Half a decade since Gotham came to its end, actors Morena Baccarin and Ben McKenzie discussed the show in an interview. Though they met on the set of McKenzie’s previous project, The O.C., the stars only became an item when they starred opposite one another. The DC series starred McKenzie as a young Jim Gordon, along with David Mazouz as Bruce Wayne, Sean Pertwee as Alfred Pennyworth, Cory Michael Smith as Edward Nygma, and Robin Lord Taylor as the Penguin.
Initially introduced as a guest star in Gotham’s first season, Baccarin played Dr. Leslie “Lee” Thompkins, who is Batman’s doctor in the comics, and became a series regular in the subsequent seasons. Baccarin and McKenzie married and started their family during the show’s run, remaining a couple in the decade since. Baccarin has continued acting, having recently appeared in Deadpool & Wolverine, while McKenzie has acted and become an economic commentator.
Recently, the couple appeared together at Tokyo Comic Con 2024 and gave an interview with TV Groove. The interviewer points out that “many fans of Gotham, Deadpool, and The OC are attending Tokyo Comic Con” and asks how they felt about Japanese fans. McKenzie calls the experience “awesome” and shares that the couple “also received wonderful fan letters from people who say our work has changed their lives,” which “makes [him] really happy.” Morena agrees, saying “all the Japanese fans are so amazing” and that she “read all the lovely letters and gifts” she was given.
This interview is translated from Japanese to English. Therefore, the quotes used may not be entirely reflective of the specific wording used by Baccarin and McKenzie.
Later in the interview, Baccarin opened up about taking their children, ages 11, 8, and 3, to the premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine. She quipped, “it was pretty violent, so maybe not the best thing for parents to do.” In response, McKenzie revealed that he’s also shown kids “a little bit” of Gotham, which Baccarin notes is “just as violent.”
Baccarin and McKenzie’s comments paint a wholesome picture of their relationship to the show that brought them together. The couple not only feel fondly towards Gotham fans, but they also continue to connect with them, even a decade after the show first aired. Moreover, as their oldest kids grow up, they are beginning to watch their parents in Gotham, which – while the show is bonkers and violent – provides them a sweet way to watch their parents’ relationship bloom.
Despite Gotham’s reputation as one of DC’s more wild shows, it is a fun, interesting take on Batman’s lore that showcases Baccarin and McKenzie’s acting abilities. Baccarin has previously called the filming experience of the show “really cool” and said, “where it ended was also really great.”
Related
10 Best Gotham Scenes That Could Have Only Happened In One Of DC’s Most Bonkers TV Shows
From bazookas to zombies, Gotham brought all of the unhinged chaos of the Batman mythos to the small screen like no other DC series has.
Meanwhile, McKenzie discussed how anxious and excited he was to fill “the iconic role of Jim Gordon,” which was written with him in mind. Both actors should be proud of their time on the series and the cult following it developed. Additionally, sharing Gotham with their family is a fun way to continue connecting over their past work.
5/10
Gotham
As a new recruit in Captain Sarah Essen’s Gotham City Police Department, Detective James Gordon is paired with Harvey Bullock to solve one of Gotham’s most high-profile cases ever: the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne. During his investigation, Gordon meets the Waynes’ son, Bruce, now in the care of his butler Alfred, which further compels Gordon to catch the killer.