Matt Ryan: Legends Star Has Theater Itch Again

Pictured: Matt Ryan as Constantine in the "Nip/Stuck" episode of DC's Legends of Tomorrow. Photo courtesy of The CW.

During a Wizard World Chicago panel to discuss the Arrowverse, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow actor Matt Ryan spoke about performing on TV and stage.

Other panelists in the Arrowverse panel also included Kelly Hu and Teddy Sears.  A member of the audience asked a question about which medium is more challenging or fun.  While Kelly Hu said she doesn’t want to do stage, Teddy Sears commented that he would love to do animation but he’s never been picked.

“I love stage,” Matt Ryan told the audience. “Stage was my first love because you have direct contact with the audience. You’re your own editor, really. After six months and 200 performances of doing a play, you’re like “Get me off the stage!” I find that I get the same when I’ve been doing television or film for too long because I’m like G-d, get me on the stage. I’ve been lucky enough that I’ve been able to switch when I get bored of each medium. I haven’t done a play now for 2 years—2017 was when I last did a play and I’m starting to get that itch again.”

Matt Ryan’s comments could possibly be upsetting for fans who currently enjoy seeing John Constantine on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.  The good news for Legends fans is that Ryan will be back for season 5.  The sad news is that fellow cast members Brandon Routh and Courtney Ford will depart at some point.

Wizard World Chicago will return August 20-23, 2020. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow will return in January 2020.

Danielle Solzman

Danielle Solzman is native of Louisville, KY, and holds a BA in Public Relations from Northern Kentucky University and a MA in Media Communications from Webster University. She roots for her beloved Kentucky Wildcats, St. Louis Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and Boston Celtics. Living less than a mile away from Wrigley Field in Chicago, she is an active reader (sports/entertainment/history/biographies/select fiction) and involved with the Chicago improv scene. She also sees many movies and reviews them. She has previously written for Redbird Rants, Wildcat Blue Nation, and Hidden Remote/Flicksided. From April 2016 through May 2017, her film reviews can be found on Creators.