Related Sections: Comics Interviews News TV Video
Watch Michael Shanks go all Watchmen as Smallville's Hawkman
There's no denying that actor Michael Shanks is more than a little channeling his inner Watchman when it comes to his role as Hawkman on the CW's two-hour film Smallville: Absolute Justice, which premieres tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
"Yes, it does have the parallel of danger in it. I understand that," said Shanks in an exclusive interview with SCI FI Wire about his angry and disillusioned Hawkman, a role that's certain got a touch of 'tude along the lines of Watchmen's former superheroes. "This guy's a warrior. ... He's kickass and all business, and it was a really neat departure to be able to do that. It becomes a bit scenery chewy at certain points, but those characters are a lot of fun to play, and this guy was because he was such a vast departure. It was a lot of fun for me to sink my teeth into."
For Shanks, the "departure" comes from his stint as scientist Dr. Daniel Jackson on Stargate SG-1, a character he continues to play in the Stargate universe, who is more likely to use his head rather than brute force when he gets into a sticky situation.
However, that departure was only one reason Shanks decided to take the role. "I'm getting to that age where I didn't think too many offers were going to come my way to be playing any superhero characters anytime in the near future. My eldest daughter is getting where she appreciates that kind of stuff, and I thought it would be a hoot to give that to them. It turns out my younger ones seemed to appreciate it more than my older one does. It is one of those rare opportunities that you get, so I thought I'd jump at it," said Shanks.
Unfortunately for the actor, his kids (ages 11, 5 and 3) were more impressed with Star Girl than Hawkman. "That's their favorite out of everybody. You got Superman, Green Arrow and Dr. Fate and Hawkman running around. Daddy's in this great suit, and who do they fall in love with ... the pretty blond girl," he said with a laugh.
In Smallville: Absolute Justice, Clark Kent (Tom Welling) and his superhero friends from the Justice League of America end up crossing paths with the superheroes of the past who kept the world safe long before Clark became the Blur or Oliver Queen (Justin Hartley) strapped on Green Arrow's bow. In the television movie, the former members of the Justice Society of America must join forces with the new superheroes to stop an evil supervillain named Icicle (Wesley MacInnes). Along with Shanks' Hawkman, Dr. Fate (Brent Stait) and Star Girl (Britt Irvin) once again join forces to fight the good fight. Pam Grier also joins Smallville in the recurring role as Amanda Waller, the head of Checkmate.
While Shanks was happy with the way his role turned out, he did have two issues that he was less than thrilled about. A couple days into his five-day costume fitting, he began to wonder what the heck he'd gotten himself into. "If you go back to the traditional Hawkman costume, he's basically wearing his skivvies and a mask, which was not possible with our getup because we didn't have CGI wings. We had to do practical wings, and that required a flying harness for the wire work."
CGI wings would have cost approximately $30,000, which wasn't in Smallville's budget. "So this is what we had to work with, and I was the man and that's what I'd signed up for," said Shanks with a laugh. "Deal with it, which is fine. It was not always the most comfortable of circumstances, but my chief objective in all of it was to try to make sure the character was endowed with the dignity and reverence I felt was necessary to pull him off, to make sure he didn't look goofy or awkward. And I was very well supported by the directors of photography, the directors themselves, and the editors to ensure that dignity was preserved. 'Cause at certain moments I was going, 'I really am putting my neck out there. I really need to trust these guys to help me out on this one,' because it was not easy.'" One of those directors was star Tom Welling (Clark Kent), who directed the film's second hour. Glen Winters directed the first hour, and Geoff Johns wrote the Absolute Justice script.
Shanks' other issue involved timing. "One of the things I was not entirely happy about, not anybody's fault, but it's like you get basically eight days' notice you're playing this character. Not a lot of time to hire that personal trainer and take your human growth hormone and buff up to look like a superhero," laughed Shanks. "Let's put it this way, Hawkman was a work in progress at that particular fitness standpoint."
CGI wings and work-in-progress Hawkman aside, Shanks admits he wouldn't mind playing the character again. "I will say that there is room at the end of the show for him to be seen again. Whether they have time and room for him in their universe is up to them. I mean, there is certainly a mentorship role he takes on with Clark, and there's tons of wisdom that can be gleaned from him. There's certainly a wonderful relationship between Hawkman and Green Arrow, who is sort of the antithesis of this character I portray, who is a bit full of himself, a bit all business, very gruff, very no-nonsense."
He even acknowledges that he sees the potential for a Justice Society series or movie, at least if his character's rougher edges were honed down. "In terms of being sort of a weekly character, there's a way that you'd have to tone down certain elements of it, because Hawkman can be a bit much at times. A little too angry, little too intense, and things like that. There are ways to tweak him, and I think where he ends up at the end of the two-parter, to go forward in more relaxed fashion is probably a really good starting point."
Will you be tuning in for tonight's Smallville: Absolute Justice movie?
By Michael Sacal at 10:19 AM ON 02/05/10
You mean nine-season stint on Stargate SG-1. He did miss the sixth season.
By Justo at 10:28 AM ON 02/05/10
Looks silly.
By MattM at 10:37 AM ON 02/05/10
This looks cool! We'll definitely be watching this tonight. It would have been even better to get Cyborg, Impulse, Aquaman and Black Canary back as well. That might have been too many characters running around, but would have been a very interesting meeting of the JSA and full JLA.
By Whomiga at 11:31 AM ON 02/05/10
Nine seasons as Daniel Jackson, but if Thor the Asgard ever appeared and talked in Season Six, then Michael Shanks was in the show (Sort of), as he did the voice for Thor.
By Whomiga at 11:35 AM ON 02/05/10
Oh, and in "Full Circle" the last episode of Season 6, he shows up as the Ascended Daniel - so at least one episode in Season 6 (To be pedantic about him not being in Season 6 as Daniel Jackson)
By robseth at 11:39 AM ON 02/05/10
And he did show up towards the end of the season in his "ascended" form if you recall
By halfgemini at 11:59 AM ON 02/05/10
Well if we're going to be nit picking, besides the couple of episodes he did guest for in his missing season, don't forget the two dvd movies. All that would almost be half a season. Unless you were in the UK, then that would be more like a full series.
By a different tim at 12:09 PM ON 02/05/10
I'm going to have to dvr this episode tonight, but I am really looking forward to it, which I haven't really done for like 7 seasons. The bottom picture looks dope.
By smallville_gossip.com at 12:09 PM ON 02/05/10
This is really the end.
First the idiots producers of Stargate killed the show with crappy earth based conspiracy stories and with the abomination that was the sam/jack ship of doom.
Then the idiots producers of Smallville slaughtered the show with the atrocious lana, clana, cluna, clona, all that crappy romance crap.
So it's like a full circle having Shanks here.
By Bluesman at 1:13 PM ON 02/05/10
I wonder if they will mention Hawkman's alien origins?
By MattMiracle at 1:28 PM ON 02/05/10
Bluesman,
Shanks plays the "golden age" Hawkman which is human. You are thinking of the Silver Age which is an alien.
By BackStJoe at 1:29 PM ON 02/05/10
Michael Shanks, the only reason I'm tuning in to this god awful show tonight!
By Toby at 1:31 PM ON 02/05/10
@ Bluesman... you're behind on your ret-conning. I think at last check, Khufu and Sheyara (sp?) were originally on Earth, then the reincarnations went around the universe ending up on Thanagar, and then returning to Earth. At least that's the way it is presented in Blackest Night (on stands now!)
By Wofltech at 2:13 PM ON 02/05/10
I am stoked for this. I have been a huge JSA fan for many years. I would LOVE to see this become a spin-off...
... of course, there is as much chance of that as seeing Bruce Wayne/Batman show up.
By Juss at 2:50 PM ON 02/05/10
"Will you be tuning in tonight...?" **WILL I BE TUNING **IN** TONIGHT!!??**
You can bet your honor wings, power ring, and helmet of Nabu that I'll be tuning in!!
By TC at 5:02 PM ON 02/05/10
I am sooooooooooooo not looking forward to Shanks ruining Hawkman tonight!!
By wraithfodder42 at 6:12 PM ON 02/05/10
heard this new eons ago, but nice new pics, but yes, as some have said, only reason to watch this episode of Smallville IS because Michael Shanks is on. Otherwise, would not be tuning in, sorry to say.
By Ritajmc at 6:26 PM ON 02/05/10
Michael Shanks IS the only reason I will be watching a show I''ve never seen...He is Hot !!
By THUNDERHEAD at 6:54 PM ON 02/05/10
Cannot fracking wait for this!
By G.L. at 8:31 PM ON 02/05/10
Wasn't it Richard Dean Anderson who was Thor's voice? And wasn't Brent Staite also in Andromeda?
By Impy at 9:09 PM ON 02/05/10
Now I know why they went with the full hawkman outfit, Shanks looks a little fat around the midsection. And why is he talking with Batman's voice? Well, this is better than watching the so slow moving Caprica, now that Dollhouse is gone.
By Paul at 10:05 PM ON 02/05/10
Good double episode, but it was too scattered to be classic. A little Oliver, a little Chloe, a little Lois, some Dr. Fate...just really a mishmash. I enjoyed it though. Hawkman was OK.
By splinter at 10:07 PM ON 02/05/10
Man, I am almost too scared to watch this. The JSA is one of my favorite super teams, and I would hate to again be as disappointed as I was by Black Canary's first appearance in the show.
By jedidoh at 10:25 PM ON 02/05/10
@G.L.
RDA wasn't Thor's voice. It was Shanks.
By Goldilocks at 11:17 PM ON 02/05/10
Well, having never watched Smallville before, I watched this one (mainly because of Dr. Fate, but the other heroes as well). I was not real impressed and having grown up with the early comics of the 60s, 70s, and such, found it a totally rewritten mish-mash. That was the bad stuff. Now the good: I am very happy some of the other heroes from the comics are being addressed, however amateurish & low-budget it may be at times. I am especially glad they picked Dr. Fate (who would have thought they'd pick him?). If they keep working on things like a hero universe (Legion of Super-heroes, Justice League, Justice Society) perhaps they will strike a chord someplace. Dr. Fate was a tall guy in the comics, not a short guy, but they did a fair job of duplicating his costume to a degree, important as a part of heroes and villians in a super-universe for fans, you know.
I would like to see a Dr. Fate/Hourman teamup (Dr Fate: Kent Nelson; Hourman: Rex Tyler). Lots of good material out there, they were buddies in the comics much as Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) & The Flash (Barry Allen) were, and good chemistry between them. Against a group of super-villians, what potentital for a great movie. I would want the movie to ignore the Smallville appearence, however, as it would detract from what could be a new franchise. I would also like to see a Green lantern/Flash movie, for the same reasons.
So Ok, I guess the wrap-up is the Smallville episode wasn't that great, but I guess you have to applaud the makers for trying...it was more ambitious than I expected, despite not totally caring for the character rewrites. I suppose it might be good for periodic guest appearences on that show for the future.
By Goldilocks at 11:19 PM ON 02/05/10
Well, having never watched Smallville before, I watched this one (mainly because of Dr. Fate, but the other heroes as well). I was not real impressed and having grown up with the early comics of the 60s, 70s, and such, found it a totally rewritten mish-mash. That was the bad stuff. Now the good: I am very happy some of the other heroes from the comics are being addressed, however amateurish & low-budget it may be at times. I am especially glad they picked Dr. Fate (who would have thought they'd pick him?). If they keep working on things like a hero universe (Legion of Super-heroes, Justice League, Justice Society) perhaps they will strike a chord someplace. Dr. Fate was a tall guy in the comics, not a short guy, but they did a fair job of duplicating his costume to a degree, important as a part of heroes and villians in a super-universe for fans, you know.
I would like to see a Dr. Fate/Hourman teamup (Dr Fate: Kent Nelson; Hourman: Rex Tyler). Lots of good material out there, they were buddies in the comics much as Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) & The Flash (Barry Allen) were, and good chemistry between them. Against a group of super-villians, what potentital for a great movie. I would want the movie to ignore the Smallville appearence, however, as it would detract from what could be a new franchise. I would also like to see a Green lantern/Flash movie, for the same reasons.
So Ok, I guess the wrap-up is the Smallville episode wasn't that great, but I guess you have to applaud the makers for trying...it was more ambitious than I expected, despite not totally caring for the character rewrites. I suppose it might be good for periodic guest appearences on that show for the future.
By uss_titans at 2:27 AM ON 02/06/10
Not bad for a limited budget JSA. Very cool Dr. Fate......I am kinda glad he died so a new and maybe taller one would take his place. Hawkman worked out OK. I loved the helmet. His midsection do look abit chunky. Stargirl great. Very cute. I hope they make a series. I am crossing my finger for the next team to appear which! Hopefully..........is the Teen Titans. Nightwing, Wondergirl, Changeling and (the real, transformer??) Cyborg. Not the cheapskate one.
Titans out.
By LadyPensieve at 3:00 AM ON 02/06/10
Well, I watch Smallville all the time. Lately it's been scattered and I hope the comment from Hawkman will finally get Clark up in the air. That said, I was thrilled to see Michael Shanks - and he didn't die!!! Lately it seems like he's in an episode of a show, like Burn Notice & Sanctuary, and gets killed off. Love the idea he may return. That I look forward to.
By mac3000 at 8:00 AM ON 02/06/10
Where was hourman and Dr.nite? They were the real glue of the justice society. And why wenot get to see jay garrick and green lantern use their powers it would have been far better then hawkman?
By splinter at 8:39 AM ON 02/06/10
Hey, for those who watched it: how was the depiction of Stargirl? She is a Legacy JSA character that I like a lot in the comics.
By tb83 at 4:40 PM ON 02/06/10
What was with Hawkmans vocie I thought i was watching Christian Bale play Hawkman last nite could have benn better they could of brought together some of Clarks team instead of always talking about them but never seeing them that is really getting old
By Richard at 6:24 PM ON 02/06/10
It is possible Hourman & Dr. Mid-Nite were dead. Icicle & Waller showed some quick peeks at pics showing a dead Sandman and Icicle mentioned he had been killing people for Waller.
By lindyxmjh at 7:26 PM ON 02/06/10
mac3000, I think they still aren't allowed to use certain characters by name, so even though Jay and Alan were mentioned, they wouldn't be able to call them by the Flash or Green Lantern. It's all that same "rights to the movies/series" BS that's keeping Batman and Wonder Woman from making cameos as well.
Anyway, was it all a bit cheesy. Sure, but who cares anymore? It's the freakin' ninth season, Clark's an inch away from being Superman, I want to see more DC characters now!
Seeing Hawkman, Dr. Fate, and Stargirl was awesome and well done for the budget (plus finally getting a peak at an all green alien Martian Manhunter made my day).
By patches1964 at 8:19 PM ON 02/06/10
They made a Green Lantern Movie.. I can't wait to see it.. And It Is Hal Jordan babe!!!!!...
Don't know the release date yet but I have seen the previews.. It looked COOL!!!!!!! As for the Smallville Show.. I enjoyed it... Dr.Fate was my favorite!!!!! Shanks did a Great Job as Hawkman also..They all did a great Job...Could of left lois lane and tess out of the show been alot better.....
By daniel4ever at 8:26 PM ON 02/06/10
I sure did watch this - only because Michael Shanks was on it! I wish they would give him his own show and be done with it. I so agree with the comments that it is nice to not have him die at the end of a program for once!
As for season 6 of Stargate, he was in three episodes, not counting the fact that in almost every other episode that season (with one or two exceptions) he was either talked about, his picture was shown during the episode, or he was seen in a "previously on" segment. He did indeed voice Thor, not RDA.
Thanks, Smallville, for giving us a chance to see our favorite actor!
By tb83 at 8:48 PM ON 02/06/10
Yes it would be cool for Shanks to get his own tv series. Tapping has one its not that good but she still has one. It has pretty much to do with that british acsent she tries to do that sucks so bad. But anyway the show has to be scifi and on the syfy channel that way you now it wont be canceld
By QuantumSam at 9:25 PM ON 02/06/10
Michael Shanks definitely needs to develop some muscles and lower his voice.
By jedidoh at 2:39 AM ON 02/07/10
@Quantum Sam
Oh yes of course. Check 1st season SG 1 Shanks compared to 10th season. I'm sure that you're a perfect Adonis yourself. *that was arcasm for those who have a hard time comprehending realism*
By rts2020 at 3:07 PM ON 02/07/10
For all those commenting on Shanks appearing out of shape.....One, he said in an interview that production schedule did not give him time to train. and two, it actually makes sense for the character. Carter had been retired, bitter and secluded for "decades"....it makes sense he would not be in peak physical form.
By harleymnnyc at 9:03 PM ON 02/07/10
great episode...just wish the Hawks costume had a bit more money to make it look better.
By clay at 11:42 AM ON 02/08/10
I enjoyed this episode. It was very cool to see some other heroes. I glad CW took a chance on this. Yes, it would have been nice to see Green Lantern and The Flash. IT IS TIME FOR CLARK TO FLY!!! What's holding him down? He's well in to his adult life and he shold be flying! Time to take it to the next level CW!!
By BlueLady at 9:30 AM ON 02/11/10
I heard an interview with Shanks where he described why he used the husky voice. He said that Hawkman was a 3000 year old warrior and he wanted a voice that sounded like he had been screaming war cries for the last 3000 years.
I agree that it would be nice to see Hawkman all buffed up but it does make more sense the character would be more average given the extensive time off since the last time he donned the suit. I was fan of Hawkman way back when and I think Shanks did a good job of interpreting the character.
I found it an enjoyable episode if you take into account it was done on a TV series budget. And given it was written by Geoff Johns, I'm certainly not in the position to nay-say the writing. Shanks said they kept pretty much true to his dialog.
By Son of a Maui Portagee at 11:32 AM ON 02/15/10
@BlueLady,
One problem with that logic is that his body is reincarnated so it isn't 3000 years old nor has its larynx been subjected thousands of years of war cries.
I looked at it as the nature of Hall's curse makes him tend to become rather self-destructive when his mate is ripped from him. Carter's voice and physique were the result of years of abuse. Besides the implications of the story are that the JSA was from a time when smoking was far more accepted than it is today and no doubt would have been one of his destructive tendencies if it it weren't.
Visit mobile.syfy.com/wire on your mobile device.
Son of a Maui Portagee:
@BlueLady, One problem with that logic is that his body is reincarnated so it isn't 3000 years old nor has its lar...More »