Bradley James interview
Bradley James talks about playing identical twins Webb and Keegan Sherman in Bounty Hunters.
Tell us how you found out that Bounty Hunters would be returning?
It came somewhat out of the blue when my agent was calling me up with dates for shooting a second series. I was in two minds as to how I felt about it. Webb and Keegan's. They were both excited.
What is it about playing the Sherman brothers you most enjoy?
The Sherman's live in another sphere to everyone else, Keegan especially. That allows for a lot of freedom when playing the roles and you get to push the boat out in search of their extravagant behaviour, not knowing what you'll discover. You don't often get to see people's immediate reactions to screen work. In comedies you rarely hear where the laughs are but there is often a pay off on set with the Sherman's when members of the crew are fighting back laughter at some of their antics.
Is it still strange acting opposite yourself?!
Whichever brother you are, the voice of the other is also somewhere in your head. I've been lucky in having some very accommodating doubles but it's near enough impossible for them to replicate exactly what I'm going to do and so the strangest thing is the running dialogue you have with the voice in your head. It's a necessity so that your reactions match... your other reactions.
What is it about Freddy's writing that you like the most? Do you ever make suggestions for the brothers?
Freddy's writing is pliable. There are many different ways to play his scenes, which in comedy strikes me as a massive advantage. He is also a collaborator, open to ideas and discussion and I have yet to see him operate with any ego.
I also tend to learn a thing or two every time I read his work. There will often be a reference to something that I know little about and once I've looked it up I feel more informed about the world. He also has a knack for coming up with a line in the moment which can give a scene something extra.
Is there one brother you prefer playing? Who is your favourite and why?
If I had a preference for playing one of the brothers it would be Keegan. Webb is a lot more composed and somewhat restricted comparatively. This is also a factor in certain wardrobe and make-up choices. With Keegan there is much more play involved. You have less chance of being 'too big' with Keegan so you can try things out which would usually be shot down.
What were the most challenging things during this shoot?
The most challenging aspect for me is remembering which brother I'm meant to be. There are a lot of changes back and forth during a Sherman day and by the later stages of the afternoon someone says 'action' and you start saying whichever line comes into your head in the hope that not only are you saying the right one but that your head will respond accordingly.
Why should viewers tune into this series?
That show you liked with that funny posh guy off the telly just got better... Also the Sherman's are back and continue to be inappropriate.