I have been watching the fantastical new show The Magicians on Syfy since the pilot debuted back in January. I love the quirky Hale Appleman as Elliot and Jason Ralph as the insecure Quentin, but it was Arjun Gupta’s character William “Penny” Adiyodi that really got my attention. I love his snarky arrogance, his gypsy swagger and his hidden vulnerability. I have been following most of the cast on Twitter since I wrote my article about the shows early 2nd season renewal. Arjun is one of the few actors that I have seen regularly interact with fans (my self included) and live tweet with the show. I reached out to him because I really wanted to get to know the man behind Penny a little better. I had a total nerdgasm when he actually agreed to grant me an interview and answer a few of this fan-girl’s burning questions.

Stacy– Were you surprised by the instant success of the show and how quickly it was picked up for a second season?

Arjun– I was a bit surprised by how quick it was picked up, but overall I am just thrilled and grateful! I am always humbled by any success because it’s a bit of an audacious thing to ask millions of people to give an hour of their time to us each week to be taken to a different world. So the fact that that is what is happening is really cool.

Stacy– Will your character Penny be back for season 2?

Arjun– Yes.

Stacy– Do you share any similarities with Penny? He is quite the free spirited ladies man.

Arjun– Haha. Yes, I share similarities with Penny because I share similarities with all characters. I subscribe to the school of thought that each one of us is made up of a multitude of colors within and our personality/character is defined by which ones of those colors are most present. But, and this is key to me, we ALL have ALL colors within us. Just at varying levels. So I, in my life, can be just as dismissive as Penny is but I keep it more in check. I have in my past been distrustful of people, but now am more open. And I have had my moments where I am a flirt! 🙂

Stacy– I am sure everyone has asked about the super steamy levitating sex scene, what was that like to film?

Arjun– It wasn’t nearly as fun to film as it was for y’all to watch. Any sex scene becomes quite technical in its execution. But it was fun because it was all practical. The only visual effects were the objects around the room flying. We actually got lifted up to the ceiling!

Stacy– Is it uncomfortable for you filming such intensely passionate scenes?

Arjun– I think for all people being vulnerable is uncomfortable. It inherently has to on some level otherwise its not vulnerability. But that is what allows for great performances. Giving ourselves the permission to be that vulnerable. And I will tell you from experience that it is the most thrilling feeling when we allow that for ourselves. Not only in my work but in life. Vulnerability is so key to achieving what you want in the world. It is what allows for greatness in all aspects of life.

Stacy– Any upcoming spoilers you could share with us?

Arjun– Haha. Nope. Just that things keep getting crazier!

Stacy– Did you read the Lev Grossman books before this role?

Arjun– I did after I got the role but not before. I am a huge fan. I think they are brilliant pieces of literature that transcend their genre to be good novels.

Stacy– Do you have a favorite comic book or comic book character?

Arjun– I grew up reading Asterix and Obelix and Tintin. So those are my favorites. Also really partial to Calvin and Hobbes. Bill Watterson was way ahead of his time.

Stacy– Have you seen the Deadpool movie yet, if so what did you think?

Arjun– Have not seen it yet.

Stacy– If you could be a magician or a superhero which would you choose?

Arjun– Magician. because I can be a superhero as a Magician. Can’t be a Magician as a superhero 🙂

…….and lastly

Stacy-Can you tell me anything about your new project Powerhouse that you are currently working on?

Arjun– Powerhouse was a small indie web-series that my friend Julie Bersani produced. I just jumped on for a little cameo role in it but it was fun times. It is going to be a fun show.

Arjun has confirmed that Penny will indeed be back for season 2 of The Magicians and that things are about to get totally crazy for him on this season. If you have missed any episodes of The Magicians you can catch up now at www.syfy.com and watch new episodes Monday nights at 9/8c. You can also live tweet with Arjun Gupta @ArjunGuptaBK and myself @buffygonebad. It has been such a pleasure to interact with Arjun these past few weeks to make this interview happen. It turns out that not only is this handsome man talented, but he is humble, sweet and dare I say even a little flirtatious.