Interview: James Morgan

In this edition of Interview, Last Resort Films president Phil Dolan sits down for an interview with writer James Morgan (Walker, Cold) to discuss his latest film Of Rocks and Sand, his DC film Rocket Red (co-written with Harry Wright), and his The Raven series.

PD: You've lined up an impressive cast for your latest film, Of Rocks and Sand. Is there any extra pressure trying to write roles for talented, big-name actors?

JM: I think there's definitely pressure when it comes to writing for big names, whether they are actors or directors. It seems, however that I enjoy having pressure, because as I look back at my filmography, I tend to cast big names, no matter what I do. You have to make sure the role you write for them lives up to their talent and you definitely don't want them to be wasted. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Looking back at Walker, my previous writing credit, I felt like I focused too much on Kyle Chandler, Gugu and Tim Roth and not enough on someone like Ewan McGregor. With Of Rocks and Sand, the trio of actors (Pine, Rockwell, Cage) spend a lot of time together, so I had to create a dynamic between the three of them where there isn't a clear lead and I feel like I made a good job with it. I had a blast writing it and I hope it shows in the final product.

PD: You can count me among the fans of Rocket Red, which you co-wrote with Harry Wright. Are there plans for a sequel?

JM: I can't talk about it a lot without spoiling anything, but we have a plan laid out, here at the MBWA and we know where we're headed. Our DC Universe isn't my top priority and I haven't been approached to write a follow-up yet. I'd love to write another sequel, but it needs to fit with the rest and I don't know yet. Official answer is I would like to, but I'm not the one who decides.

PD: Speaking of sequels, or prequels rather, are there any plans to continue The Raven series?

JM: As much as I love the characters and the world around it, I feel like I've told the story I wanted to tell with the trilogy, sadly. Again, all three films were well received and gave me plenty of Golden Reel gold, so, you never know (wink, wink)

PD: Speaking of The Raven series, which of those three films is your favorite as the writer?

JM: That's a tough one. I have a hard time choosing between Cosa Nostra and The Raven. For Cosa Nostra, I really like the world building I did and some character developments, especially Pedro Pascal and Viola Davis' characters. For The Raven, I really like how I was able to set a mood for the film and how different it is from Cosa Nostra, as it focuses on one character more. It's difficult to say, but my favorite film to write was Cosa Nostra, by a small margin.

PD: What's next for you?

JM: I mostly write dramas (Rocket Red being the exception), so you can more of that from me. I'm more known for my original stories and I'll continue to write some, including the film I wrote for Season 16, where I team with great actors I enjoyed a lot too. It was written a long time ago, and I can't remember why it was delayed. Some films released by Last Resort Films also cover this subject matter, so I may come a little late to the party and it'll obviously be the subject of comparisons. I have two other dramas in development, one that I'll co-write with Mo Buck. It's a long gestating project, but it's not due for release anytime soon. I also have an adaptation scheduled to come out in Season 17. It's a small drama, with a small cast. I'm excited about it. Other than that, you can catch me every Monday night on the James Morgan Show, on Last Resort Television!

Thanks for having me!