Giles Panton‘s career is on fire. The Vancouver actor had an important role in “The Man in the High Castle,” will be in the exciting new TV series “The Last Kids on Earth,” and is returning to “Supernatural” this Thurs. Apr. 18, 2019 for the episode ‘Jack in the Box.’ When he can carve out spare time, Giles spends it as we do: He watches some anime and sci-fi, plays video games, and dreams of traveling into space.
Colleen Bement: Hi Giles. It’s such a pleasure to chat with you again. I understand that you’re in Japan and can I just tell you how jealous I am? Do you have a country on your “travel bucket list” that you have yet to visit?
Giles Panton: It’s not so much a nation, but I guess to quote a classic Trek film I’ve always been fascinated by ‘The Undiscovered Country’. I’ve always wanted to go into space and drink a floating sphere of orange juice. That would be one hell of a bucket list achievement. So I’m watching all the Space-X achievements very closely and am realizing they could actually make space tourism affordable to the average traveler in my lifetime. It’s insanely exciting.
CB: Welcome back to “Supernatural” with your role as Harrison Tate in April 18ths episode ‘Jack in the Box.’ Of course no spoilers, but what can you share about your experience on the set?
GP: Thanks! I love working with that team and was lucky to sneak back in before their final season. It’s such a well-oiled machine and they make it very easy to do my job. Also, this character gave me something new to play with. I’m excited to see how it turns out.
CB: The upcoming TV series “The Last Kids on Earth” looks amazing. Was it based on a book, and what are you allowed to share about this super cool project?
GP: This show is going to be huge and yes it’s based on the best selling novel by Max Brallier. The story is both hilarious and touching and the cast is just insane. I mean I get to be in a Mark Hamill cartoon! And it’s wild for me because I play a big range of monsters so I spend most of my time making awful screeches and crazy noises. Story-wise I won’t share much but it’s about a group of kids that get thrown into horrific circumstances and have to adapt or be destroyed…potentially by the many monsters that I voice.
CB: Your fans would love to know what other projects you have in the works. Please tell.
GP: It’s all pretty hush but I have a big video game that I’m working on at the moment. As soon as I can start leaking info about it I will. Also, a fan favorite character of mine, nicknamed the Waffle King, is most likely (wink wink) making a return in season four of “Chesapeake Shores.”
CB: You were fabulous in what I consider to be one of the finest shows on TV, “The Man in the High Castle.” What was it like to be part of the series?
GP: This show was a game changer for me. The size and budget of the production were mind-blowing. Every time I walked on that set I was in awe. And creating Billy Turner was such a collaboration. I had a lot of conversations with the showrunner Dan Percival as we crafted who this guy was. To say I’m honored to be part of it is an understatement.
CB: Your filmography is incredible. How in the world do you find time to chill out? When you do sneak some time for yourself, what do you like to do? Do you ever get to play the drums? Snowboard? Skate?
GP: I would say the last couple of years have been insanely busy. To find serious chill time. I literally needed to carve time out of my schedule and say I’m unavailable to audition or work. That can be a bit scary to do in a career that’s as volatile as acting but when it gets as busy as it’s been for me you need downtime or you’ll burn out. Aside from that I’m a huge nerd and love relaxing by watching some anime, great sci-fi or thriller tv, or playing a video game. A drink on the patio is a nice mini reset button as well.