“I don’t think Gwaine actually died, that’s my opinion on it.” Is Eoin Macken’s answer when we ask him what it felt like to ruin Christmas for millions of Merlin fans worldwide in 2012. (For those not in the know, a whole string of the big characters died within a couple of minutes of each other mere hours before Santa was due to come down the chimney.) Four years on, and, honestly, we’re still not over it.
We’re talking to Macken while he is promoting Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, and our conversation turns to the BBC drama, something that he remembers very fondly. “Merlin has been a big part of my life the last few years. I owe a lot to the fans, they are really, genuinely, an awesome group of people.”
While we were talking, Macken recounts his version of events after the action leave Sir Gwaine, supposedly perished. “I actually don’t think he died.” He tells us, “I think it’s more Percival had to go and do this thing and Gwaine was just unconscious, he would have woken up and everything was fine. I mean, obviously, he didn’t appear in the court after that so in my opinion he woke up with no memory and went on his travels again. He woke up with this really sore head and went ‘I have a hangover’ and has forgotten the last four years of being a knight or some bullshit then woke up and went for a drink.”
It doesn’t take long for Macken to get excited about the idea, and when the subject of returning to Merlin is raised (should that ‘six series and a movie’ rumour ever actually come to light… we live on in hope). “Sorry, we should actually make a short film of that!” he exclaims, cutting off the question of whether or not he would come back. “I’d do that! Gwaine just rocking up to a bar and has no recollection… thinks it’s all a big dream.”
“Do you know what,” he teases, “I have a bit of free time in February and March I might just have to go and shoot that. That actually could be a lot of fun.” It’s difficult not to get excited about the prospect, and it’s not just us who seem to be. “You’ve kind of given me an idea now. I’m kind of interested in doing that. You shouldn’t have done that to me just before Christmas.”
Even though it may never happen, it sparks the conversation of how possible it could be. For instance, does he still have any of his costume or things from filming? “I have bits and pieces,” he tells us, “But I might have to ask them now to borrow it.”
“I’m definitely going to think about it.” We implore you, Eoin, please do!
What do you think Merlin fans? Do you want to see it? Maybe it’s time to start a Kickstarter and help make it happen…
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is in cinemas from 3 February. For all the latest movie news, pick up the latest issue of SciFiNow.
