April 2015 Archives

Added two high res official Salem images.

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

April 26, 2015 party hosted by Mark Cheveallier with Lucy Lawless!!

Xenapaloosa at The Shop 26 April 2015

@RealLucyLawless approves #theshop #shreveport #channel8band #lucylawless pic.twitter.com/kDhN8yqFJE

— Channel 8 (@channel8band) April 27, 2015

Dancing in The Shreve #Louisiana #southernHospitality #TheShop-Shreveport thanks to Alan! pic.twitter.com/98pc2eX94p

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 27, 2015

More Photos can be found here:

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

The next Salem episode featuring Lucy as Countess Marburg is Salem: 205 'The Wine Dark Sea'

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

“Salem” Episode 2.05 – “Book of Shadows” (air date 5/3/15)
Following Mary’s (Janet Montgomery) public chastening, the recently-minted Magistrate Hathorne (Jeremy Crutchley) steps up his bid to wrest power over the citizenry of Salem from her, forcing Mary to once again compel her bewitched husband, George (Michael Mulheren),  to take action. When Hathorne levels a not-so-veiled threat against Anne Hale (Tamzin Merchant) – which he mitigates with an unappealing solution – it prompts the young witch to seek Mary’s counsel. She receives sound advice… but it comes at a fearful and unappealing cost.

Mercy Lewis’ (Elise Eberle) grisly preparations to enact her revenge reach new heights, drawing two reluctant participants closer in the process and forcing the hand of one of her increasingly tenuous allies. Meanwhile, as John Alden (Shane West) continues to pursue his righteous task, his search for answers yields valuable results, and Mary takes the fight directly to her newest foes… with surprising results.

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Lucy's new TV Show "Ash Vs Evil Dead" has an official facebook page and twitter.

You can reach the new facebook page by going to: http://www.facebook.com/AshVsEvilDead

and

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AshvsEvilDead

The following was posted on the Official Facebook Page. Find out more about Lucy's new role as Ruby in Ash vs Evil Dead by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Ash vs Evil Dead Subsite

Starz Brings "Ash Vs Evil Dead" To Life - Production Begins On First Tv Adapation Of Cult Franchise From Original Filmmakers Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert And Bruce Campbell

Starz Releases First Look Photos From Set

Beverly Hills, Calif., April 23, 2015 – The STARZ Original series “Ash vs Evil Dead” began production this month in New Zealand on the 10-episode first season of the half-hour series executive produced by Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert, Bruce Campbell, the original filmmakers of the franchise, and Craig DiGregorio who will serve as executive producer and showrunner. “Ash vs Evil Dead” is the long-awaited follow-up to the classic horror film franchise The Evil Dead and is set to premiere on STARZ in fall 2015.

Campbell will be reprising his role as Ash, the stock boy, aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of the Evil Dead. When a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind, Ash is finally forced to face his demons –personal and literal. Destiny, it turns out, has no plans to release the unlikely hero from its “Evil” grip.

The cast is led by Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead, “Burn Notice”) in the role of Ash Williams, Lucy Lawless (“Salem,” “Spartacus”) as Ruby a mysterious figure who believes Ash is the cause of the Evil outbreaks, Ray Santiago (“Touch,” Meet the Fockers) as Pablo Simon Bolivar, an idealistic immigrant who becomes Ash’s loyal sidekick, Dana DeLorenzo (A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas) as Kelly Maxwell, a moody wild child trying to outrun her past and Jill Marie Jones (“Sleepy Hollow”) as Amanda Fisher, a disgraced Michigan State Trooper set to find our anti-hero Ash and prove his responsibility in the grisly murder of her partner.

Raimi is directing the first episode of “Ash vs Evil Dead” that he wrote with Ivan Raimi (Darkman, Army of Darkness, Drag Me to Hell), Craig DiGregorio (“Workaholics,” “Chuck”) and Tom Spezialy (“Chuck,” “Reaper,” “Desperate Housewives”). Raimi will also serve as executive producer, with Rob Tapert (Evil Dead, “Spartacus,” Xena: Warrior Princess”) and Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead, “Burn Notice”) along with Craig DiGregorio (“Workaholics,” “Chuck”) who will serve as executive producer/showrunner. Ivan Raimi will co-executive produce and Aaron Lam (“Spartacus”) and Chloe Smith (“Spartacus”) will serve as producers.

Follow “Ash vs Evil Dead” Online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashvsevildead

Twitter: @AshvsEvilDead

Join the conversation with: #AshvsEvilDead

About Starz

Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) is a leading integrated global media and entertainment company with operating units that provide premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television channels (Starz Networks), global content distribution (Starz Distribution) and animated television and movie production (Starz Animation), www.starz.com.

Starz Networks is a leading provider of premium subscription video programming through the flagship STARZ® and ENCORE® pay TV networks which showcase premium original programming and movies to U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. As of December 31, 2014, STARZ and ENCORE serve a combined 57.3 million subscribers, including 23.3 million at STARZ, and 34.0 million at ENCORE, making them the largest pair of premium flagship channels in the U.S. STARZ® and ENCORE®, along with Starz Networks’ third network MOVIEPLEX®, air more than 1,000 movies monthly across 17 linear networks, complemented by On Demand and authenticated online offerings through STARZ PLAY, ENCORE PLAY, and MOVIEPLEX PLAY. Starz Distribution develops, produces and acquires entertainment content, distributing it to consumers globally on DVD, digital formats and traditional television. Starz Distribution’s home video, digital media and worldwide distribution business units distribute original programming content produced by Starz, as well as entertainment content for itself and third parties. Starz Animation produces animated TV and movie content for studios, networks, distributors and audiences worldwide.

Here’s a few screencaps of Lucy’s screentime on Episode 3 (it was very brief). Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

View images

and here’s the trailer for Episode 4

The mini series “Top of the Lake” will now be screened on free-to-air ABC (for Australian viewers only) on 10 May 2015 at 9:30 pm. Lucy appears (very briefly) in the first episode (the back of her) and in Episode 5.

It has been shown on PayTV in Australia (and elsewhere) on the UKTV channel but this is the first time it’s being broadcast on a free channel. It made it’s debut on 24 March 2013 to rave reviews.

You can find out more about Lucy’s role in Top of the Lake by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Top of the Lake subsite

The six-part miniseries (6×60, 7×50) was co-produced by BBC Two, UKTV in Australia and New Zealand and Sundance Channel in the United States. Screen Australia, Screen NSW and Fulcrum Media Finance provided investment and finance.

Produced by Academy Award® winners Emile Sherman and Iain Canning (The King's Speech, Shame) of See-Saw Films, and Philippa Campbell (Black Sheep) of Escapade Pictures, Top of the Lake is a powerful and haunting mystery about the search for happiness in a paradise where honest work is hard to find.

Set in the remote mountains of New Zealand, the story follows the disappearance of a five months pregnant 12-year-old named Tui who was last seen standing chest deep in a frozen lake. In this classic mythic struggle, investigating detective, Robin Griffin (Moss), must lose herself in order to find the missing girl. During the investigation, she collides with Matt Mitcham (Mullan), Tui's father, a local drug lord, and G.J (Hunter), a guru at a local women's camp. Robin will find this the case that tests her limits and sends her on a journey of self-discovery.

Episode 5 Top of the Lake – Caroline Platt
Posted on: 9th April 2013

Here’s the much anticipated episode of the Jane Campion Mini-Series Top of the Lake Episode 5 that features Lucy as Caroline Platt. There is some editing at the start of this clip. It had full frontal nudity (not of Lucy) that I edited out that will be appearing in the airred version (and DVD). Video [...]

Watch Video

Top Of The Lake
See-Saw Films Pty Ltd
Producers Emile Sherman, Iain Canning, Philippa Campbell
Executive Producers Jane Campion, Sharon Menzies
Writers Jane Campion, Gerard Lee
Director Jane Campion
Broadcaster BBC (UK), UKTV (Australia), TV3 (NZ), Sundance (USA)

Funding: funding from Screen Australia and Screen NSW

Sales and Distribution BBC Worldwide (UK), UKTV (Australia - Foxtel)
Synopsis
A 12-year-old girl is found chest deep in the freezing waters of a South Island lake. She’s five months pregnant and when asked who the father is she insists: “No one”. Then she disappears. Detective Robin Griffin’s obsessive search for Tui unravels both Robin and the compromised town of Laketop.

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 14: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Lucy Lawless visits at SiriusXM Studios on April 14, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images)

Here’s an awesome shot of Lucy as Agent Isabelle Hartley in Agents of SHIELD. Find out more about Lucy’s role on the show by going to AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Agents of SHIELD subsite

Image courtesy of Getty Images

Added high resolution screencaps from Lucy’s interview on the Today Show on 15 April 2015

Click here to view

and Lucy made another appearance on the Kathy Lee and Hoda show to deliver some wine

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

The witches in WGN America's breakout series Salem certainly live up to their stereotypical traits of wickedness, manipulation, and mystery. But after sitting down with the cast to chat about their favorite witches in pop culture, we were reminded that sorceresses really do come in all shapes and sizes. 

Check out our set interviews in the clip below, as well as a visual guide of the cast's picks. Is there a favorite witch who stands out for you? Sound off in the comment section and be sure to tune in to Salem on Sundays at 10/9c. You may be adding Mary Sibley to that list!

LUCY LAWLESS: WITCH HAZEL, LOONEY TUNES

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

There is an article about the High Water Comic Anthology that Lucy wrote an introduction for in the Auckland City Harbour News that was posted yesterday.

What is the High Water Comic Anthology? Back in January 2015, Damon Keen from 3 Bad Monkeys was kind enough to send me information regarding this issue plus some images of the comic. As Damon says below, the comic will be available in late Feb/early March. You can order if you are overseas (see below for details). Lucy wrote the introduction to the anthology.

HIGH WATER
Comic Anthology with Lucy Lawless Introduction

High Water is a 96 page hardcover comic anthology featuring some of New Zealand's best comic artists, including Dylan Horrocks (Hicksville, Sam Zabel and the Magic Pen), Sarah Laing (A Fall of Light), Chris Slane (Nice Day For A War) and many others.

The stories all explore the threat of climate change, and range from the distant past to the far future, and from thoughtful to hilarious! Given Lucy's high profile as both a popular actor and passionate environmentalist, we were stoked that she was able to write an introduction for us. She's the perfect voice for this book!
High Water is being published by 3 Bad Monkeys, the publisher of Faction - NZ's premier comic anthology. It will be available in New Zealand comic shops from late February, early March. International buyers will be able to pick up a copy from www.factioncomics.co.nz

More Links

www.factioncomics.co.nz

www.facebook.com/FactionComics

twitter.com/FactionComics

Here is the article:

KIWI comic book artists concerned over sea level rises, super storms and climate change have put pen to paper to bring it to the public’s attention.

Acclaimed artists including Dylan Horrocks, Sarah Laing and Chris Slane volunteered their work for graphic novel anthology High Water.

The introduction is written by actress and activist Lucy Lawless.

Editor Damon Keen says the book is a way into the highly volatile debate for New Zealand’s comic community.

‘‘We’ve had 25 years of scientists talking, politicians kind of ignoring them and I feel like it’s time for the rest of us to step up,’’ he says.

‘‘Everywhere you look there’s climate change, because we have got to that point where it is critical.’’

Climate change experts predict a one-metre sea level rise by the end of the century. But scientists have warned the actual figure could be as high as four metres.

Sea levels have been rising by about 1.6 millimetres each year over the past century. That figure has lifted to 3.2mm over the past two decades and the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) expects it to to rise to 10mm annually by 2100.

The artists are concerned about what future generations will be left with, Keen says.

‘‘A lot of them are parents as well and it’s hard not to, if you are thinking about the issue, be quite concerned about how we approach it with our children and how you should be dealing with it.

‘‘There is that common theme of artists being socially aware to some degree, just due to the nature of the work you do. So I certainly had no problem convincing them to get involved,’’ he says.

‘‘A lot of them were very excited to get involved ... You want to feel like you’re contributing and doing something about the issue that bugs you in the back of your mind even if we feel so powerless.’’

Keen says the group knows the issue will not change overnight.

‘‘We’re all like pygmies, shooting tiny darts at a huge elephant of a problem,’’ he says. ‘‘And hopefully the darts accumulate enough to bring it down eventually.

‘‘We go into it aware that we’ve got to do our part as a tribe. We represent a community of communicators and it’s our job to do that.’’

The Westmere resident and his editing partner Aimee Maxwell say comics can be a way to educate and add another voice to the global discussion.

The stories go from being set 40,000 years ago during the Ice Age, to what Earth could look like millions of years in the future.

‘‘In so many ways it has been politicised even though it’s actually a scientific issue,’’ Keen says.

‘‘I’ve been a bit sad,

I guess, about how slowly society’s moved on this issue and it’s hard not to get caught up in that cynicism and depression and feel powerless.

‘‘But what struck us about working on a project like this is it’s exciting. You don’t have to feel powerless. You don’t have to do much but if we all start talking about it that would be a great start.’’

The artists know they are entering an arena which can be heated but Keen says adding their voices to the climate change debate is important.

‘‘It would be great if this was a way for people to explore the issue or think about it who haven’t been able to approach or have found the issue inaccessible. But also hope it’s a way for people who may find a way to approach comics as well,’’ Keen says.

‘‘If you’ve got this talent, these skills, this gift – whatever you call it – then using it for something particularly meaningful, powerful and an empowering thing, I think it’s just what they do.’’

The New Zealand media site stuff.co.nz has a great article about the start of filming of Ash Vs Evil Dead in Auckland

Lucy indicated in her interview with the Huffington Post that she will joining the cast until next month. She's still got Salem duties.

Find out more about Lucy's new role as Ruby in Ash vs Evil Dead by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Ash vs Evil Dead Subsite

Check out the article below

Three hundred mostly local crew are working on the 10-part series at a repurposed warehouse in Penrose and at multiple locations around the city.

Screen Auckland manager Michael Brook said Ash vs Evil Dead was major boost for the local industry.

"It's the kind of production that can really make a difference in terms of... providing good employment," he said.

"We're really pleased because it's another production involving Rob Tapert. He's done an incredible job in bringing an amazing amount of work to Auckland over the last 15 to 20 years," Brook said.

Read the full article

Lucy is in New York promoting Salem. Check out the latest videos

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Lucy on Today

Lucy Lawless brings KLG, Hoda a Winesday treat

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Lucy has announced that she is officially now on Instagram. You can view her photos (she hasn’t posted any at the moment)

http://iconosquare.com/thereallucylawless

I just signed onto Instagram FINALLY! TheRealLucyLawless @TinaTurnbowMUP #salemwgna #Xena #spartacus #battlestargalactica #comicon

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 15, 2015

Lucy did a live interview with Huffington Post which was streamed live.

Actress Lucy Lawless, known for playing Xena in the '90s hit "Xena: Warrior Princess," tells HuffPost Live about joining the cast of WGN's sci-fi drama "Salem." She'll also discuss her role in the upcoming spinoff series "Ash vs Evil Dead" on Starz.

I’m going to take a moment here and fangirl all over the place. Lucy and Lynda Carter – TOGETHER. I *LOVED* Wonder Woman and I adore Lynda Carter. I was a Wonder Woman fan long before I became a Xenite so…my first love, is Princess Diana. What would truly blow my mind would be Lucy, Sigourney Weaver and Lynda Carter…yes I know you want to see that pic! Or Maybe Lucy, Lindsay Wagner, Sigourney Weaver and Lynda Carter.

They were both in New York – Lucy was there to promote Salem and Lynda was there to promote her new concert.

While you are admiring the pics – listen to Lucy’s radio interview below.

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Lucy is in New York promoting Salem. Here’s some pics from Twitter. Lucy is there to promote Salem. Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Not the only one fangirrling over photo of Lucy and Lynda Carter. E! is also getting excited http://t.co/m2A8rO51Bw pic.twitter.com/g3Us3yrPwo

— AUSXIP Lucy Lawless (@lucylawlessnet) April 15, 2015

Gonna be on an episode of @SalemWGNA tonight at 9 with the magnificent @RealLucyLawless it's gonna be a SHOCKER pic.twitter.com/3R6Q2pKTzK

— kenzie from da block (@mackenziekayy_) April 12, 2015

So nice to meet you, @RealLucyLawless Have a great time tonight at @HandtoGodBway @TKTS pic.twitter.com/xUm8vxIHka

— Ricky Jones (@TKTSRicky) April 12, 2015

@RealLucyLawless just teaching herself how to play the cello! And such a nice funny lady ! #camzin pic.twitter.com/UCwlRHKHAE

— Keelie Ware (@kmonette) April 6, 2015

So gorgeous! Watch @RealLucyLawless on Salem - Sunday nights! #dsf pic.twitter.com/77bLC8kTzO

— Jenny McCarthy (@JennyMcCarthy) April 14, 2015

My fave Judge, Brady O'Callaghan with BillyBob and my Louisiana family. pic.twitter.com/pdoEqZuUL9

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 15, 2015

Here’s a new artwork of Lucy by Carpe Chakram of Lucy as Countest Marburg from Salem. Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Added screencaptures from Salem Season 2 Episode 2

Screencaps created by Roger

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

TV Fanatic has an interview with Lucy about the second episode of Salem Season 2.  Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Tonight on Salem Season 2 Episode 2 you will get your first truly wonderful introduction to Countess Marburg, played by the incredible Lucy Lawless. What, exactly, does she want with Mary Sibley? Well, Lawless and Janet Montgomery sat together on a recent visit to the Salem set and they shared a little bit about that, as well as teasing the nature of mother and son witch relationships. Take a look at the video and make sure you're here tonight for a full review of the latest installment!

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

The following is a report from Deadline about the Salem Season 2 Ratings. Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Sunday’s second-season debut of WGN America’s supernatural thriller Salem shot up like a wilted flower doused with water when Live+3 viewing stats arrived. The audience climbed to 1.5 million viewers — up 65% compared with Live+Same Day – and 796,000, in the demo, which is up 80% compared with same-day results, with viewing for the premiere and three replays on April 5.

The Live+3 delivery for the 10 PM premiere ranks as this season’s highest lift across all new and returning premieres in the demo – 112% (602,000 vs. 284,000). Performance of the 10 PM telecast nearly doubled its viewership, representing a significant 99% increase over the network’s total viewers (1,014,000 vs. 510,000), ranking as this season’s second-highest lift of any new or returning premiere on cable.

WGN America covers 62.3% of the U.S. and is available in 73 million homes and has only a single feed, making for an early West Coast premiere at 7 PM PT.

One year ago, the debut of  WGN America‘s first original scripted series debuted scored a 635% increase over the network’s adults 18-49 season-to-date average in the slot and WGN America’s highest-rated telecast in more than seven years, quickly landing a second-season pickup of 13 episodes. Salem, from creators Brannon Braga and Adam Simon and Fox 21, re-imagines the infamous 17th century witch trials in the Massachusetts town.

Source

Here's an awesome photo of Xena and Gabrielle from the Season 1 episode "Hooves & Harlots" plus follow the links to the other multimedia related to this episode.

Season 1 Episode 10: Hooves and Harlots

Credits | Review | Screengrabs | Episode Stills

Hooves and HarlotsXena (Lucy Lawless) must discover who murdered the Amazon princess Terreis (Rebekah Mercer) to avert a war between the Amazons and the Centaurs.

Scribes and Scrolls: Written by Steven L Sears. Directed by Jace Alexander. Edited by Jim Prior.

Passing Parade: Danielle Cormack (Ephiny), David Aston (Tyldus) , Alison Bruce (Melosa), Mark Ferguson (Krykus), Rebekah Mercer (Terreis), Colin Moy (Phantes), Chris Bailey (Celano), Antony Starr (Mesas), John Watson (Arben), Aurora Philips (Magdelus), Tanya Dignan (Eponin), Andrew Kovacevich (Tor).

Disclaimer: No Males, Centaurs or Amazons were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

Story So Far: Gabrielle becomes an Amazon princess. Xena tries to stop a war between the Amazons and Centaurs.

Rewind For:

Ephiny displaying an intimate knowledge of equine droppings. That girl really needs a hobby. No, a different hobby.

The two Amazons carrying the sacrificial sword in a large metal bucket slung between two wooden poles. Swords in buckets…..just doesn’t seem very warrior-like, does it? The wooden poles, however, were definitely overkill.

Some tough warlord – the first thing Krykus does after worming his way out of the collapsed tent is to adjust his hair!

A comical moment as Xena fends off an ‘annoying’ Gabrielle who thinks because she’s been an Amazon for a whole five minutes, is now qualified to give Xena hand-to-hand combat advice. Xena was having none of it, her shove reminding the Gabster that a Warrior Princess still outranks a wet behind the ears Amazon Princess every time.

When the Amazons throw down their weapons before the Centaurs, Gabrielle tosses hers and Xena’s down in the most girly way imaginable. She may need the Amazon advanced weapons class, methinks.

Quotable Quotes:

"Just before noon tomorrow, my army attacks." Why is it always ‘noon’? Did they even have ‘noon’ in ancient Greece? Ancient anywhere?

"She’s annoying. How have you put up with her?" Tough as boots Ephiny, isn’t quite ready to respect the new Amazon Princess. Whilst Gabrielle rebutted with, ‘she puts up with me just fine", the Warrior Princess remained strangely mute.

"Now I see why you ride the horse." Just in case you didn’t get it the first dozen sarcastic times – Ephiny thinks the bard is a moron and she can’t believe the ‘cool’ Xena is hanging around with the class nerd. So there.

Best Comebacks:

Xena: "Something about me you find interesting?"

Ephiny: "Yes."

Xena: "Wanna tell me?"

Ephiny: "No."

Xena: "Then stop staring at me before I take your eyes out."

Ephiny: "Come! NOW."

Gabrielle: "I’m sorry, you must have mistaken me for a pet."

MORE IMAGES - CLICK HERE

The following was posted by Michael Hurst’s official twitter – MichaelHurstNow about Michael directing Ash Vs. Evil Dead

Find out more about Lucy's new role as Ruby in Ash vs Evil Dead by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Ash vs Evil Dead Subsite

News from @OzComicCon: Michael says he’ll direct the last 2 eps of #AshvsEvilDead (w/@GroovyBruce & @RealLucyLawless) pic.twitter.com/6L5rcm4zLf

— MichaelHurstNow (@MichaelHurstNow) April 11, 2015

Lucy is scheduled to appear on the NBC show “Today” on 15 April to talk about her role on Salem. Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Wednesday, April 15

(9-10 a.m.) Lucy Lawless on Salem. Weird, Wild and Deadly Animals. Pop Fix. Jean Chatzky on Today. 

Here’s a clip that has just been released from the second episode of Season 2 of Salem. Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Here’s a couple of tweets from Lucy about an upcoming episode of Salem. Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Oh, and obviously, thanks, @BrannonBraga & @JoshBarryLA who made it all happen in the first place. @adamsimonx @SalemWGNA

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 10, 2015

Dean Richards headed out to Massachusetts to visit the set of WGN America’s show Salem, to talk with Lucy Lawless and Janet Montgomery about Lucy’s new role in the show in Season 2 which premiers tonight.  Dean also had the chance to talk with the creators of the show, Brandon Braga and Adam Simon, about growing up in Chicago watching WGN.

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Click on the image to listen to the radio show

There was a fierce battle and Xena won AGAIN!

Xena defends her #MarchMayhem title after a fierce battle with #Hannibal in the finals http://t.co/DkMwobKfqX pic.twitter.com/PxJLPJLMGX

— HitFix (@HitFix) April 8, 2015

Starz is launching Ash Vs. Evil Dead on 13 April according to the report below. Lucy is playing the role of Ruby in the show. Find out more about Lucy's role in Ash vs Evil Dead by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Ash vs Evil Dead Subsite

CANNES: On the Monday of MIPTV, Starz Worldwide Distribution will be hosting an exclusive market screening for buyers of the new original limited series Flesh and Bone. The company is also officially launching Ash vs Evil Dead, a half-hour series that is currently in production and will be premiering on Starz later this year. Ash vs Evil Dead will be produced by Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert, both of whom were executive producers on Spartacus. There are also returning seasons of Black Sails and Power.

“Since Starz Worldwide Distribution is one of the only companies in the marketplace that is handling content that we both own and that is specifically produced for channels in the U.S., we are highly focused on building the global brands of our series,” says Gene George, the company’s executive VP.

Source

Here's the latest trailer for Salem Season 2 Episode 2. Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Added screencaps from Salem Season 2 Episode 1. Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

View images

Salem Season 2 premiered in the US and Lucy was live tweeting Episode 1 and answering questions from fans. Below is the transcript of the tweets. Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite  

Are you ready #Heathens? @wgnamerica @SalemWGNA

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

Don't go down the Knocker's Hole!!! What waits is Death! #heathens @wgnamerica

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

I told you not to go down there, Foo'! #heathens @SalemWGNA #aPoxOnYourHouses

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

Well now, isn't this a jolly old splatter fest? @SalemWGNA #heathens

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

Oh, Mary, that's just not nice. #deathByPox @SalemWGNA

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

Yes, the @SalemWGNA cast are divine. @kscoders @briarcilff #heathens

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

Watch his eyes. Where do they end up? #heathens #WitchWar

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

I adore Cotton Mather (and Seth Gabel.) super talented. @cottonlixo

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

Oh, this is bad. When a Puritan girl comes on to you, it's not going to end well. Never trust anyone it square buckle shoes. #WitchWar

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

Don't cry for Mercy!!! #WitchWar @SalemWGNA #IsThatABirdInYourTrousers?

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

#anneHale, reluctant witch. I can't wait to run into her when the Countess gets to @SalemWGNA She's got potential! #heathens

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

#MarySibley, you are the WORST! Signed, The Countess. (For now) #WitchWar @SalemWGNA

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

No. Lucretia was a saint compared to The Countess “@juwarrior: @RealLucyLawless Is CountessMarburg something similar to Lucretia? #WitchWar”

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

#MarySibley says Wainwright is "God's gift to @Salem"? Is that an insult? #WitchWar

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

Consider who's saying it. “@Missy040773: @RealLucyLawless @salem How would it be an insult?”

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

U made a great show, J! “@JoshBarryLA: I can't wait for the rest of America to see how glorious @RealLucyLawless is this year on @SalemWGNA

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

She totally digs him, eh? “@juliethacker26: @RealLucyLawless @salem #MarySibley needs a new man now lol”

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

@Jamistarme and a wonderful man in real life. Love @shanewest ! @SalemWGNA

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

@AresOlympo No, sir. In Louisiana playing The Countess Ingrid Palatine von Marburg on @SalemWGNA

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

Oh, this Mister Elliot is amazing! I foresee a long character arc for this incredible actor.

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

Doh! My mistake. What a waste. She threw him out with the bathwater. At least he got an eyeful before he went. L

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

Why am I always in the bathtub in every show? @SalemWGNA @spartacus_starz @XenaMovieFans

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

I can't wait to have it out there “@JoshBarryLA: @RealLucyLawless You are killing it this season!!I love having you on the show. @SalemWGNA”

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

@RealLucyLawless: Everybody's favourite fornicator, Isaac played by the magnificent, Iddo Goldberg. Glad he's back! @SalemWGNA #WitchWar

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

THANKYOU for explaining the world to me. “@terry_coats: @RealLucyLawless Because you look gorgeous there. And it's a bit titillating.”

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

Nice to see the softer side of #MarySibley . You see who she'd be if she wasn't trapped in the #WitchWar @SalemWGNA

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

She was burned by the hand of IncreaseMather, Cotton's Dad. “@sramlogan578: @RealLucyLawless what is that on your upper back? #WitchWar”

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

Oh, #MarySibley, that son of yours is a little freak!!!!! @SalemWGNA see the trailer online!

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

@Martie_Xe I have no idea who I answer or don't answer. It's nothing personal. Truly.

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

I smell trouble! “@AJHudson70: @RealLucyLawless @SalemWGNA Did I hear Mary call the Countess an arrogant bitch? On, my!” #WitchWar

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

Thanks for hanging with me, all of you. “@dragonfire2205: @RealLucyLawless thanks for live tweeting with us tonight”

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 6, 2015

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Latest video interviews about Salem – it premieres 5 April.

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Blastr Interviews Lucy about Salem 3 April 2015
Posted on: 4th April 2015

Salem actors Janet Montgomery (Mary Sibley) and Lucy Lawless (Countess Marburg) discuss the second season Witch War, debuting on WGN American April 5 at 10 p.m. Interview conducted by @AaronSagers of Blastr.com

JoBlo Interviews Lucy About Salem 29 March 2015
Posted on: 4th April 2015

Lucy Lawless and Janet Montgomery Interview – Salem, Season 2 (HD) 2015 Set in the volatile world of 17th century Massachusetts, ‘Salem’ explores what really fueled the town’s infamous witch trials and dares to uncover the dark, supernatural truth hiding behind the veil of this infamous period in American history. In Salem, witches are real, [...]

Lucy Lawless Reveals Her ‘Killer’ Body in Salem’s Season 2 Premiere 3 April 2015
Posted on: 3rd April 2015

Four words you’ll never hear the Countess Marburg say: If looks could kill — because for her, they do!. In TVLine’s exclusive video from Salem’s Season 2 premiere (Sunday, 10/9c on WGN), new castmember Lucy Lawless makes a helluva first impression as the sexy sorceress, questioning a henchman while soaking in a tub, then repaying his service with [...]

Lucy is interviewed by The Wall Street Journal and the topic of a Xena Resurrection was asked once again:

It’s been nearly 15 years since Lucy Lawless hung up the leather armor of her most character, Xena: Warrior Princess. Now she’s playing a much different kind of noble: the Countess Palatine Ingrid von Marburg, an ancient witch in the WGN America series “Salem.”

We talked to her by phone from Shreveport, La., where “Salem” is shooting and, in her downtime, she’s been able to pursue one of her hobbies: watching real trials in public court.

Is that why so many people connected with Xena?

That was about marginalization. That character is so strongly identified by African-American women in particular, who see themselves in that character. Also gays and lesbians really took that character to heart. There’s an inner strength message that they turned into an impulse for change in their lives.

You get this question in every interview, I’m sure, but with all these reboots and Kickstarter campaigns happening for old TV shows, why hasn’t “Xena” gotten the same treatment?

I can’t explain it. For a long time there was ownership issues, but it’s a great franchise and it’s completely underutilized and they should reboot it. She’s a good hero because she’s a flawed one, and that’s something we could all be inside.

Read More of the Article

Read more about the struggle for a Xena Resurrection

More about Lucy's role as Xena Warrior Princess

Lucy has tweeted about the AUSXIP Starship Auction which has (tentatively) raised $25,537 (NZD) between 21 to 27 March 2015.

Congrats!! @captainstarship will be so grateful! @ausxip raised NZD $25,537 (tentative total) in the @ausxip @captainstarship auction.”

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 4, 2015

Lucy posted the following info about an upcoming Q&A with her on twitter for the premiere of Salem on 5 April

Live tweet with me! “@SalemWGNA: April 5 -10/9C on @WGNAmerica to see @RealLucyLawless come bring the pain #Salem. pic.twitter.com/CKN0pvz64K”

— Lucy Lawless (@RealLucyLawless) April 2, 2015

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

As Lucy Lawless is well aware, there are worst ways to spend a day at work than doing interview promoting your new TV show. "We could be carrying bricks on a hill in Bangladesh," she offers, rather specifically. But still, as we meet up in downtown Austin, Texas, to discuss her role on "Salem," there is definitely something else she'd rather be doing — at the courthouse just down the street. "I like to watch jury selections," she says. "It's so interesting, you get to learn information about people's lives that's so dramatic. And yes it's a bit voyeuristic, but you get to see true life that way and the harsh truth behind it."

How often do you do this?
Oh, once a week. They don't always have jury selection, but I do enjoy that. You don't always know what the case is about, but sometimes you can get the information. I kind of have a scoop of who's a good person to go to for information at each courthouse. See, I'm never bored in any town because I always have my go-to activity.

Where did this come from?
I've always been interested. There are a lot of defense attorneys in my extended family and in my immediate, and I'm interested in the law and how it plays out. I'm interested in truth-telling, and I realized that I think I've got a good bulls— meter, but you realize I know nothing. Because if you grow up in a home where it's a level playing field and the world is trustworthy, you don't need to lie to survive. But people who live in a very unstable environment growing up, where lying may be a matter of survival, they're so good at it, and criminals are so good at it. Or sometimes you can see witnesses struggling to maintain a lie. Sometimes you can pick them, but often you cannot. And then the evidence will show that you were wrong. So I love all of that. It's human sleuthing.

So how long have you been sitting in on jury selections?
I started about four years ago, going to actual courthouses. But I read about the law all the time, about defense cases or prosecution cases. Because human beings, you know? Louisiana has a death penalty case coming up. It was aggravated rape of a minor this week, but you don't always know what the case is. I've got to listen very carefully and read between the lines, figure out what the charge is going to be from the questions they ask the jury.

Most people in the U.S. are trying to get out of jury duty.
You would think so! But yeah, in communities that are quite impoverished — and Louisiana's a poor state — that small amount of stipend you get for being a juror? Not so bad, you know? Maybe? I'm guessing here. But I don't see a lot of people trying to get out of it. A few, yes, a few are just honestly like, "I'm going to find this person guilty." Like, "You hurt a dog, you're finished with me" if it's an animal cruelty case.

But you've never been on one yourself.
I would like to, if I was not working. There was only one time I got called, and that was while I was doing "Xena." It would've put so many people out of work, so I begged off. But I'll do it for sure one day when I'm available. If they want me.

Lucy Lawless says that her most iconic role was particularly popular with one specific demographic, she's learned. "African-American women loved 'Xena' because they recognized strength," she says. "That's very important to their culture, to see themselves represented on TV, even by a white woman. I never understood that, but I get recognized by African-American women all the time. Not so much by white people, not in the same way. I could be dressed down in the most obscure place, and they'll pick me out. They won't always know why, but they'll be sidling up to me.

Source

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

STARZ RELEASES FIRST LOOK TEASER TRAILER AND ART FOR “ASH VS EVIL DEAD”

Original filmmakers Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert and Bruce Campbell Serve as Executive Producers on the Series starring Campbell and Lucy Lawless among others

Beverly Hills, Calif., April 2, 2015 – The STARZ Original series “Ash vs Evil Dead” released a first look motion graphic and teaser art for the 10-episode first season of the half-hour series executive produced by Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert, Bruce Campbell, the original filmmakers of the franchise, and Craig DiGregorio who will serve as executive producer and showrunner.  The teaser will premiere on-air during the “Outlander” premiere on Saturday, April 4 at 9 PM ET/PT. “Ash vs Evil Dead,” which will film in New Zealand, is the long-awaited follow-up to the classic horror film franchise The Evil Dead and is set to premiere on STARZ in late 2015.

Campbell will be reprising his role as Ash, the stock boy, aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of the Evil Dead.  When a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind, Ash is finally forced to face his demons –personal and literal.  Destiny, it turns out, has no plans to release the unlikely hero from its “Evil” grip.

The cast is led by Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead, “Burn Notice”) in the role of Ash Williams, Lucy Lawless (“Salem,” “Spartacus”) as Ruby a mysterious figure who believes Ash is the cause of the Evil outbreaks, Jill Marie Jones (“Sleepy Hollow”) as Amanda Fisher, a disgraced Michigan State Trooper set to find our anti-hero Ash and prove his responsibility in the grisly murder of her partner, Ray Santiago (“Touch,” Meet the Fockers) as Pablo Simon Bolivar, an idealistic immigrant who becomes Ash’s loyal sidekick and Dana DeLorenzo (A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas) as Kelly Maxwell, a moody wild child trying to outrun her past.   

Raimi is directing the first episode of “Ash vs Evil Dead” that he wrote with Ivan Raimi (Darkman, Army of Darkness, Drag Me to Hell), Craig DiGregorio (“Workaholics,” “Chuck”) and Tom Spezialy (“Chuck,” “Reaper,” “Desperate Housewives”). Raimi will also serve as executive producer, along with Rob Tapert (Evil Dead, “Spartacus,” Xena: Warrior Princess”) and Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead, “Burn Notice”) along with Craig DiGregorio (“Workaholics,” “Chuck”) who will serve as executive producer/showrunner. Ivan Raimi will co-executive produce and Aaron Lam (“Spartacus”) will serve as producer. 

Join the conversation with #AshvsEvilDead and #STARZ.

Find out more about Lucy's new role as Ruby in Ash vs Evil Dead by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Ash vs Evil Dead Subsite

Lucy Lawless Brings a Defiant Edge to ‘Salem’

NY Times

01 April 2015

For its first scripted series last year, WGN America went all in on out-there with “Salem,” a witchy tale that rivaled “American Horror Story” in its willingness to be audacious. Few who saw the pilot will forget the scene in which a naked Mary Sibley helped her husband vomit up a frog. With Season 2 beginning on Sunday, how does the channel plan on upping the ante?

By recruiting one of television’s most cult-inspiring actresses to join the cast. The season premiere introduces a character played by the always fearless Lucy Lawless. How will she fit into Salem’s already bizarre story?

“I don’t fit in,” Ms. Lawless said in a telephone interview. “That’s not what people hire me to do.”

Ms. Lawless has put that brashness into each of her roles, most notably the titular one in the series “Xena: Warrior Princess,” which ran for six seasons, ending in 2001.

That character, which was first seen in several episodes of “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,” brought her a following as a sort of renegade model of female empowerment. She expanded her reputation and fan base playing Lucretia in the Starz “Spartacus” franchise, where the costuming was often just as provocative as in “Xena” but the warrior-ing was more of the power-politics variety.

She finds herself in a different time period and milieu with “Salem,” which is set in 17th-century Massachusetts and imagines the famous witch-trial period a bit differently than the history books describe it.

The show stars Janet Montgomery as Mary, who finds her calling as a witch. And a rather determined one at that. Over the course of Season 1, she fought her way to the top of Salem’s rather well-populated witch world, but the crown sits uneasy. Season 2 is titled “Witch War.”

Into this fray comes Ms. Lawless’s character, Countess Palatine Ingrid von Marburg.

“I’m playing this real old witch,” Ms. Lawless explained. “She has survived many incarnations and finally fixated upon Salem.”

Our introduction to the countess is classic Lawless. When we first meet her, late in the premiere, she’s in a bathtub. An aide comes in to give her a report, and she stands, giving him an alluring eyeful that also proves costly. And that, Ms. Lawless said, is only the beginning.

“I’ve done things on this show that outdo anything I’ve ever done before,” she said. “Often I hit my head and say, How can nice people dream up these encounters that are so dark and bizarre?”

There is, for instance, the countess’s agelessness.

“My character has some very unpleasant ways of staying young,” Ms. Lawless said, not wanting to give too much away.

That bathtub scene notwithstanding, Ms. Lawless said one of the joys of the role is that the countess has quite a wardrobe.

“When I went to the costume fitting, I was thinking, Gee, I’m 47 at the end of this month; that’s not very far from 50,” she recalled. “When they dressed me up and made me so glamorous, I was shocked.”

The wardrobe is high-toned, and so is the character when she’s not being nasty, which for Ms. Lawless is part of the appeal.

“She’s so charming and so witty and so cultured, and she is unbelievably inhumanly savage,” she said. “I always like to put that duality into characters — as destructive as they are, they’re also constructive.”

Ms. Lawless, a New Zealander, said the bold roles for which she is known weren’t a conscious choice — “I have never planned my career,” she said — but she welcomes them. “I’m great at being terrible,” she admitted. But she also savors the opportunity to do different types of jobs, like an episode of the HBO musical-sitcom “Flight of the Conchords.”

“I got to play a woman who is about as impactful as a stain on the wall,” she recalled.

The countess is no wall stain; she will be an integral part of the witch war that is to occupy the second season.

“I’m here to give Janet’s character a hard time,” Ms. Lawless said. “A very, very hard time.”

“Salem” is a drama, but the outrageousness of the goings-on — did we mention that in the pilot Mary later fed that frog back to her husband after suckling it on a sort of nipple on her thigh? — give it a darkly comic undercurrent. Will her fans accept this warrior-turned-witch?

“They’ll like it, because they have a great sense of humor,” she said. “And they’ll need it.”

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

EW Interviews Lucy on the eve of the premiere of Salem Season 2. Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

EW Magazine

1 April 2015

When Salem returns for its second season, Lucy Lawless joins the cast as Countess Marburg—the new big bad witch in town, who sets her sights on Mary. As the only remaining Germanic witch, the Countess brings her fair share of power to the show, and let’s just say her first episode will be one worth remembering.

We chatted with Lawless about her career, and why this character is one of her favorites:

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What attracted you to this project?
LUCY LAWLESS: Well, I saw the show, and I thought it was so beautifully acted and realized. And when they described the role to me I thought, “that sounds like a great deal of fun,” because I was raised on horror stories. My own life was lovely, but vampire stories were par for the course in my home, so I grew up watching all the horror movies late on Friday night. So it felt like kind of a homecoming doing horror, being scary. I seem to be good at being bad. [Laughs] It’s working.

How was the Countess described to you? And how do you describe her to others?
What was described to me [is that] the Countess is the oldest of the Germanic witches, and she’s the last remaining one. And when she stumbles across Mary Sibley, she’s absolutely entranced. Mary’s the most interesting person she’s come across in centuries, and she wants what Mary has. So look out, Mary. And how do I describe her? I describe her as the soul of violence. She’s very charming and very funny and very witty, so you don’t really see it coming.

What can you say about what might go down when she gets to Salem?
I think she’s going to find a way to make herself as attractive to the community as possible, and unseat Mary Sibley from the throne as the most powerful witch. She, however, has an unfortunate habit, which means that young people go missing every now and again.

In the first episode, we already get to see a bit of her violent side. Over the course of your career, you’ve gotten to kill many people many different ways. Do you have a favorite?
I can tell you my least favorite way to die is crucifixion. I don’t care whether it’s me or somebody else, I’m not a fan of that. It’s always cold, takes a long time to film, it’s horrible—painful and drawn-out. [As far as killing], the best is yet to come, I’m afraid. These writers of Salem are such lovely people, you can’t believe that they can come up with such demonic ways of dispatching people. However, the more demented you think an idea is, the more likely it is to be somewhere in the annals of history or to come from accounts of people back in the 1800s or the 1600s or whenever. They’ve researched things quite thoroughly. The most gruesome things often have a basis in fact. [My favorite killing] involves a faucet. It’s murder by faucet, really.

How much of Salem have you filmed at this point?
A lot. We’re doing episode 8 at the moment, but it’s quite a significant role throughout the season.

What’s the most challenging aspect of this character?
None. I just love it. When I put on the garb, I’m the Countess. Anytime the camera’s rolling, it’s like she consumes me. It’s the most thrilling ride. I don’t know if it’s just because of where I’m at in my career at the moment or my craft, but I just fully go there.

Because of the magical component, does this feel like less of an action-oriented role for you? Or more?
It’s all natural magic. Nobody’s throwing lightning bolts. She’s a psychological murderer as well as a practical murderer, so the joy of the character is in brinksmanship. Murder in the parlor is what intrigues me, and women. Women fighting to the death in this very elevated way. It’s not magic of the Harry Potter variety. Nothing cute going on.

More generally, what you do you look for in a role? What catches your eye?
Well, when I first came to talk to them about it and we knew that she was the biggest, baddest bitch in the world, I requested—and was really glad to see that it developed—that she also be a very constructive force. Because those people are the most terrifying of all—the psychopath that runs the corporation that is going to take all your houses, and they’re so lovely and charming. Or the mafioso who’s such a great Robin Hood man of the people, but is capable of incredible brutality. So you want to have characters that have that kind of potential for great goodness and great weakness or, in this case, evil.

Is there anything you try to stay away from when looking for a role?
I don’t like to play a character whose job description is “the wife.”

I don’t think I want to live that job description either.
Yeah. [Laughs] Well, I do on occasion but I don’t want it to be my job description. I don’t want to play a character that’s beholden to or an adjunct to a man. 

And the Countess certainly isn’t that.
I love this character. This is one of my favorite characters because she’s so darn funny. She’s terrifying and she’s bloody funny. The season is so hot. The writing is so strong. I’m really psyched to be part of it.

Salem season 2 premieres Sunday, April 5 at 10 p.m. on WGN America.

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

HollywoodLife has a great article about Lucy’s role on Salem. Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

'Salem’ kicks off it’s highly-anticipated second season on April 5, and things are about to get twisty for the wicked Mary Sibley — especially when Lucy Lawless comes to town! Check out what Lucy and Janet Montgomery had to tell HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY about their upcoming ‘intense’ showdown!

Xena in the house! Okay, not really — Lucy Lawless actually plays Countess Palatine Ingrid von Marburg, a new witch introduced in Season 2 of the addictive, witchy series, ‘Salem’. When the show returns next Sunday, fans will learn very little about the Countess and her plans for the witches of Salem. Fortunately, Lucy and leading lady Janet Montgomery were happy to share EXCLUSIVELY with HollywoodLife.com what fans can expect from their devious characters this season.

“Our first scene together was exciting,” Janet shared of working with Lucy when HollywoodLife.com recently visited the set of Salem. When season two of the show kicks off, Janet’s deeply tortured and powerful character Mary Sibley will have a lot on her plate: the return of her son, the aftermath of the Grand Rite, and of course, the Countess, who will present new challenges for Mary to overcome.

“The Countess has more powers and things that I didn’t even know were possible, so I’m confused on how she can do certain things,” Janet explains. “It was super intense,” Lucy adds about transforming into the Countess. “I was raised on vampire stories with, like, people in basements on meat hooks and the draining board underneath,so this is really familiar to me. But even so, I did a scene which shocked the hell out of me and it’s so demented. How could [the writers] dream this up? It’s so wrong and so right, you know?!”

What that scene will be, Lucy wouldn’t share, but she did confess that the Countess is more than ready to go head-to-head with Mary. “My character’s got the secret of eternal youth,” she explained, giving her a much needed edge over Mary, who still is learning to master her powers and her emotions. But wait, if she is forever young, could she have crossed paths with Tituba, Mary’s magical advisor, who has also lived more years than her youthful face suggests ? “Oh, we have different beauty regimes,” Lucy teased.  “You’ll see.”

Read More

Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

USA Today has a great Q&A with her about Xena, Ash Vs Evil Dead and of course Salem. Check out the photo of Lucy from Salem. Find out more about Lucy's new recurring role as Countess Marburg in Salem by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Salem Subsite

Before she heads back to her home country to begin work on Starz's upcoming Ash vs. Evil Dead — the next chapter of the horror franchise co-created by Lawless' husband Rob Tapert — the actress checked in from Salem's Louisiana set:

Q. What's your favorite part of Shreveport?

A. Truthfully? I have this habit of any town I go to, especially if I don't know people at first, I go to the courthouse and snuggle up to the bailiff and find out what cases are going on. If I get a day off, I will be at the courthouse.

Q. Seen anything interesting so far?

A. They're all interesting. Even jury selection is fascinating. Not only the mechanics of picking a jury but you get to hear very intimate details of real people's lives and you realize how harder other people's realities are than yours. It brings you down to reality with a bump.

Q. It sounds like the countess would be found guilty of some bad stuff.

A. She's the most powerful villain I've ever played. We don't see her with wands or shooting lightning bolts out of her fingers, but she can move around in space and time and suck information out of people in tremendously unsettling ways. She's beyond toxic.

Q. What inspired her?

A. My father would tell the most incredibly intricate, horrendous horror tales as we would go on long drives to visit grandma, of entering Count Dracula's castle and how the walls will reconfigure behind you and you never go downstairs because you'll never come back up again. It's part of the history of my imagination. It's pretty natural for me to play this.

Q. Who are you playing in the Evil Dead show?

A. I'm in what Meryl Streep calls the "witchy-poo" phase of life, going straight from this very high-end drama in the horror genre to splatter comedy. I'm playing Ruby, who will no doubt be revealed as a bit of a crazy woman. She's stuck on Bruce Campbell for one reason or another — she wants to bring him to justice, but we'll see whether her motives are pure or not. Or if she's just bonkers.

Q. Were you an Evil Dead fan before meeting Rob?

A. No, I was disgusted by it. When I was 17, my very first boyfriend and I went to his friend's house and we were going to watch this "great" movie called Evil Dead. And when the tree starts to brutalize the young woman in the first five minutes, I got up and left. I was furious: "Whoever the filmmakers were are complete misogynists and they're sick!" I was full of young woman angst. Cut to 10 years later and I'm married to the guy.

Q. Did you tell him that story early on?

A. Yeah. Don't mess with karma, man.

Q. Xena was the first time you both worked together. Do you have some mementos around the house from your projects?

A. I've got swords. There's a Necronomicon or two somewhere. You name it. That big stupid dog that fits in the entry way to the house of Batiatus (from Spartacus), that's taking up a lot of room upstairs. But I'm not really a collector of stuff. Some things are just too cool to leave behind.

Q. Are your kids as big horror fans as you and Rob?

A. Two of them are — my daughter and my youngest son love it, the middle one will not watch anything. He does watch Game of Thrones but not absolute horror because it scares him too much. It's very wise — if you're a person who gets afraid, do not be watching horror because nothing should disturb your sleep. I'm the kind of person who can watch any old thing and not be bothered by it.

Added high res screencaps from Agents of SHIELD

Season 2 – Episode 15

One Door Closes

War comes to Coulson's doorstep in a way he never anticipated as shocking revelations are brought to light, and Skye struggles to control her new abilities but will soon make a decision that irrevocably changes her life.

View screencaps

TV Line has an interview with Henry Simmons and Lucy gets a mention about returning as Agent Isabelle Hartley (in flashbacks). You can find out more about Lucy’s role on Agents of SHIELD by going to the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Agents of SHIELD subsite

This Tuesday on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC, 9/8c), as “the real S.H.I.E.L.D.” makes life difficult for Coulson & Co., flashbacks will reveal to us the experience that first bonded Mack, Bobbi, Isabelle Hartley and Robert Gonzales — circa Captain America: The Winter Soldier, when the organization first was brought to its knees.

Here, Henry Simmons previews for TVLine the illuminating hour, makes a compelling argument to unseat Phil Coulson as S.H.I.E.L.D. director and teases the “return” of Lucy Lawless’ incredibly able agent.

TVLINE | This week’s episode will also reiterate for us what a badass Isabelle Hartley (played by Lucy Lawless) was?
Oh gosh, yeah! I’m so glad they got her back for that. I hope they have even more flashbacks, to bring her character back into the fold. She’s a great actress and a great person, and her character is wonderful. I wish they could explore her more.

TVLINE | She does love her knife.
She sure does. And she’s good with it, too!

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