Ben Browder talks leather and yetis (no spoilers)

[RydraWong]

SFX magazine (July 2004) has a big interview with Ben Browder:

CRICHTON ROCKS

Yeehaw! Farscape is back! Thanks to the petitioning of fans and the far-sighted people at the US Sci Fi Channel, the mighty Ben Browder slams back into action as lovable John Crichton, braving bombs, brazen hussies, and - maybe - babies. At the end of Farscape's fourth and final season, Crichton and his new fiancee, the pregnant Aeryn Sun, were left in granulated form ... but is the ebullient Mr. Browder ready to divulge how the freeze-dried heroes return to their full-flavoured selves? No! He's hell-bent on discussing Crichton's sartorial elegance.

"Yeah, I'll be in some leather," he grins. "You know, the Farscape mini-series is so huge they had to rebuild the sets and build new critters and new prosthetics, and they had to make a bunch of other stuff so they couldn't afford to make me a new costume."

That's what we like to hear. There's nothing like a bloke in leather to raise female (and, indeed, some male) pulses - and ratings. "But," complains the actor, "I haven't had a new costume forever. Every season I'd ask, 'Can I have some new clothes?' but our costume designer was so happy with the costume that he gave me in the second series he'd go, 'Ah, Benny, it's perfect. Love it.'"

It's good to know that, despite the myriad innovations incorporated into the new series, some things never change. "I actually got into the same costume," Browder volunteers. "As a performer, there's a really nervous moment when you step into your old pants, and as you pull them up you go, 'Uh oh! If I've eaten at the Denny's all-you-can-eat-buffet just once too often, these things aren't going to go on!' The whole production gave a collective sigh of relief when they slipped right on in there, because the entire thing would have been shut down otherwise. I would have been walking around in just my underwear ... and with all the fighting we do ... This. Is. Not. A. Safe. Thing. All the stuff we blow up - it could get dangerous." Thank goodness he's wearing protection, then.

Referring to the spectacular scenes we can look forward to when the latest Farscape frolics unfold, the actor reveals, "We actually used so many pyrotechnics in Australia that we ran out of explosives and had to start importing them. The special FX guys responsible for our pyrotechnics were astounded. That's what happens when you blow up the universe. With Farscape we keep stepping up. Season one - we blew up a base; then we did something bigger. We blew up a planet and then thought, 'What can we do next? Oh, let's blow up the universe.' So we needed a lot of bombs."

Talking of bombing, how did Farscape go from cancellation (a gross misjudgement on the part of the powers-that-be) to a brand new production? Apparently the Sci Fi Channel didn't just sit in a bar one night and say, "Oh, let's do a mini-series." Browder assures us it was far more complicated than that. "Five minutes before we were cancelled Brian Henson was thinking of where to take the series after season five, and we were all right there with him. Then the financial packaging - or whatever it was - fell apart and the series was done. Then, not too much later, Brian found the money - in large part due to what the fans were doing by vocally supporting the show."

Browder hastily dispels any rumours that some of his own money went into the pot. "God no! I was happy to come back for my train fare and lunch money. That's what I'm getting out of it 'cause they spent all the money on pyros and rebuilding the sets. But it's worth it. It was amazing to walk back in.

"It's a remarkable thing to find yourself, a year after you leave, back in Australia wearing black leather trousers," Browder sighs, dramatically. "Because in the Australian summer you don't really want to find yourself wearing black leather trousers."

Couldn't he have had a little air vent inserted? The question is met with a shout of derision. "What? Air vent? No way! I was thinking more of a portable air conditioner - a kind of blower thing I could just shove up my leg. You can just imagine people asking, 'What's that thing he's hauling around?' and the crew would be going, 'Oh, that's to keep him cooled down.'"

{Okay, pause while my typing fingers recover before I type the second half of the interview, in which the beleaguered interviewer tries to get Ben to talk about something other than leather}.

[RydraWong]

{Okay, interview continues:}

Attempting to get the poor soul off the subject of clothing and onto more substantial topics, we try to tease out a wee bit about the plot - but Browder is mock horrified at the very idea. "I can't tell you about the plot," he splutters. "I know it's your job to ask, but all I can tell you is that everybody is back and delighted to be there. It was just this massive family reunion and we were genuinely happy to see each other, 'cause you know how family reunions can go. You're waiting for Aunt Bess to get drunk and fall into the punch bowl and the ruckus to start. But it was all great fun for us."

Trying to tease out a tiny spoiler, we shoot, "What did you call the baby?" but Browder is not to be fooled. "Baby? What baby?" he asks.

"Aeryn's baby!"

"Aeryn's had a baby?"

Browder then goes on to protest that he can't tell us anything other than the fact that he had such a blast, or that if there is more than one mini-series he would leap back into the leather trousers faster than you can say baby powder. Still laughing, he says, "At the end of the ten weeks I thought Brian Henson would be certain that he wouldn't want to do any more Farscape, because the scale of the miniseries is so humungous. But he actually turned to me and went, 'Now we need to start thinking about the film.' Brian's next take is he'd like to see Farscape on the big screen. I completely concur with that. He's already discussed strategies for having big screen airings of Farscape the miniseries."

So, we have to ask: can we look forwards to some bizarre alien sex in the new show? There's a second of stunned silence before Browder collapses in hysterics at the mere idea. Giving him a minute to collect himself, we confess that this question came direct from SFX editor Dave Golder (it's thought that said editor is a bizarre alien and that he has a vested interest in this).

Amid much wheezing, Browder gasps, "It depends on your definition of bizarre, but let me put it to you this way. We do have some rather bizarre alien penetration. Does that answer your question?"

Absolutely!

Browder continues, chuckling. "Quote of the article - 'Ben Browder does bizarre alien penetration.' Ach, my poor mother is going to be shocked ... Now, is it true that the editors on SFX are smoking crack?"

Um ...

"Oh, do you have more bizarre questions? Please! Give me one more of their questions." Happy to oblige, it turns out that Jayne {SFX reviews editor} is extremely interested in a question put to the actor during an online chat. Apparently, someone asked if Browder could be described as a furry yeti or a smooth dude? The actor doesn't miss a beat. "You know what, if you want to see if I'm furry or smooth, pull out Farscape DVD season four. Slap in episode three. There ain't no body waxing going on."

Teased about the back, crack and sac phenomenon, he groans, "Oh man! That ... aarghh! I tell you, the only way you're getting hot wax on me on there is if it's part of a script that's being done by James Cameron or Steven Spielberg. I don't get that whole thing with the wax and tape and glue or whatever it is. I know people who swear by it and they go, 'Man. It's unbelievable.' But I'm like, 'You're out of your mind!'"

Browder thinks that kind of depilatory action falls into the category of bizarre alien sex and comments, "This is the kind of thing they did in the Middle Ages. In medieval times they'd go in and ask, 'Are you a witch?' And they'd pour hot wax on your personal bits. 'You dancing with the Devil in the woods? It's the back, crack and sac next.'"

Settling down, he smiles, "People have to do what they want to do so I don't want to be dissing anybody for doing that kind of thing. Just don't go looking for me to be doing it any time soon."

Glad that's settled. Look out for a leather-wearing furry yeti coming soon to a screen near you. Sounds like Farscape the miniseries to us.

The Farscape miniseries will air in the US in the Autumn. The BBC are currently in discussions about buying it.

[chasa]

Thank you, Rydra!! I'm having another attack of the Ben "Sigh" Browders after reading :) Don't laugh -- it's an actual medical condition.

[JrMissToughChick]

Thanks man you Rock!

[Kalliope]

:signlol: I love Ben's sense of humor! Great interview. Thanks Rydra for posting it. Hope your fingers are OK after typing it? :)
I hope SFX will interview Claudia Black next!

[SabaceanBabe]

Brian's next take is he'd like to see Farscape on the big screen. I completely concur with that. He's already discussed strategies for having big screen airings of Farscape the miniseries.

:thud: :faint:

[StephX]

Holy Crap! I'd frelling love to see the mini on a movie screen!

[soccerscaper]

Guess I'm going back to watch Season 4 Ep 3 (WWL2R) tonight! I love Ben's sense of humor! It was funny how he avoided saying anything detailed about the mini. Very sharp guy. Also, would love to see Farscape on the big screen.

Looking forward to this fall.

[BritAngie]

ROTFLMAO... ah bliss.. I just love SFX interviews.. this is another classic! :lol

ETA thanks Rydra! :hug:

[Jeff O'Connor]

Nice! Thanks Rydra! The miniseries on the big screen... holy frelling... oh man!

[Fyodor]

big screen----- mini----- GASP!!!!

breathe... have to remember to breathe.....

[Digger]

He's already discussed strategies for having big screen airings of Farscape the miniseries.":thud: Hell Yeah!!

[CrystalMoon]

This was hilarious. Big sigh of relief about fitting into the leather trousers, though I guess we already knew that from the images that have been coming out!

And just imagine if we could see the mini on the big screen!! I think I'm starting hyperventilate! :)

[tcpike]

I just checked and my usual mag shop for buying SFX is still has the May issue on their racks...looks like it'll be awhile before I get my hands on a copy of it. Thanks for the preview, Rydra! :yum:

[CeRell]

Ach...if it's a Ben interview...it's an instant classic. That icon of all that is male has a razor sharp wit coupled with an enourmous sence of humor. Thank you so much for typing this out. Ben is one in a billion.

[aeryncrichton]

Oh, gawd, that's our boy...... ROTFLMAO!

And we have our work cut out for us -- big screen, here we come!

[Leviathan]

I think I'm in love. :love: Ben is a doll! What a fun sense of humor he has. :cloud9:

Thank you so much for sharing this interview with us! Did it come with a picture?

[Cyber-Raga]

great interview. thx for re-printing

[I-am-so-Johns-girl]

Sigh.....I am SO his girl....lol! :yes:

Girlie :curtsey:

[Rovbear]

Thanks for all the typing!

[scorpy808]

ROTFLMAO! That was good ... I'll have to go get me a copy of that ...

[RydraWong]

Yup, I just wanted to add: do please buy a print copy if you can - SFX have been big Farscape supporters, and we want them to know that running Farscape features will improve their sales.

Also there's a full-page picture of Ben in a suit. Just sayin'. :D

[scaperbuddy]

I can't wait until SFX hits the states. Thanks RydraWong. Did they put pics in the article? Because I'm buying that mag!

[Antrobus]

There's nothing like a bloke in leather to raise female (and, indeed, some male) pulses - and ratings.

Glad SFX is all inclusive!

Perhaps the mini will go on the big screen abroad!

[CeRell]

I would have been walking around in just my underwear

Sadly...we'd NOT be complaining :) Should we remind him he DID get a new green shirt ? LOL

[scaperbuddy]

Boxers or Briefs? :elol:

[skchwojko]

Were there any new pics of Ben in SFX? I've been going Borders every week, but they only still have the May #117 issue. Where did you find #119?

Sherry

[RydraWong]

No mini pics, but a full-page photo of Ben in a suit that I don't think I've seen before.

I'm in the UK, so we get SFX before you guys do.

[Nicola]

:woohoo:

[scaperbuddy]

British import mags take a feweeks to get here in the Us guys after they get it there.

[Martincore]

cool! thanks Rydra, it was beautiful! Now rest those fingers! ;)

[jayelsee]

manohmanohmanohmanohmanoh mini on the BIG screen. Doubt it'll show where I live, but I'll WALK, RUN, OR FLY to wherever it is. Guess I'm gonna have to start sucking up to my pals in the big cities (hey, atlantagirl, ya out there anywhere?)

[jayelsee]

oooooh, you think maybe they'll show it at Burbank. I just bought my tickets & reserved my room. YEAH!

Oh, yeah, thanks, Rydra.

[bubblez]

Hmmm... leather-clad Crichton for the ladies...:cool: cool .... as long as there is another scene with Chiana tied to a chair :yum: :drool: :D

As for a movies (plural) on the big screen, I would be more than happy to see Farscape go from mini to maxi.

Miss RydraWong:
ichi: Thanks for all the typing
ni: Thanks for directing me to this website from the SciFi site

doomo arigatoo gozaimashita :bowdown:

[faustus]

Rydra you legend. thanks :aok:
mmmm big screen farscape mmmmmm
I might just explode

[jerseygirl]

Thanks, Rydra! I'm still laughing. And the thought of the mini on the big screen...well, too frelling awesome for words.

[Col. Kathryn O'Neill]

ohh thanxz for sharing... woohoo!!!!!!

[officersun524]

:signlol: I love Ben's sense of humor! Great interview. Thanks Rydra for posting it. Hope your fingers are OK after typing it? :)
I hope SFX will interview Claudia Black next!

I agree with both--I love Ben and I hope Claudia's interview is next! Thanks for posting this, Rydra.

[scapergin]

So, we have to ask: can we look forwards to some bizarre alien sex in the new show?

Who says alien sex has to be bizarre!! :D

Thanks for working your little fingers to the bone. It was very much appreciated.

[RydraWong]

Who says alien sex has to be bizarre!!

To misquote Woody Allen, it's only bizarre if you do it right :devil:.

[Selena]

Yeehaw! Farscape is back! Thanks to the petitioning of fans and the far sighted people at the US Sci Fi Channel,Ben Browder slams back into action as lovable John Crichton, braving bombs, brazen hussies, and - maybe - babies.
:spew: http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/travesmilies/smilie_lol.gif :roflmao: :snicker: "the far sighted people at the US Sci Fi Channel" http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/spezial/kdchat/wrong.gif

Browder hastily dispels any rumours that some of his own money went into the pot. "God no! I was happy to come back for my train fare and lunch money. That's what I'm getting out of it 'cause they spent all the money on pyros and rebuilding the sets. But it's worth it. It was amazing to walk back in.
Don't you just love that man! :love: :hug:

[DorothyGail]

Ach...if it's a Ben interview...it's an instant classic. That icon of all that is male has a razor sharp wit coupled with an enourmous sence of humor. Thank you so much for typing this out. Ben is one in a billion.
Nicely put, CeRell! I totally concur!

I had to go look up that S4 ep to see what he was talking about. Aaaaaaack! :eek:

I'd forgotten about that! :D Might I just say, "Thank you, Mr. Browder"? So good to hear that the leather costuming was still fitting! ROFLMAO!!! :D :D :D

FS on the big screen. (faint) Oh, please, please, please!!!!

[Dominar of Action]

Thanks to ... the far-sighted people at the US Sci Fi Channel,

mustnotsnarkmustnotsnarkmustnotsnarkmustnotsnark :grr:

[AyuRocks]

:g2f: They can't see two inches past their noses!

[Kalliope]

Is it July 1st yet? I can hardly wait to lay my hands on a copy of this issue of SFX!

[Selena]

I can't help but think that this year we must give Ben a couple of subway tokens as a thank you gift so that he'll always have train fare to get to work! (not that he'll be able to use it in LA) :lol

[Jeff O'Connor]

I can't help but think that this year we must give Ben a couple of subway tokens as a thank you gift so that he'll always have train fare to get to work! (not that he'll be able to use it in LA) :lol

The miracles of the public bus transit pass are rocking my world. But that's not part of the joke, but... if I were going to Burbank I would so give him some bus passes and just sort've subtlely hint -- "if you're ever in the area, you can catch a bus all over the county. Oh, and I live at..."

[BritAngie]

I've posted the rather cool photo of Ben which is from the Cannes Film festival from this interview to this url-page 22 of my gallery which has the Ben (not really spoilery to be honest) mini shots above it so if you don't want to see them then let me know and I'll post the direct url. http://www.britangie.34sp.com/gallery22.html The rest of the mag has stock photos from Season 4. Please do go out and get it if you can cause it's a cool four page interview!

[Leviathan]

Thanks Angie. :) I'm assuming it's the picture at the bottom of Gallery 22. Cool, there are even other pictures from the promo that I'd not seen. Thanks!!

[BritAngie]

Yep, that's the one. :)

[I-am-so-Johns-girl]

Is this magazine available in the US yet? I was going to buy one when I go buy the TV Guides! :shrug:
I want it all and I want it NOW!!! :roflmao:
Waiting for the calendars, trading cards and t-shirt is hard enough to bear. :(

Girlie :curtsey:

[BritAngie]

Not in the US just yet. It only came out in the Uk yesterday. :)

[shamecube]

You know how Prince did that simulcast of his first date in the Musicology tour with Regal Cinemas? Perhaps Sci-Fi could do the same with the mini-series on the nights it airs. That would be way cool!

Oh and I am glad that the interviewer realizes that Ben gets male pulses pounding, too. Way cool.

[CeRell]

DG?? You FORGOT that ep? Lordy...My jaw about hit the floor when I saw it..Before I knew what I was doing, I was leaning into the TV, with my fingers reaching towards that slowly revealed...uh...lower abdomen...Gulp...Yep...Artistic and tasteful TV at it's best :D

[AnnieBW]

I would be very happy to be Ben's blower! :rollin:

[AnnieBW]

Not in the US just yet. It only came out in the Uk yesterday. :)

Awwww.... FRELL!!! And I was at Forbidden Planet in Leicester Square that very day!!! Coulda shoulda woulda picked it up.

Eh... I got the Starburst magazine, some action figures, and walked across the street and had yummy Indian food anyway. :D

[Dabee]

Thanks for posting this, hon!!

Love that Ben!!

:) Dabee

[SeasonOfDeath]

I would think a comparison to a Yowie (http://www.yowiehunters.com/intro/what_is_a_yowie.htm) would be more appropriate, considering the geographical location.

(I'm also a fuzzy guy..:dog: I don't care about trendy body waxings. It took me ages to get my masculinity.. I'm not giving it up!)

[Hope]

Let's here it for the furry yetis!!!!

http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage08/11.gif

Great interview!!!!

[moonbebe]

Thanks for posting the article RW!!!

Still fits into the leather trousers... :drool: :thud: :hypno:

Come on October! :joy:



~ moon :meditate: