During a recent interview, Katie McGrath shared her insights about what it has been like to become the big, bad villain in the British fantasy series “Merlin.” Katie was quick to admit that it has been a challenge portraying such a morally complex character.
Katie added that, in fact, just about everything in portraying Morgana has been challenging; for over the course of the past two seasons Morgana has essentially become an entirely different person. This has been both refreshing and daunting for Katie. She explained that the evolution between Season 1 and Season 3 has been so significant that the end result may be that fans may no longer feel the same about Morgana. Long gone is the sweet king’s ward who was prim and proper. Morgana has come into her own. She is more confidant and relaxed with who she is. She has taken on a “I don’t need you all” attitude and exudes a more sassy and sexy persona, which Katie described as being more “girl power-esque.”
In addition to Morgana’s inner-growth, Katie has had fun adding a few physical changes as well, such as Morgana tends to use more hand gestures and has a rockin’ new wardrobe. Unlike the clunky, heavy armor that co-star Bradley James wears as Arthur, Morgana has been blessed with custom-fit body armor. It was molded specifically to be nearly a second skin on Katie, which allows her to move about with an ease and grace.
While Katie admitted that she misses a bit of the old Morgana, such as her soft heartedness and gentle spirit, she feels that the fans will appreciate Morgana’s new-found strengthen and self-determination. There may be flashes of the former softer-side of Morgana, but really the third season is about Morgana becoming the villain of Arthurian lore. As a result of her time away from Uther and Camelot, Morgana has become a more confident and determined young woman who embraces her power and is not afraid to use it.
But by far the hardest part is worrying how the fans will react. Katie worries that the “Merlin” fan-base will cling to the image they grew attached to – when Morgana was a trusted-friend and ally of Arthur, Merlin and Guinevere. Alas, as fans should know, that fate was not destined to be.
While undertaking Morgana’s transformation, Katie said that Tony Head was particularly supportive; and because so many of her onscreen scenes have been with Tony, he treats her almost paternally. Thus, he made an extra effort to make her scenes as easy as possible and Katie credited him as being very giving to work with. Another cast-member who Katie cites as having a big influence on her is Colin Morgan, who she said was “so bloody good” that he has upped her game – especially now that she has taken on the mantle of Morgana’s treachery.
Describing the new Morgana as “bad-ass,” Katie encourages fans to accept the darker side of Morgana and teased that fans should be pleased by how much more empowered Morgana is. Finally, Katie is particularly looking forward to the fans’ reactions after “The Tears of Uther Pendragon (part 2),” in which the depth of the new Morgana will be revealed.
Be sure to tune in for the return of “Merlin” Season 3 on Friday, January 7th at 10:00 p.m. on Syfy. (For those playing catch-up the entire Season 2 will air as a marathon earlier that day also on Syfy.)
Related:
“Katie McGrath Spills Morgana’s Secrets for the 4th Season of MERLIN”
“Colin Morgan Gives the Scoop on the 4th Season of MERLIN”
“Comic-Con 2011: Photos and video interviews of cast of MERLIN from the press room”
“Previewing the 4th Season Return of MERLIN”
“Katie McGrath Discusses the Joys of Wickedness as Morgana in the Global Hit Series MERLIN”
Where to find this article:
http://nicegirlstv.com/2011/01/05/nice-girls-exclusive-katie-mcgrath-talks-merlin-season-3/
she is beautiful i like her