Nicholas Brendon on Nice Guy Xander, Nifty Silk Jammies and Going out with a Bang
So, seven seasons. Did you think it would last this long?
It was my first acting job, so I didn’t think anything. I was just happy to get a job! But after the first season, I had a clue it was gaining momentum. But I still didn’t know what to expect.
If Joss were to write and direct a Buffy movie, would you be on board?
Oh, f–k yeah. That’s the great thing about ending it, because we could’ve gone two more years on our contracts. But the best thing that happened was us ending after seven seasons.
How about a Buffy spinoff?
From what I understand, there’s not going to be a spinoff at all. Had there been, I would’ve been right there.
I hear you’re working on a sitcom.
It’s called The Pool at Maddy Breakers, and it’s by the creator of Married…with Children, Ron Levitt. It’s just an awesome show. It’s a Fox show, with a fantastic cast. But the pace is completely different.
Would you have enjoyed playing Xander more if he was evil?
No, no. I had two episodes where I was evil. It’s fun to play evil, and it’s easy–not to take anything away from anybody that plays evil. But when you play evil, you have one goal, and that is to be mean. When you’re playing compassionate, like Xander, you have to listen and be there…for me as an actor, that’s much more challenging. I hope that doesn’t come off as pretentious. It’s so much more fun to play someone who is compassionate and insecure rather than all powerful.
What has been your favorite Xander moment?
My best moment was the musical. Joss was so f–king fantastic with what he did, especially with my number. He said he saw me as a classic actor like Gene Kelly or Cary Grant, so he put me in silk jammies. I loved just learning the dance numbers. Plus, I had just gotten married, so that time was very special to me.
Do you have a favorite episode?
The musical, “Once More, with Feeling.” “Hush” was also fantastic. Pretty much any Joss Whedon episode is going to be an all-time favorite for me.
I know you can’t tell me what happens on the finale, but…
No, I’ll tell you. [Looks around.] Everyone dies! Lots of blood, lots of sex.
Seriously, how would you like it to end?
Still standing. All alive. And I think just to end it with the core four, as it all began seven years ago. It was yesterday for me, doing the pilot with the characters of Buffy, Willow and Xander first meeting. I’d like to end it with the core.
Who will you keep in touch with?
Everyone.
