Zachary Levi goes dark in ‘Heroes’ miniseries

“AUDIENCES now have the power to watch so many things,” he says.

Zachary Levi is best known for his goofy role in the action-comedy TV series “Chuck,” a hit show that ran for several seasons. The actor played the titular character, an everyguy who found himself caught between dueling spies, from 2007 to 2012.

Levi, 34, also played the Asgardian warrior Fandral the Dashing in “Thor: The Dark World,” in 2013.

His latest character, however, is no hero—he plays the merciless killer Luke Collins in the 13-episode science fiction miniseries “Heroes Reborn” (Jack TV, Fridays, 8 p.m.).

“I wanted to play something grittier and darker, potentially very evil—something that stretches me… And [show creator Tim Kring] came back to me with the character,” Levi told the Inquirer in an e-mail interview. “After hearing that pitch and the journey of Luke Collins, I said ‘Yep, I’m on board!’ I signed on when I felt comfortable that I was… going to play a character that would be different from me.”

Luke Collins actively hunts “Evos,” or superpowered people, after a catastrophe in the first episode. “It affects Luke’s family in such a way that he and his wife Joanne (Judith Shekoni) are sent on a downward spiral where they feel like it’s their responsibility to make the world a safer place by ridding it of Evos,” he said.

Levi related that the revived show is “action-packed and intriguing, [like] the first two seasons” of “Heroes.” The new cast members also became close during filming, he revealed: “There’s not a bad apple in the bunch. Everyone is so kind, gracious and talented. We all got along very well so we all went out for dinner, drinks, bowling and karaoke!”

Evolution of technology

Much has changed in entertainment since the original five-season show ended in 2010, according to the actor. “I feel like the evolution of technology has really affected the American entertainment industry and changed the way viewers consume content… The real kicker came in with the introduction of the DVR (digital video recorder)—now, audiences could record shows and fast-forward through commercials. I think that was really a turning point. Technological advancements are making people realize that great entertainment doesn’t have to be, nor should it be, tied to the amount of money it can make.”

Levi, elaborating on TV’s transformation, added: “Audiences now have the power to watch so many things, at their leisure, which has forced networks to reassess things. New networks have been created—premium cable channels such as Showtime, Starz, etc.—and now there are digital streaming services like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu. And more will likely be created, along with the understanding that if you’re not providing the best service or content, someone else will.

It’s kind of the Wild West in many ways, and a very exciting time!”

Levi—who counts Mel

Gibson, Tom Hanks, Jimmy Stewart and Gary Oldman among his acting heroes—said that the one power he wishes he had for real would be useful to him and his friends: “Teleportation. I think flight would be awesome… But teleportation is instantaneous, and essentially, whatever I’m touching comes with me!”

And the most fascinating thing about people that might be considered superhuman? “I would have to say humanity’s ability to persevere in the face of massive adversity. There have been so many moments in the course of history where… entire groups of people could’ve been wiped out. They banded together and continued to fight on.”

(The show also airs Fridays on Fox.)