Graham McTavish Nerds Out on Peter Jackson and Spartacus
McTavish brought candid insights on The Hobbit, Preacher and his Spartacus role at Cannes.
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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A Stellar Interview At Cannes
Our show The Séance got me to run interviews again, which I very much love doing,” hosts Alex Noyer in the opening of his Cannes special. Shot by SantiFoxtv and produced by YouKnowFilms, the episode’s highlight is his wide-ranging conversation with Graham McTavish. Filmed on the fringes of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the actor unpacks everything from his time with Peter Jackson to his memorable turn on Preacher—and teases his upcoming Spartacus role. Fans can catch the full chat on the Fangoria The Séance YouTube playlist.
Revisiting Middle-earth With A Seasoned Warrior
McTavish rose to international fame as Dwalin in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy, appearing in An Unexpected Journey (2012), The Desolation of Smaug (2013) and The Battle of the Five Armies (2014). In the Cannes interview, he recalls suiting up in prosthetic armor for long days on set, and bonding with co-stars in the Welsh forests. “Working with Peter Jackson taught me the art of practical effects,” he says, noting how the makeup team made each dwarf uniquely expressive despite heavy costuming. He also highlights the camaraderie that formed off-camera, pointing to late-night script readings over pints as one of his fondest memories.
Diving Into Preacher’s World
Shifting gears from high fantasy to supernatural westerns, McTavish reflects on joining AMC’s Preacher series. Though he keeps his character details under wraps, the actor praises the show’s bold tone and the creative freedom afforded by showrunner Sam Catlin. “Preacher felt like a wild ride,” he admits, recalling his first table read with Dominic Cooper and Ruth Negga. He credits the series for stretching his range, from sardonic humor to emotional depth, and says collaborating with effects teams on the show’s more visceral sequences was a blast.
Eyes On Spartacus
Perhaps the most exciting tease comes in McTavish’s mention of Spartacus, a new series in development. While plot specifics remain confidential, he confirms his character will be a “formidable gladiator” who commands respect in the arena. “It’s a chance to dive into ancient Rome again, but from the other side of the reins,” he says. Given his knack for physical roles, fans can expect McTavish to bring his trademark intensity and dedication to the training regimen—skills honed over years of stunt work and stage combat.
Behind-the-scenes Updates
Beyond his Cannes interview, McTavish has been busy on social media. In late May, he hosted a Q&A at the UK premiere of Dirty Boy, directed by Dougy Rao, following a shoot in Austria. An Instagram post from the event shows him sporting a classic kilt at Raindance Film Festival and teasing news on his next collaboration. He also revealed on Instagram his involvement in GUNN, an action thriller directed by Neil Marshall (The Descent, Game of Thrones). Both projects underscore his ongoing passion for genre work and international film collaborations.
Whether discussing dwarven battle tactics or gladiatorial grit, McTavish proves why he remains one of genre cinema’s most dynamic figures. From Middle-earth to modern cult favorites, his enthusiasm—and willingness to nerd out—shines through. For the full conversation, head to the Fangoria The Séance YouTube playlist and join the party.
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