Interview: Adrian Paul

 British actor Adrian Paul is best-known for his role as Duncan MacLeod on "Highlander: the Series" and has gone on to also star in spin-off movies, including the made-for-TV movie "Highlander: The Source" which was released on DVD on February 26. We talked with Adrian about “Highlander,” and some of his other current projects.

Tell me about the project you’re currently working on.

It’s called “Nine Miles Down.” It’s a psychological thriller set in the mid-Sahara desert. It’s a really good acting piece with twists you don’t expect. The director’s had this project for nine years – he knows it backwards, so it’s been very going well. I’m leaving tomorrow for Tunisia.

Where else have you been working recently?

I was in Bulgaria shooting “Captain Drake,” a sci-fi movie of the week. That was a blast. I had so much fun doing this character. He was egotistical and self-centered and I played him like that. We found some very humorous moments. I shot in London last year. I shot in North Carolina. I’ve been traveling a lot. I’m very lucky – I get to see places people don’t get to see and I get paid for it.

 
What can fans expect from the DVD of “Highlander: The Source”?

There’s a bunch of behind-the-scenes stuff [on the DVD]. The DVD is basically about the end of the world and how they finally find why the Immortals exist. I’m not very certain it fulfills the title, but we find out exactly what [the source] is. I think it’s a good looking film.  

 
And so, you must have put a lot of yourself into this character.  

I think everyone does when they are in a series that long. An actor comes into a role and has certain qualities, and [writers and producers] write to those qualities. Originally the character wasn’t as martial arts-oriented. [Playing different characters in movies] is different and by the end of the film, you really know the character, but when you are playing a character for six years, the character becomes a part of you.

What is your favorite thing about appearing in “Highlander”?

The ability to do so many different things – being serious, being lighthearted, going from one century to another. I loved all of the swordplay. My stunt double would ask, “Would you let me do something, for God’s sake?”

Where would you like to see your career progress from here on in?  

I have a script that I wrote and am producing. I’d like to direct again because I really enjoy it. [The script] is the story of a house on a fabled island that is called “The House of Storms.” It is a place where people are brought back when they made a mistake in their lives and are able to rectify or will lose their lives in the process. I’ll possibly star in it. I’m not sure yet.