If teen dramas are hugely popular for their ultra-modern approach towards life, their expeditiously changing storylines and the gazillion love triangles, they also have a cult following thanks to the delectable actors who make up the cast. Indubitably, “90210” stands testimony to this statement. In its second season in India, the soap will promote the incredibly handsome Matt Lanter who plays Liam Court from a recurring character to a regular feature.
In a telephonic interview with American TV's new favourite bad boy, Lanter gives a sneak peek into what Season 2 is going to be like. “The show picks up from the events that follow the previous season's prom party. The main focus will be on the surprises and challenges that await the group that is all set to begin their junior high year,” he reveals.
“We also get to know Liam better. We see his point of view. His struggle with Naomi, especially when Naomi's sister Jen continues to make things tough is something viewers can look forward to.
In the end, Jen will have to pay the price though,” Lanter adds. A love triangle is bound to develop in the current season, involving Naomi, Liam and Annie.
Matt stresses that Liam isn't a bad person. “Liam might be the kind that is antagonistic and easily angered but he always tells the truth and faces the consequences of his behaviour audaciously. So he's really a sweet combination of good and bad. And you should see the good influence he actually has on Naomi!”
About how well he relates to his on-screen character, Matt says: “Liam is so much more aggressive and impulsive than Matt. Off screen, I'm a really cool and level-headed person. What we have in common is that we're not afraid to stand up for the truth and Liam is essentially a good hearted person like Matt.”
When it comes to women, Liam is portrayed as not just flirtatious but is often perceived as a player. So is Liam the classic example of the adage all good girls want bad boys? “Maybe,” Matt quips as he continues: “I find that girls like unpredictability in men. They'd rather be around someone with a volatile personality than with somebody who can be figured out easily. Liam is charming and is a lot of fun and that's what attracts the girls.”
Ask him why he thinks American teen dramas are a hit the world over and Matt replies: “The exaggerated dramatization has a way with an audience that is in awe of the rich Beverly Hills lifestyle. Also, it is intriguing to watch innumerable relationships develop simultaneously. This is usually a rarity in real life.”
Matt is suave when it comes to divulging who his favourite co-star is. “We've all hit it off so well that we're more like family than friends. I can't pick just one favourite. It's a whole lot of fun to hang out with them off the sets as well.
It's funny how we have more of a blast while shooting because our work is set on a beach, a dance floor and even a yacht!” The actor has already created a niche for himself in other TV series as well as on the silver screen. While he's been a regular on “Commander in Chief,” Matt has guest starred in “Heroes” and “CSI” among others. His filmography is fairly impressive. He's starred in “Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius” and “Sorority Row” to name a few. However, his role in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” as Anakin Skywalker (he continues to lend his voice to the TV series that followed) is what he has received much adulation for.
“It's amazing to be a part of something as huge and international as ‘Star Wars' for such a long time. I play an iconic character and there's no greater feeling than knowing I'm a part of an incredible legacy.”
Matt claims that if he weren't an actor, he would have wanted to play baseball professionally but of course now he's glad where he is. Signing off Matt says: “It feels good to have you support. And when I get a chance to visit India, I'm definitely going to grab the opportunity and visit the land whose culture I want to soak in.”
