Many viewers know Colin Donnell from his role as Tommy Merlyn in The CW series Arrow – one of the first major casualties of the series. Starting November 17 on NBC, Donnell will be starring in the new medical drama Chicago Med as Dr. Connor Bradshaw.
We caught up with Colin Donnell last night at NBC’s summer press tour party for more details about his new role — and also tried to find out if a return to the Arrow universe is in his future.
What can you tell us about your new role on Chicago Med?
I’m a doctor – an attending ER physician. I guess you could qualify me as a “blue collar” doctor. State school educated; a self-made kinda guy.
Does have a good bedside manner?
Yeah. He’s terrific. He’s very much like “get the job done.” Within the confines of the hospital, he’s in his element, and super great, and that’s what he does. Things at home may be a little bit different.
Is he a nicer guy than Tommy Merlyn was?
You’ll find out.
On Arrow, they seem to have brought back everyone from the dead except for one person. What is your response to that?
I’d like to think it’s because I’ve been too busy!
But you know what? I love the show, of course. I love being able to come back when I can. They have done such a cool job of shifting that narrative along and bringing people back, and finding ways to put them in now with Legends of Tomorrow – the way they’ve incorporated the whole idea of time travel now – they’re heading in really fun directions.
Could that time travel aspect be a way we could see Tommy again?
It’s all going to depend on what kind of things are happening with what the schedule permits, with Chicago Med.
How many episodes are planned for the first season of Chicago Med?
We’ve got 13 so far. We start production in mid-September, and I’m also shooting the second season of The Affair as well right now. So it’s a busy Fall. I’m hopping on a plane and going wherever I’m needed.
On Arrow, Malcolm Merlyn currently has access to the Lazarus Pit.
I’ve heard something about that!
Do you – personally, as Colin – think he should use it to try to bring back a loved one who he might have lost?
I think if there was a good reason for it. But the tricky thing is: What would his reason be? Because you’re not the same after you come out of the Lazarus Pit… and he’s been gone for a long time!
Don’t miss Colin Donnell in his new series Chicago Med, premiering November 17 on NBC. The new season of Arrow starts October 7 – hopefully we’ll see Colin there this season as well.
