The Walking Dead’s Ross Marquand talks to Live for Films

The Walking Dead is one of the biggest and most popular TV shows around right now, and the undead beheading antics of Rick, Daryl, Michonne and co. are currently airing in the UK on FOX, just 24 hours after the US.

The last two series’ of The Walking Dead have seen the show go from strength to strength as our grimy heroes protect their new digs, Alexandria, from not only the dead, but also the living.  Ross Marquand plays Aaron, a recruiter who invited the gang to Alexandria in the first place.

While initially mistrusted by the group, Aaron has now become an integral and well-liked part of the team, with strong ties to Daryl in particular, as well as his partner Eric. Encounters with the Wolves and the many, many zombies have seen Aaron become more handy in a fight, and he inflicted a particularly cool kill in the finale of series 5.

With the very exciting second half of series 6 in mid-swing right now on FOX, and the villainous Negan right around the corner, we caught up with Ross to find out what the remainder of the current season of The Walking Dead has in store for us, who from the show he’d want on his side in a real zombie apocalypse, and how much he would like to remake Howard the Duck.

Ross is currently in the UK, and will be appearing at Newcastle Film and Comic Con this Saturday and Sunday.

Hiya, Ross. You’re doing conventions in the UK at the moment, what do you enjoy most about these appearances?

I love getting a chance to interact with the fans face to face. You just can’t get that same sensation from Twitter.

What are the differences between American and British fans?

British fans are extraordinarily polite, but they share the same enthusiasm for the show – I’ve really enjoyed meeting them!

Were you a fan of The Walking Dead before you joined the show?

Absolutely, ever since that Halloween episode in 2010, I’ve been hooked.

Is it hot on location, and do you have any tricks to dealing with the heat?

It can be extremely hot and while drinking lots of water is essential, it doesn’t hurt to have a portable fan nearby…

Aaron is a great character – what appealed to you most about him?

I love that Aaron is so optimistic in the face of overwhelming adversity. He believes in people’s inherent goodness but isn’t afraid to fight anyone who might threaten his community.

Where would you like to see him go as the series progresses?

Inevitably, we’ll find that Aaron is going to take a break from his role as a recruiter and become much more of a warrior, as the threats beyond the walls of Alexandria become more clear.

You spend a lot of screen time with the wonderful Norman Reedus, who plays Daryl. What is he like to work with?

Norman is the consummate prankster on set. He’s always looking for ways to lighten the mood and crack people up in between takes.

Do you have a favourite zombie, or favourite kill?

My favourite zombie kill would have to be the license plate beheading in the series five finale.

What can you tell me about what is still in store for us this season?

The last few episodes of series six are the most brutal, intense episodes that we’ve ever tackled. I think fans will be genuinely surprised by what we have in store for them.

Do, or have you, read the comics; and if so, have you read ahead to see what potential storylines could take place?

I have read the comics up to a certain point, but j stopped because too many significant plot points were being revealed and as a fan myself, I like to be surprised.

If a zombie apocalypse went down tomorrow, how would you fair? Do you have a plan?

I think I would fair quite well actually. I grew up as a Boy Scout and have a roster of survival skills that would help me manage in a harsh world like that.

If you could have one Walking Dead character as a survival companion which one would it be and why?

I think Abraham would be a formidable friend to have because he’s a great soldier and a rest survivalist. And that moustache could potentially scare off would be foes.

Your Jimmy Kimmel Oscars impressions skit is excellent. What is the secret to doing impressions?

I’m not sure if there is a secret, but I think it’s important to try and match the posture of the person you’re mimicking and really try to see the world through their eyes.

How did you discover you had a skill for mimicry?

My brothers used to beat me up and I developed it as a way to avoid getting abused by them. Making them laugh was my best defence!

What else are you up to, or have coming up?

 I just finished recording an animated feature film called Sheep & Wolves. Aside from that, I’ll be appearing in two Hulu programs – Deadbeat and The Mindy Project.

If you could star in the remake of any film, which one would it be, and what part would you play?

I’d love to remake Howard the Duck and play the titular role. I would rock that part so hard.

If you could be killed by any movie monster, which one would it be, and what would your last words be?

Oooh… I’d love to be killed by the Predator and my last words would be…”You’re one ugly mother…”

Ross Marquand will be appearing at Newcastle Film and Comic Con this Saturday and Sunday, and The Walking Dead currently airs every on FX in the UK every Monday.