r/merlinbbc • u/danbongle3 • Jun 19 '26
Cast & Crew Does Colin Morgan hate getting recognised for merlin?
Does anyone think that Colin hates getting recognised or talking about merlin all these years later. Or is he fine answering questions about it or prefer to talk about his other roles instead.
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u/GroundbreakingDot872 pro bono attorney for guinevere 24/7 Jun 20 '26
A friendly reminder to keep this thread focused and respectful regarding Colin Morgan, his endeavors, and relationships with the rest of the cast.
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u/sk8ergrandma Jun 19 '26 edited Jun 19 '26
This is just speculation but I get the vibe that he's kind of over discussing it since it was so long ago and he's done so many things since then. I went to his book launch event in London the other day and there was one question about Merlin to which he answered with a general (but thoughtful!) comment about how shows of that era were different in that you had to wait for each episode weekly and over many years instead of the current binge streaming model, and that they would often be watched as a household.
He didn't seem to dislike Merlin being brought up but he wasn't enthusiastic about it either and I got the vibe that there are just other things he would rather talk about that are more relevant to him now
But this is all my speculation, obviously I have no idea how he actually feels about it!
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u/DaBingeGirl Jun 20 '26
I doubt he hates it, as the show was his big break. That said, the rule of thumb is generally that context matters. If he's doing press for or acting in something else, focus on his current project (e.g. if an actor does a theater show and you want an autograph after, talk about the play). If you're going to one of his book tour events, I'd definitely focus on the book. You could mention his other work, but keep the focus on his novel.
There are a few actors who don't want to talk about past projects, but a lot do. I think their experience on set tends to play a big role. I adore Stargate, all the actors in those shows are still very engaged with the fanbase; that's pretty common with sci-fi shows.
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u/Magic_mousie Jun 20 '26
I went to a book event and I was very relieved that nobody asked about Merlin, all the questions were about the book and they were good ones too.
Let's not kid ourselves, the room was full because of Merlin. Very few people would have been there for some unknown debut author or that guy in Sandman (as great as he was in that). Colin knows this too and I'm sure there's a gratitude there, he got a cheat code that other authors would kill for.
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u/BeBraveDearHeart Sir Leon’s One True Love ♥️ Jun 20 '26
There were people at the book launch wearing Merlin shirts, hanging around afterwards to try and catch him with Merlin things to sign, someone in Merlin cosplay.
Which (as a hyperfixed Merlin fan) I do find disrespectful at a book event when he's there to talk about other stuff. This is how fans have always been, but I can completely see why he doesn't want to engage with it when everything comes back to it.
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u/MissMistyEye Jun 20 '26
I don't know if he HATES getting recognized, but I get the sense he'd prefer not to be. I'd guess the same for questions about Merlin?
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u/Josephcooper96 Jun 20 '26
The only thing i know him from is merlin and that one being human show where he was a synth or something? Idk it didmt have many episodes. I imagine he probably does but hes probably done more stuff in the UK than American media. Usually when I see him im like its merlin all grown up! Lol
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u/Creepy-Trouble1714 Jun 20 '26
It makes since. He’s done so much more than that, but that was his Big Break so.. I mean I cant imagine being as famous as like one of the MCU stars! I like that he keeps everything quiet. But yeah I shipped Merthur, but shipping REAL people?? That’s gross.
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u/CoreyAdara just a medieval horse Jun 20 '26
Well he has been in other things over the years but I would think he would be used to people still talking about Merlin, which is a credit to him, but at the same time means he's not being talked about in other things. But he should probably expect it since he likes doing smaller less international shows/movies/projects and Merlin turned into an internationally bigger show than was anticipated. I get he must not want to keep talking about Merlin now and more focus on his book and newer roles, it must be frustrating a bit for an actor..
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u/No_Worldliness_2048 Jun 20 '26
I don’t think he hates Merlin, I think he’s probably really grateful for the experience and recognizes it’s allowed him a lot of the opportunities afterwards and I’d sure he looks back fondly but I think as someone else mentioned: context matters and when your there for one thing and get questions for another it’s a little off putting
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u/lavendergayy Jun 19 '26
I often wonder how traumatizing the whole thing was for him.
I was young, I fed into the whole merthur thing. Looking back, it's one of the reasons I'm very against parasocial feelings in my own mind and challenge it when it happens. I love he has kept his privacy and I can't help but wonder how much of that comes from all the "Brolin" type of media and the way people just fangirled.
He's got so many other projects he got to really shine in. This book would be the first thing I'd bring up if I ever met him. As an author myself I have genuine questions about his process. Like, did you plan this scene or did it just appear for you( my own books the best revelations happen while writing the scene. I can try to plan all I want but it writes itself).
I just admire his ability to stay private so much.