Michael Jonsson on Arrow, Van Helsing, and Kicking Butt in General (Exclusive Interview)

Oliver Queen is freshly exonerated from prison and Ricardo Diaz is temporarily out of commission, but Team Arrow still have the Longbow Hunters to occupy their time. Each one of this trio, made up of Kodiak, Silencer, and Red Dart, have their own special brand of punishment to deal out to the team. 

Kodiak, with his brute strength and unbreakable shield, is a force to be reckoned with. The man who plays him, Michael Jonsson, seems to be a whole different story. 

Jonsson was more than willing to answer a handful of my questions about his roles on Arrow and Van Helsing to boot. 

Tell-Tale TV: What made you excited to be a part of Arrow?

Michael Jonsson: The fans! The fans of this show are unbelievably dedicated and love everything about it. When you are performing for fans like that, you put your best foot forward. That means working your butt off to give them everything you got, which makes you grow as an actor. They deserve nothing less.

Tell-Tale TV: Did you have any special training for the role of Kodiak?

Michael Jonsson: Training for most roles I go for is an ongoing thing. Being in shape and training is a lifestyle choice. I will always hit the bag, lift weights, and keep on exercising daily. I did however, switch immediately into a bulking phase as soon as I got the role though. You might see a difference in size between me at the beginning of the season, and now.

Tell-Tale TV: How does your role on Arrow differ from roles that you have recently played?

Michael Jonsson: Kodiak is like night and day from Barry The Burier on Van Helsing. Kodiak is calculating, cocky, and sarcastic — the baddest of the badasses.

Barry is an innocent — borderline simpleton — who just wants to help everyone until he is thrust into protection mode. Then he dons a luchador mask and kicks vampire ass.

Tell-Tale TV: Was it difficult to fit in on set, since a majority of the cast has been together for so long?

Michael Jonsson: Not at all. They’re all so welcoming and down to earth. They’re so talented, and everyone is there to work hard.

Also, everyone is arms open, which creates an atmosphere of safety for the best work an actor can do.

Tell-Tale TV: What’s the most memorable thing that happened on the set of Arrow?

Michael Jonsson: During the scene on the train car, where Diggle and Kodiak were fighting, the director was able to pull a lot of anger and villainy out of me. That fight took a big chunk of time on the hottest day of the year, but I kept giving it everything I had — left nothing on the table.

Tell-Tale TV: You’re also working on SYFY’s Van Helsing. What made you want to be a part of that show?

Michael Jonsson: Blood, guts, vampires, and awesome writers! Why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that? As mentioned earlier, I get to play a pretty crazy character.

He’s neck and neck with Kodiak, on being my most favorite character I have ever played. How often do you get to smash a vampire’s head in with a brick, while wearing a mask, and then a moment later, introduce yourself with a happy-go-lucky smile?

Tell-Tale TV: What’s been the biggest challenge in working on Van Helsing?

Michael Jonsson: Same as Arrow, trying to make sure you are doing the best you can for the fans of the show.

They are the reason you are doing this job that you love so much. Making sure they get the best vision of the character while supporting the story properly, is daunting and scary. But I am willing to give it all I can, in the hopes they continue to like Barry.

Tell-Tale TV: Is there anything you can tease about what’s coming up this season?

Michael Jonsson: Lots more blood, many crazy twists, and some cringe-worthy moments.

Tell-Tale TV: You have starred in a lot of other shows categorized as sci-fi, including The 4400, Smallville, Battlestar Galactica, and Supernatural. Do you have a special interest in this area? If so, why?

Michael Jonnson: Yes! These shows are where the coolest stories are told. Lots of action, incredible character development, and funny as hell. Most of all, it seems to be where some of the best fans are, who are willing to get as involved as you are.

Tell-Tell TV: Lastly, if you could work with anyone on TV, who would it be and why?

Michael Jonsson: Great question, and a tough one. Can I cheat a little? Someone who used to be on TV, but mostly does movies now?

Tom Hanks is right up there, not just because of his acting skills. It’s more about being known as the “nicest guy in Hollywood.”

You know how cool you have to be with SO MANY PEOPLE to be called that? THAT is someone to learn from, and something to work towards.

Be sure to catch Arrow on Mondays at 8/7c on the CW and Van Helsing on Fridays 10/9c on SYFY.

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