'Gotham' TV Show: Cory Michael Smith Talks Edward Nygma's 'Slow Burn' & Transformation Into The Riddler [VIDEO]
While Edward Nygma (Cory Michael Smith) has shown some hints as to becoming The Riddler on Fox's Gotham, the actor believes that his character is a long way from transforming into him.
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Smith recently spoke with Assignment X about his role on Gotham, admitting that he thinks Edward probably won't be turning into The Riddler any time soon.
"Significantly," Smith said, when asked how far away he was from transitioning into The Riddler. "And I'm very happy about that. [The producers have suggested] that every season is going to focus on a villain, and presumably in the order in which we're introduced, and the significance with which we're introduced in the pilot. So right now, as an actor, I want to start as far away from the Riddler as possible. That's the most exciting to me."
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There have been a few not-so-subtle hints about Edward's future identity thus far in Gotham, including a question mark on his cup, his love of puzzles and his peculiar sense of humor.
Smith noted that Bullock (Donal Logue) will continue to "mistreat" Edward as the series continues, along with Captain Essen (Zabrina Guevara). As such, their behavior towards him will "start to grate," though he said that it will be a "slow burn" ultimately.
As for his general feelings on being a part of Gotham, Smith said that he feels honored to be included in Batman's legacy now.
"I feel very honored and it's a privilege to do that. And I'm really hopeful and confident that we're going to do it in a way that has the integrity that people can be proud of it, Batman fans can be proud of it."
Gotham is slated to return for the second half of season 1 on Monday, Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox.
Watch the promo for the next episode of Gotham below: