Ask Renee
…about everything from the Dawn of Man to Tim Burton’s obsession with ‘50s monster movies (there’s some Xena information here too!).
The Official Magazine: Issue 01
When last seen, nouveau-gods Callisto and Velasca plunged into a pit of lava. Will they be back this season?
Renee: Velasca won’t be coming back any time soon, and I’m sure Gabrielle is happy about that. Callisto will definitely be back, however.
Any possibility of Joxer evolving into a romantic interest for Gabrielle?
Renee: Not at the moment. Right now it’s still sort of a brother-sister relationship. If anything does happen, it’ll be somewhere down the line…
You and Michael (Iolaus) Hurst have wonderful chemistry. If there was an episode built around the two sidekicks, how would you like to see it play?
Renee: Michael is such an amazing actor - he can play the drama and the comedy. Most of the time, at least on Xena, we have one theme throughout the episode, where it’s either going to be a light story or it’s going to be dark. It would be interesting if we combined the two (tones) and had Michael and I play along those lines. From the broad slapstick to the more touching moments…
Are you interested in directing?
Renee: Yes, but I don’t think I’m prepared at all to direct a Xena. I’d like to create my own little short stories that are character-driven, and really work on how to present a story on film - that’s my first step. In the meantime, I intend to observe directors and directing more closely and diligently. I’ll probably make a pest out of myself!
Who are your favorite writers and filmmakers?
Renee: I mostly enjoy reading classic literature such as Shakespear, and there are many American and Irish playwrights I like. I also like to read novels from other countries. As far as films are concerned, I’m mostly into character-driven stories. It’s not that I don’t enjoy a great summer sci-fi film or something like that, but I guess I’m always listening to the dialogue and watching the characters and the story… that’s what really does it for me. Of course, Tim Burton happens to be one of my favorite filmmakers. I laughed all the way through MARS ATTACKS!
Do you prefer the funny episodes of Xena or the serious ones?
Renee: I love doing comedy. It’s so much more fun, because you can kick back and work off each other’s timing. And it’s always with a wink. Lucy and I really enjoy that. Everyone’s having a good time and there’s a lot of great energy. As you might expect, working with people like Ted Raimi and Bruce Campbell is an experience in itself.
How are the people of New Zealand different from us Americans?
Renee: New Zealand isn’t as different as most people expect. It’s much more cosmopolitan than what people see on TV - it’s not as tropical. Kiwis in general are more influenced by the English, whereas we… (laughter)... are not! We are our own entity, completely. Kiwis are much more reserved and down-to-earth than we are. I suppose Americans are more outspoken.
Do you believe in the existence of extraterrestrial life?
Renee: I definitely believe there might be other “beings” in the universe. I mean, isn’t it incredibly arrogant to think that there aren’t?
If you could portray a famous person from history, who would you choose?
Renee: Well, I still have a fascination with archeology and Egypt. I think it would be great to play Mary Leakey, the wife of the famous archeologist. They discovered what is believed to be the first human skeleton in Africa. It would be fascinating to live with those people and become one with their culture.
There’s an interesting rumor going around that Gabrielle will give birth this season on Xena. What’s the deal?
Renee: Umm… it is something that might be coming around (laughter). It’ll be interesting, though, to see what happens. It’s a whole big challenge for me. I couldn’t relate to it in any way whatsoever!