I’m Ben McKenzie, and I play Jim Gordon on GOTHAM. Season 3 premieres TONIGHT, September 19 at 8/7c on Fox. So go ahead and AMA.

When you were first approached about the role, did they tell you that you were basically going to play batman with a badge and gun?

Yeah. And with no spandex.

That's when I said yes.

What are your thoughts on Ben Afflecks portrayal as Batman?

he really cares about his mom

How much fun is it playing Clayface? You play it so differently from Jim Gordon and it seems like you're having a great time.

It was an absolute blast. Just tried to imagine the two dimensional cardboard cut out version of Jim Gordon.

What was working on Southland like? Did doing that show change or otherwise inform your views on body cameras and the current controversies around police actions?

It was an amazing show and I miss it.

It was one the best experiences of my life. I definitely think it was ahead of its time in terms of how the police interact with the community they serve.

It would be cool if they had the show run 20 seasons and the child actors playing Batman, Catgirl, and Poison Ivy age into their roles.

Any plan on something like this happening? It would be epic television.

If you keep watching for 20 years, sure.

Which source materials did you use to base your portrayal of Jim Gordon on?

Year One. The Killing Joke.

Hi Ben! You've mostly played serious parts, any chance we get to see you playing in a comedy role? Also any chance of getting the OC crew together for something?

Love doing comedy and want to do more.

Your pauses - face expressions when you pause - are on point. It makes me stop whatever Im thinking or doing lol Did you have to train to do that or do you do it naturally even off camera?

I spend 3 hours every day in the mirror working on it. Not vanity at all, of course.

G'day Ben. What's your favourite meal?

Avocado toast mate

Which Marvel movie is your favorite? Including X-Men and Deadpool.

Deadpool, obviously.

What are some of the way that Donal Logue keeps everyone entertained during lulls in shooting? He's such a funny and talented guy, all the way back to his days on Mtv. He seems like a great guy to hang out with.

He's amazing. Stories for days. Knows everyone and everything.

22 episodes a season and all the interviews, comic cons, even this kind of thing must require a hell of a lot of commitment. How much time do you get with scripts to prepare for episodes? Do you end up filming scenes out of sequence to make the most of the sets?

It's a LOT of work. We get maybe a week with the scripts before shooting. Every scene is shot out of order actually. Sounds crazy, but you get used to it.

Should undies be clean or is simply smelling fresh sufficient?

depends on if you are single

Was it hard changing roles from show to show and playing such differing characters? The OC->Gotham seems like a huge gap.

Yeah, I got to play a cop on Southland, which came in very handy on Gotham. It's always hard to play a new role, but the challenge is also the best part.

How does it feel knowing that you're playing a character in a show that both of which will most assuredly be fondly remembered for generations to come? Do previous Jim Gordons give you inspiration, and do you worry that someone else will play a better Gordon or belittle your portrayal?

Every Gordon is his own Gordon. I'm proud of what we're doing and I hope it lasts.

I remember seeing the movie Junebug and thinking "This kid's got something." Great movie. What was it like working with Amy Adams before she became the megastar that she is today?

Wonderful experience. Amy is just tremendously talented and lovely.

How do you think Gordon's adventures in the show today would influence his relationship with Batman, and his thoughts on the caped crusader, many years down the road?

That's what we are exploring. How Jim's successes and failures inform Bruce's development. It's a long and winding road.

Hi Ben! Thanks for doing this AMA!

How big a part do the court of owls play in Season 3? Was it interesting adapting it from comic books to Live action, especially since they're one of the newer characters on Batman's Villains List?

Court of Owls will be a big part of Season 3.

Hi, Ben! If you could remake any movie and cast yourself in it, which one would you remake and who would you play? :)

Annie

Is it ever weird seeing such kind and caring people, such as Robin Lord Taylor or Cory Micheal Smith, play such dark characters?

Yeah it is actually. They are definitely giving a performance, couldn't be more different than they are in real life.

Wahoowa! Class of 2005 here - what was your favorite spot to hangout on Grounds? What would Jim Gordon's favorite spot have been?

littlejohns!

Hey!

Jim Gordon be more "badass" on S3 than S2?

if that's even possible

When will Jerome/The Joker return?

hmm...

Do you think any lasting effects from Jim's time in prison will show through this season, especially considering majority of his support system is gone?

Yes I think so.

What are your thoughts on Jerome? Do you like Cameron Monaghan?

he's terrific. I think we should have him back. No?

What is the cast of gotham like?

amazingly talented. very professional. proud to lead this ensemble.

I recall reading back in the day that the first thing you got with your OC paycheck was a G35. What're you rolling around in now?

did

NYC. No car!

Hey Ben, love the show! Do you think you'll ever crossover into the CW DC shows?

hard to do. we are an origin story and they take place in present day. maybe with legends of yesterday?

Is Gordon going to support Penguin now that Fish is back? Or will he just keep out of all the Gothamy stuff and start to build a family?

Yeah, he's just gonna leave Gotham and move to Florida. Safer.

Thanks for taking part in this!

Is there an aspect of Jim Gordon's character that you wish he'd change? Obviously, as an actor you're a fan of the character you play, but is there something about him, like a parent with a child, that you'd like to see change about him over time?

I'd like him to become more cagey and less naive. He's getting there, but it's a process.

What would you request for your last meal on death row?

cyanide

Favorite episode of Breaking Bad?

pilot