When last we saw Theo (played by Cody Christian) in Teen Wolf season five, he was being dragged down to hell by his sister. Fortunately for Theo/Cody Christian fans, he’ll be back in season six but as a changed man. Christian, along with his Teen Wolf co-stars, took part in the 2016 San Diego Comic Con where they answered questions from fans during a packed panel. They also sat down for roundtable interviews to further explore what’s coming up in the sixth and final season of the MTV series. During our interview, Christian talked about the changes that will have occurred in Theo as a result of literally going through hell and how this slightly reformed version will play a part in taking down the season’s big baddies.
Cody Christian Interview:
What can you say about season six?
Cody Christian: “Theo’s back for a reason and I think fans are asking what is that reason? It’s not like he just got himself out of hell for no reason. I think there’s a need for Theo and then there’s the question, ‘How badly do we need Theo? Is it worth the trust that would have to go into having his involvement?’ Because we know his track record; we know he’s manipulative, he’s conniving, he’s lying, very self-centered, narcissistic. He treats people like pawns so it’s like why bring somebody like that back? The circumstances must be dire, and I think that’s exactly what’s going on in season six. The Ghost Riders are one hell of a villain so I think everybody needs… They need as much help as they can get.”
So Scott (played by Tyler Posey) might have to turn to Theo for help?
Cody Christian: “It’s possible. It’s definitely possible. Fans are just going to have to tune in and check it out.”
Like the enemy of my enemy is my friend?
Cody Christian: “Exactly like that. Exactly like that.”
Can you expand on the Ghost Riders and the Nazi werewolf that we’ve heard about?
Cody Christian: “To be honest with you, there’s not much more to expand on. You have the Ghost Riders which are terrifying and it seems like they’re unstoppable too. They can’t be killed. I think the scariest thing about them is that they don’t truly want anything. Jeff (Davis) was mentioning this in an interview that we did earlier, they’re a force of nature. They just come and do what they have to do. They come and they take these individuals and they want nothing more out of it. I think that’s what’s terrifying. Every other villain in the past has wanted something, wanted something that they could obtain – this tangible thing. Theo wanted his pack; he wanted Scott’s powers as an alpha. These guys don’t. They’re definitely a force to be reckoned with.
And the Nazi werewolf…it’s a Nazi werewolf. Come on! It’s cool, though. The storylines and the plot that’s being developed in season six are very, very cool. It’s very interesting.”
Is it hard in season six to keep things scary?
Cody Christian: “I have to take all the credit and give it to the writers and producers that we have. […]They have to keep everything fresh and to be writing this new material and to be adding this edginess and this darkness – and to be able to incorporate all of these elements with the drama, the romance, the comedy, the horror – it’s truly incredible. I don’t know how they do it, man, but I tip my hat to them.”
If you could you give Theo any of your own characteristics, what would you give him?
Cody Christian: “I think empathy. I think he’s so selfish. It’s all about him and what he wants. He has no regard for any other human being outside of himself. But, that’s what interesting. In season six we get to explore his dynamic as a character and he’s a changed guy. Being dragged to hell and enduring what he endured which is, I can tell you right now, brutal, it changes a guy. I’m very excited to explore those elements and see how it has affected him.”
Has he been knocked down a few pegs?
Cody Christian: “I think so. I think we see a man who’s now broken. Throughout season five he was so powerful. He was two moves ahead and like he was the puppeteer pulling the strings. It didn’t work out. He got double-crossed. He got beat at his own game. He’s going to have to swallow his pride and he’s going to have to face these people again that he’s done heinous things to. How do you do that? How do you look somebody in the eye after you try to kill them and it didn’t really work out? So, he’s just a changed person. It’s going to be really fun to explore.”
Is there someone this season that Theo is going to try to rebuild a relationship with?
Cody Christian: “I think rebuilding relationships is what’s going to keep Theo alive. I think the selfishness in him…that’s what he wants. He wants to stay alive. At a time when the Ghost Riders are haunting Beacon Hills, he knows about them. He knows the legend and stories, so he’s going to do his best to just stay alive. I think that requires mending relationships.”
Who besides Scott will he approach first?
“I can’t comment on that too much, but it is interesting the first ally that he does make.”
Watch the full Cody Christian interview:
(Interview by Fred Topel. Article by Rebecca Murray.)
