moyer) blood. If you recall at the end of season 2, Bill saved Sam’s life by giving him his vampire blood to heal him, and in the end tricking Maryann (Michelle Forbes) and destroying her. However, this left some True Blood fans wondering if Sam will experience the same effect that Sookie (Anna Paquin) is now having as a result of being tricked into drinking Eric’s (Alexander Skarsgard) blood. Well it seems Alan is giving us some hints right now as to what we may see happening in season 3 between Bill and Sam. Alan states that Bill and Sam will have
“not just any connection, an erotic connection.”
Now the big question is, how big and what type of erotic connection they will have? Will Sam have a sexual longing for the handsome vampire Bill or will it involve erotic dreams that he will have of Bill which may leave him confused as it has with Sookie? Another big question is how will these scenes be played out? Alan wouldn’t comment, but as a result it is definitely going to generate a huge amount of speculation and anticipation among True Blood fans to see how this plotline will be covered.
However, Alan was willing to speak more freely about another upcoming same-sex couple that will be featured in season 3: Lafayette and his new love interest Jesus (played by Southland’s Kevin Alejandro). Alan states that Lafayette
“is very guarded, and Jesus is a guy who is willing to knock down some of those guards,” he says. “[Though] it’s not an easy relationship, they have a lot in common. They’re both shamans of sorts, healers, so there’s a reason they get brought together. “But,” he emphasizes again, “it’s not going to be easy.”
So True Blood fans what do you think about this latest revelation from Alan Ball? Are you intrigued by how Alan will deal with the blood connection? Will it be permanent or can it be broken? And if so, how, and will it be a foreshadowing of something that Sookie may encounter later on. Whatever the outcome, season 3 is gearing up to be quite exciting!
SOURCE: EW.com
(Photo credit: HBO Inc.)
True Blood Season 3 Spoiler Scoop
January 18, 2010
Here is some some new information about Season 3 of True Blood! Alan Ball has let a little more news spill about what’s coming up in Season 3, and it involves Debbie Pelt, Jason Stackhouse, Sam Merlotte, and Lafayette Reynolds.
As we here at TrueBloodNet.com already reported, Alan is casting for Debbie Pelt, a character he calls “a badass bitch you do not want to get on the wrong side of.” Alan continued by saying, “She is not going to like Sookie.”
When it comes to what’s going to happen with Jason Stackhouse, be prepared for more of his antics, but some changes too. Jason is apparently going to wake up in the season 3 premiere with two women in bed with him, but that won’t dictate the rest of the season. Ryan Kwanten says that he can’t wait to see Jason in a better, more meaningful relationship, commenting, “He will find love in the werewolf world, and love is a pretty unknown concept for him.”
Sam Merlotte has some new storylines coming up too. Sam Trammell teased that Sam will be found in a not-so-great motel room in Arkansas with someone we fans will already know. Sam continued his teasing by saying, “It should be curious and confusing to viewers.”
Lafayette Reynolds‘ mom (and Tara’s aunt), Ruby Jean Reynolds, is coming to Bon Temps too, and will be played by Alfre Woodard. As we’ve reported before, Ruby Jean is NOT a nice woman, though she will be intriguing. Alfre commented on Ruby Jean and said, “She’s not going to be a person that the audience loves. She’s not very accepting of Lafayette, which is fun to play.”
Sounds like a lot of fun new things are going to be happening in True Blood! How excited are you to see what happens next?
SOURCE: tvguide.com
(Photo credit: HBO Inc.)
