Introducing Robin 'Over' Dunne

Apparently a young German fellow who got kicked off a train for failing to buy a ticket and continued to have a sucky day when, as he stuck his naked butt against the window in frustration, his jeans got caught in the closing door and dragged him along the platform before passengers pulled the emergency stop. The young man was then left in a half undressed, slightly battered and no doubt humbled state for his arrest which followed shortly thereafter.....In short my recent days haven't been quite as sucky as this poor chap.....

And on that note let's look at guest number four at the most excellent Wolf Haven 1 convention....

Robin Dunne, another actor having his con cherry popped amongst this ravenous crowd of fans. I was quite excited to see this chap for a few reasons: he's a fella who's very easy on the eyes, Will is my favourite character on Sanctuary (Okay, so it's a four-way tie with Henry, Bigfoot and Two-Faced Guy...but who can choose right?) and Robin happens to be playing Robin Hood in a soon to be release Sy-Fy produced version of the tale which just happened to be the subject matter of my final year dissertation at university...so like I said, quite excited.

Anyway..here's the man himself...my mate Nicky has a better zoom than I, thus en-capturing Robin's coy handsome-ness better than I

First up and things are looking good for a 3rd season of Sanctuary, although nothing has been confirmed, but 'when' it is the series will probably be upgraded to a 20 episode run....great news for us fans, though robin commented that for all our excitement the extra work schedule meant he would spend much of his free time sleeping.

Robin is a self proclaimed movie nut (a man after my own heart) and spent much of his time as a kid engrossed in celluloid goodiness. He had a tough time choosing when ask what his favourite movie was and mentioned he's a fan of the Star Wars films (the original trilogy...coz the others just aren't worthy) especially Empire Strikes Back and the Shining. He's also a fan of British films Sexy Beast and Withnail & I...which led to a couple of impromptu Ray Winstone and Richard E Grant impressions.

He talked about the culture of sci-fi/fantasy in Britain and the the history involved with the productions, one of the differences between British and American produced shows as not so much with the history across the pond...Apparently while in a pub in Ireland the landlord, when discovering Robin's country of origin exclaimed 'I've got a roof older than your country' (done with thick Irish accent).

At one of the parties I had a similar discussion, especially about links with Robin Hood and the recent Merlin series. Robin asked me about the recent series of Robin Hood and why the character is so popular for reinterpretations. At which point I probably waffled on out the 'everyman hero' and links with periods of 'hero' representation in British history and culture (I know...not just a pretty face...hehe)

He seemed genuinely interested in British produced Sci-Fi and Fantasy shows and we chatted for some time about Robin of Sherwood (my favourite re-imagining) at which point Robin broke into 'Ray Winstone' once again. He mentioned that he wasn't sure how the recent adaptation he was involved with will turn out (it is a sy-fy production after all) though one of his co-stars is Julian Sands (whom some will be familiar as Origin baddie Doci, off of SG-1) and Robin will be taking on a Dragon. Personally I'm quite interested in Robin's interpretation of the character as part of my study was character based...but I digress...


If he could write a storyline for Sanctuary it would involve Will meeting his father and exploring that back story...at which point Robin broke into 'I am your father!' a'la Star Wars, to much chuckles.

In the following picture Robin realises he just left his shadow on the wall from all the camera flashes...sometimes it can appear as if a nuclear explosion just occurred in the room ;-)

Also from mate Nicky, since I was too slow, Robin reacts to one persons paparazzi style camera, the shutter of which resembled a gun firing....actor's huh, can never resist a death scene....


Apparently he and Damian Kindler (writer/producer for Sanctuary) have been known to prank each other. Robin took it one stage further when he invented an overzealous fan character who would send fan mail and presents to Damian. This continued for quite some time gradually building to 'bunny boiler' type proportion. Eventually, while both attending a signing event Robin mentioned that the 'fan' was fast approaching...gaining the appropriate final pay-off reaction from Damian, before letting on that it had been a long-con prank....I'm thinking that these days Robin 'looks innocent but is actually the axis of evil' Dunne is watching his back.


Someone asked what kind of power he would chose if Will ever became abnormal, he replied that invisibility and the ability to stop time, like Hiro off of Heroes, would be pretty cool.


If he could travel in time Robin would go back to the 60's, 20's or Medieval period. Essentially times of 'change'.


Some of Robins favourite programmes include Battlestar Galactica, Entourage and In Treatment...he mentioned that Gabriel Byrne excelled in the latter, noting that it was great watching the actor in a role which is perfect for him. (note to self: seek out and find In Treatment)


I can't for the life of me remember why Robin is apparently giving the 'V'...I think it's actually more innocent than it appears and he was actually counting out something. He also spoke about his role of Robin Hood in Beyond Sherwood and that learning to fire arrows was harder than it appears, especially since the character is an adept archer, and when he had to fire multiple arrows, pulling them from a pouch on his back, he had a bit of trouble getting the hang. (no doubt cast and crew were ducking for cover...hehe)


Robin's favourite toy was anything Star Wars related, also asking us audience if it was weird that he still gets excited about Star Wars Lego (not at all...how can one not get excited by Star Wars Lego)


We got onto the topic of Doctor Who (this seems to recur at most conventions, thus is the inevitable draw of the kooky Timelord). Robin remembers watching the series growing up, though he admitted to being scared pretty much as soon as the music would start up (right there with ya). 'His' Doctor was Tom Baker, Doctor no. 4 (now there's an age defining question) and was impressed when it was mentioned that we're currently up to number 10 and nearing number 11 (David Tennant we will miss thee). He also mentioned that thinking about the inner and outer proportions of the T.A.R.D.I.S. gives him an ice cream headache.


He was asked what he spent his first pay cheque on...at which point MC Chuck shouted 'Don't say Asian hookers' from the back of the room...to much hilarity. The answer was actually blue Tiger design seat covers for his Ford Escort...classy!


His favourite drink is Guinness because 'it's so good'....keep this in mind when I write up Chuck Campbell's talk ;-)

Robin looks very serious in my photo shoot, but 'very serious' he most certainly isn't



So there you go.....nothing else remotely interesting occurred at either of Robin Dunne's talks...


*ponders and racks brain for anything further information of any possible interest*....


nope nothing to see here...


move along.....


Oh, though there was this....



Yes, Robin Dunne dropped his kecks....if memory serves it was to do with the gang being nervous about attending a meeting with a group of execs and Robin lightening the mood by mentioning 'the worst that could happen would be this' and dropped his trousers....Robin Dunne I salute you...and the photo by the way is from mate Amy forever answering the question boxers of briefs.....amongst other things ;-)....(I 'accidentally' pressed the video button on my fabulous digital camera, though am reserving the right to not put it on YouTube)