Teen Wolf Exclusive: Jeff Davis Talks About Comic-Con, Stiles, The Alpha & More

When it first was announced that Teen Wolf was coming to MTV and played much more seriously than the original Michael J. Fox movie, there was a hesitation, especially among fans who grew up with the original two movies. Then, Teen Wolf finally premiered in June and a lot of the worry had gone away — mostly thanks to some well-written scripts, a great cast, and some really good directing. In fact, Teen Wolf has become a favorite around here at KSiteTV – getting more page views than any other show this summer – and on places like Twitter, where many character names and concepts from the show start popping up on Monday nights when the show is on.

Teen Wolf comes to us from executive producer and writer Jeff Davis, who also created the popular Criminal Minds for CBS. Mr. Davis took some time to participate in an interview with KSiteTV about many of the questions that fans have been on fans’ minds about the show.

Questions are posted in bold; answers are not. Please don’t reproduce this onto other websites – instead, just send people over here to read the interview! Thanks!

KSITETV: Was there a concern about taking on such an iconic franchise, especially after there was an initial criticism from people who wanted more something like the classic movies?

JEFF DAVIS: There was concern yes, but we had every hope as well that people would give us a chance. As a viewer myself, I remember my own trepidation when hearing that Battlestar Galactica would become a TV series. That turned out to be one of my favorite Sci-Fi shows. I wouldn’t compare us to Battlestar but I’d hope that we’d garner the same good will.

KSITETV: Were you relieved when the criticism seemed to die off once the show actually premiered?

DAVIS: Definitely. I think people seemed to figure out that we were really trying to tell entertaining stories and not just trying to cash in on a pre-established brand and a currently popular genre.

KSITETV: How was Comic-Con for you? How different was Comic-Con 2011 when compared to last year’s panel?

DAVIS: Comic-Con was a blast. We felt like over-night sensations. Last year the actors were barely glanced at. This time they were followed by flashing cameras and adoring screams.

KSITE: Was it difficult to go from something like Criminal Minds to a sci-fi teen drama?

DAVIS: Not at all. I’m a lover of genre in general. I’ve written pilots for ABC, CBS, the SyFy Channel and been asked to pitch on both Marvel and DC comic book properties for Warners and Sony. I actually did a rewrite on a script for Voltron when it was set up at New Regency. Criminal Minds grew out of a fascination with psychology and criminal profiling. By marrying those ideas to a thriller plot (something most procedurals don’t do) I found a story that felt exciting. It’s the same with Teen Wolf. Supernatural creatures mixed with the ups and downs of teenage life make for fun writing.

KSITETV: A lot of KSiteTV readers found the site through their love of Smallville – another series with similar themes. Was there any purposeful influence from Smallville or shows like it?

DAVIS: I watched only the first season of Smallville so I have to admit that I need to do some catch up. The tone of the show comes more from something like Buffy the Vampire Slayer or the movie The Lost Boys. The twists and turns and cliffhangers are definitely inspired by my love of JJ Abrams shows such as Alias and Lost.

KSITETV: Why do you feel Scott can’t tell Allison the truth about himself?

DAVIS: The fear that she’ll no longer love him once she knows the truth.

KSITETV: How does it feel to see Teen Wolf, Stiles, and other elements from the show frequently trending on Twitter on show nights?

DAVIS: It’s pretty exciting. Especially when I see Stiles trending because I know it comes out of a genuine love of the character and of Dylan O’Brien’s phenomenal comedic talents.

KSITETV: Has there been anything about the fan reaction to the show that has surprised you?

DAVIS: I was actually surprised that so few people correctly guessed the identity of the Alpha.

KSITETV: How important was it to you to introduce a mystery – ie, “Who is the Alpha?” – early on into the series?

DAVIS: Very important. In new shows, you really need to draw in an audience as quickly as possible to secure ratings. I hate that the business is so focused on ratings, but as businessman I understand it. The numbers need to be there. A mystery that gets people talking is definitely a method for grabbing more viewers. However, it’s also great for the viewer. You keep them guessing. Wondering. Eagerly anticipating the next episode. As a viewer myself I love big mysteries and I love to be surprised. Much of my approach to writing is often trying to first please myself as an audience member.

KSITETV: Once the Alpha is revealed (however many there may be), will more mysteries follow?

DAVIS: In Season 2, definitely.

KSITETV: Stiles seems really concerned about what Danny thinks of him. Could it be possible that Stiles isn’t into dating females?

DAVIS: Not at the moment. But hey, you know high school. It’s certainly a time of “growth.”

KSITETV:  What can you tease about the remaining episodes of Season One, and do you have a plan or a tease you can offer about Season Two?

DAVIS: Not everyone will make it out alive. And not everyone may make it out… human.

KSITETV: What was your reaction upon getting news of a second season order?

DAVIS: Relief. And elation in the fact that I would continue to get to work with people I love and that I would get to be able to tell more stories in this world.

KSITETV: What’s going on with the webisode series, and how did those come about? How do they tie in with the season’s final episodes?

DAVIS: The webisodes came about through AT&T and tell a supplemental story to the show. They’re a way to give a little more backstory and a little more mythology to the world of Teen Wolf.

KSITETV: Is there any chance we’ll ever see any actors from the old movies in Season 2?

DAVIS: Possibly a cameo or two. I wouldn’t rule it out.

KSITETV: Will we ever learn Stiles’ first name, and do YOU know what it is yourself?

DAVIS: Possibly in the very last episode in the very last season. And yes, I do.

KSITETV: Is there anything else you’d like to say or share with the KSiteTV audience?

DAVIS: I’d like to say thanks for watching!

Teen Wolf airs Mondays at 10PM on MTV. You can find Jeff Davis on Twitter @JeffDavis75. More Teen Wolf coverage can be found here and you can also talk about the show on our forum!