Home > All News > Brandon Jay McLaren Talks ‘Falling Skies’, ‘The Killing’ & Going To ‘Graceland’

19 June, 2012 at 10:13 am

Brandon Jay McLaren Talks ‘Falling Skies’, ‘The Killing’ & Going To ‘Graceland’

Fans of ‘Falling Skies‘ have noticed that there’s a prominent new face on the show this season who’s brought a big smile to Lourdes’ (Seychelle Gabriel) face, and if he looks familiar, you may have seen Brandon Jay McLaren on ‘The Killing‘ or several other shows. The busy actor answered some of our questions so you can learn a few things about Lourdes new man.

He’s been attacked on ‘The Killing‘, been a ‘Power Rangers’ (the red one), worked with Channing Tatum in ‘She’s The Man’ and now he gets to fight aliens with Noah Wylie in ‘Falling Skies‘. Brandon Jay McLaren is not your typical actor who takes the same style role over and over as his resume easily shows. While it may look like he’s hit overnight after his turn on ‘The Killing’, the succinct actor let us know that he’s been working hard at his craft for a decade now, and it’s definitely paying off. He comes across rather serious in interviews, but as his Twitter page shows a funny site when he states “I’m an actor, a poo’er, and a pee’er.”

BEST MOVIES EVER: Has your career come as easy as the press makes it out to be, or have you paid your dues along the way?

BRANDON JAY MCLAREN: Has the press made it out to be that way? I was unaware. I feel like I have paid my dues. I’ve been at it nearly ten years now. I started doing commercials, and I’ve done short films and student films for no money. I’ve done plenty of one and two liners in television shows and movies. I feel like my career has been one of gradual, yet steady progress. I like the way it has gone, and hopefully it will continue to improve.

BME: You seem to be the fan favorite of nearly every show you’ve been in. (I personally thought you were the only high point in that ‘Harper’s Island’ show.) Do you think this will be the case with ‘Falling Skies’ too?

BJM: You are very kind :) I’m not sure if I am a fan favorite; I just try and do honest work.

BME: ‘The Killing’ was a show you really wanted to be part of after reading the pilot script. Did it turn out as well as you were hoping even when fans got frustrated after last season?

BJM: I feel it turned out even better. I am grateful to be a part of such a tremendous show, and to have worked with equally tremendous people on the killing.

BME: It seems that by now you’re becoming the ‘it’ guy for many of the networks. Is it becoming easier to pick and choose the roles you want or are you still working the auditions as hard as ever?

BJM: I always work my auditions to the best of my ability. I love to act, I love to audition, so I always prepare well. When it comes to picking roles, I try and choose characters and projects that make me excited.

BME: How did ‘Falling Skies’ come about for you?

BJM: I sent a taped audition up to Vancouver, and I was cast. I was over the moon about it because I had heard so many good things about the show.

BME: What can you tell us about your character Jamil Dexter? Your character was originally named Sunil Chutani, did they change it because it was too hard for other people to say or remember?

BJM: I’m not sure as to why they changed the name. Jamil has a big heart. He loves to help out any way he can…be part of the team.

BME: You’re also up for ‘Graceland’ on USA Networks. Has there been any word on if they’re picking that up? Can you talk about your character, Dale Jakes, on that one? How different is he from Jamil Dexter on ‘Falling Skies’?

BJM: No word on a pick up yet. Fingers crossed. My character, Dale Jakes, is the opposite of Jamil. Dale is quick tempered and hard to get close to. However, once he lets you in, he is very loyal.

BME: I’m assuming the makers of another film you’re in ‘Dead Before Dawn 3D’ were fans of the Evil Dead Trilogy. As you’ve done a couple comedy horror films, including Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil, are you a fan of zombies and horror movies?

BJM: I am more of a fan of appearing in them than watching them. I love acting in these kinds of films because they give me the opportunity to let loose and be completely silly.

BME: What projects do you have coming up, and have you been surprised at how fans of nearly all your recent shows have taken you with such open arms?

BJM: I’m glad fans have responded so positively to my work. I’m not sure what the next project will be at this time.

BME: What’s been your most awkward audition moment?

BJM: I can’t think of one specific moment, but I can assure you there have been many.

Falling Skies Clip – Best Movies Ever