GF: How does it feel that Shadowhunters is coming to an end?
DOM: “It’s kind of bittersweet. It’s tricky to say that something that has been such a big part of your life is ‘coming to an end’ but, at the same time we had a really good run. We did something really special when we were given the privilege of bringing this story to life.”
GF: How has the show changed your life?
DOM: “Honestly I have a very deep friendship with a lot of these people and I hope that will continue over the rest of my life. We became such an integral part of each other’s lives.
"These people that we were portraying are all heroes and they’re all damaged… whether it’s their upbringing or what they weren’t allowed to do or what they were forced to do. The best thing we can learn from them is that theirs is always a way to be you and to be the person that you know you can be. The strong, happy, confident person that you know is inside of you, no matter what adversity you’re facing.”
GF: How did you react when you heard that the show was coming to an end?
DOM: “It was tough! Like I said we put so much into this. Quite literally blood, sweat, and tears at times. Fortunately, I was very lucky, I was with Matt [Daddario] when we got the news so we had each other, which really helped. I think the best thing to do when you get bad news is to try and find the happiness. What we found was that we had this opportunity to bring this story to life for such a long time… 3 years is more than most people get on any TV show, so we feel blessed that we got a chance.”
GF: Did you expect the fans to react the way that they have? They have petitions, they hired a plane to fly over Netflix and even got a billboard put up. It’s been really hard for them. Did you expect that?
DOM: “Yeah it was pretty intense! We always knew that there was this incredibly loyal and incredibly passionate fanbase. We’re trying to do as much as we can we want there to be positivity spread throughout the world lasting longer than this show. That’s why we came up with the hashtag #SaveShadowhunters.
“There may, unfortunately, be times where nothing can be done. We know as little as anybody unfortunately, but that’s why we came up with the hashtag for its legacy because if it is the end and this is the hand we have been dealt then we would like the show to live on through the smiles of the people we meet... and things like coming to Comic Con and these conventions we do all around the world and see the impact that it has on people’s lives. It’s important that we spread that.
“The best thing I’ve seen moving forward is people giving to charities in the name of Shadowhunters and supporting each other and people in need.
“If you can do any of that in the name of Shadowhunters then that is the best thing that we can do.”
GF: What do you think it is about the show, with its particular themes, that made fans so upset when it was cancelled? We haven’t seen this kind of reaction with any other show.
DOM: “I think personally it’s going to sound a little strange because a lot of our characters aren’t human – but I think it’s because they are so human with their emotions and they’re dealing with the same sort of issues day in and day out that everyone deals with. Except the apocalypse happening and everyone dying… but other than that, they’re dealing with the same problems. From Jaces’ point of view, he has family issues and problems with his father and he’s never really felt good enough… From Alec’s point of view, he’s never really felt comfortable in his own skin because he didn’t feel comfortable coming out as a gay man. So, these are issues that people deal with every day and it’s important that we found a place – even if it is a little magical – to find resolutions to. Hopefully that manages to inspire people.”
GF: Do you have any other plans in Australia other than Comic Con?
DOM: I have a few yeah! I’m flying my family with me so I’m going to see them a lot and spend some time with them. One of my best friends who I used to live with during my Vampire Academy days back in London, he now lives in Sydney so I’ll be spending time with him. And Phoebe [Tonkin] is coming, and I haven’t seen her in forever… so I’ll just hang out and see what Australia has to offer! Do you have any tips? I’m not a huge fan of spiders so how do I avoid being eaten by a huntsman? Should I keep an Aussie with me at all times in case one jumps at me and we need to wrestle it to the ground?”
GF: No the spiders are fine it’s the Kangaroos that will beat you up.
DOM: “I heard! They’re so cute though… but ok cool I’ll avoid them.”
GF: You’ll be fine…
DOM: “You say that but all I’m getting from this is that I’m going to be murdered by a Kangaroo.”
GF: So… what’s next for you after all of this? Any projects?
DOM: “Yeah! It’s tricky because you find out a couple of months before and you do have to keep things a secret… but yeah there are bits and bobs coming through the pipeline that’s literally all I’m allowed to say. Terrible answer, I apologise.”
You can meet Dominic Sherwood and other stars at Comic Con held in Sydney and Brisbane. Tickets available here: http://ozcomiccon.com/tickets/
Brisbane - September 22-23rd Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Sydney – September 29-30th International Convention Centre Sydney