Keeping The Soul Fires Burning - A Chat with Dylan Ray Schmid

An Interview with Dylan Schmid about Baelfire's Journey & Dreams for the Future by Diane J. Reed

It's such a delight to have the opportunity to catch up with Dylan Schmid about how his character Baelfire has evolved over the past 3 seasons on Once Upon a Time and to hear his insights into his character's motivations and hopes for the future. Aside from being a tremendous young talent, Dylan has the enviable good fortune of working with a host of master actors, and in the following interview he discusses his character's unique journey, what it's like on the set, how he handles being a young star, and what he feels he's learned from the iconic Robert Carlyle.

Diane: Hi Dylan and welcome! Your fans are eager to hear your insights about Season 3, so I'll just jump right in with my first question: Your character Baelfire is the only Lost Boy in Once Upon a Time to have ever succeeded in growing up & leaving Neverland. This shows great fortitude on Baelfire's part that you initially displayed in the series by standing up to Rumpel, even as a young boy. What has it been like to "see yourself" in adult form through the actor Michael Raymond James? Is that a little eerie for you? And have you two ever discussed your character's growth and how Baelfire developed such strength & motivation?

Dylan: Actually, no, we’ve never had the chance to discuss the character together, but it would be great to do this with Michael someday. Although, it’s pretty awesome to imagine myself as Michael Raymond James all grown up because he’s a great actor!

Diane: Did it surprise you that the writers have your adult counterpart Neal working with Rumpel in Season 3 to find Henry? Since Rumpel has confessed that he is willing to DIE to save Henry, do you think there's a place in Baelfire's heart to truly forgive & connect with his dad someday? Or do you feel that street smart Baelfire is being purely mercenary so that he can get Henry back?

Dylan: No, older Baelfire’s actions didn’t really surprise me at all because Baelfire has unconditional love for his papa.  Although, Bae found out from Peter Pan how his papa was planning to kill his son Henry, so I’m not sure how this will pan out now.  I believe older Baelfire/Neil really does love his son Henry, so I don’t think he wants any harm to come to him (as any parent would feel, I think). I also believe, because Baelfire was homeless and alone at one point in his life, that he is also street smart, so he's aware of the dangers of being alone, cold, and hungry. So I believe Baelfire wants to protect Henry.

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