Robert Carlyle talks Rumpelstiltskin, his different characters, looks ahead to ‘Once Upon a Time’ season 3
Once Upon a Time star Robert Carlyle spoke with Hypable about playing Rumpelstiltskin and the future of this character headed into season 3 of the hit series.
“Playing Rumpelstiltskin is gold dust for an actor,” he said. “He isn’t just 2 characters but about 5. The early, the one when he just became the dark one, the evil dark one which is kind of fun, and then the many versions of Gold.”
The Rumpelstiltskin/Mr. Gold character is a polarizing figure in the Once Upon universe. The Full Monty star discussed the favorite aspects of the characters.
He responded with a trademark Rumpel hand gesture and said, “I like the one who has just became the dark one because he is struggling with himself. He doesn’t really know where he is or what he can do. I think that is that guy probably has the most mileage.”
For Carlyle, one of the best parts of being on Once Upon a Time is that it is something his children can watch. “The great thing about this show is that it plays across the board; my six year old loves it as much as my mother-in-law.”
When it comes to talking about last season’s big reveal about Henry being the death of Rumpelstiltskin, Carlyle had plenty to say. “I think at the beginning he kind of rejects it, and I think Henry was in danger for a few episodes. I think he would have killed him. But as it progressed, of course, he realizes who this kid is and it is too much for even him to take in.”
So Carlyle looks ahead to season 3.
“As the season ends, he thinks Baelfire is dead and what can he do to honor the memory of his son. He can find Baelfire’s son. He is on a suicide mission and he may well die.”