Cassidy has an impressive list of film and television credits that date back to 2003. She has appeared on the TV series Gossip Girl, the horror film When a Stranger Calls and in the blockbuster flick Taken. Her current full time gig, Arrow, returns for its anticipated second season this fall. Katie filled us in on her own personal geeky obsessions, her thoughts on becoming a supergirl at some point, and what else she is working on besides her successful TV show. The Comic-Con Experience It’s crazy! They are die-hard fans there. It’s crazy when you see these fans dress up as the Green Arrow or Black Canary. It’s so cool that people get so excited. I’m a little bit of a geek at heart [laughing], so I really appreciate those things. I like to think the whole thing is really fun. Being A Geek At Heart Growing up I wasn’t into comic books. I was definitely into video games. I was all about Mortal Kombat [and other games like that]. I played a lot of games on my computer. My stepdad was always on the computer. He taught me how to use them at a young age. I always wanted to hang out with him. He would have me break down computers and then build them back up again. He was impressed I could do that—I was 8 when I started working on them. I just always liked gadgets and computers. Stuff like that I really like.
want it to blend in sometimes. There are certain characters I have played that are like that. Other characters I have played, the wardrobe is everything. It just depends. For me, it’s the whole package. For some characters I play I have to put their clothes on. It’s like the character comes to life when I’m in their clothes. The Challenges That Come With Playing Her Character On Arrow, Laurel Lance My craft is always evolving, changing and growing. Everybody has their own technique. I wanted to have a backstory there and make it as specific and detailed as possible [for my character]. For Laurel, I knew who she was. I had to get out of my head and trust myself. I see her as so real, raw and accessible. There are so many layers to her because she is damaged. She has gone through a lot and lost really close people in her life. On Laurel’s comic book alter ego, the superheroine Black Canary When I originally was pitched the show [the creators] brought up the idea of Black Canary. I was definitely attracted to that. I want to do action. I am very supportive of strong women, powerful women. What is better than a woman who is out there kicking ass [laughs]? The creators said ‘it wasn’t a matter of if, but when.’ I understood that. It’s something I’m
twists and turns. There is a lot of crazy drama and so much action. We have such a great cast. I think everyone is going to be more excited about season two than they were season one. Why She Thinks People Love Superheroes So Much Right Now I think it’s timing. It’s how I feel about fashion; I think things don’t go out of style. Style is constantly evolving and eventually things come back around. Don’t throw away those old jeans because they will come back in style in ten years. You go through the hype of vampires. You go through the hype of werewolves. For right now, people are very responsive to comic books and superheroes. But, I don’t think that is something that is just coming on now. Everyone loves Batman. Everyone loves Spider-Man. Everyone loves superheroes because who doesn’t want to be a superhero? There is an attraction to them. It reminds people of their childhood in a way. There is something nostalgic about [superheroes]. What She Is Most Proud Of In Her Career There is a film project I did called Scribbler. It is based on a graphic novel. I shot it last summer and it’s an independent movie. I played a girl who had multiple personality disorder. It was insane. I look like a completely different person. The director let me create whatever I wanted and it’s amazing. I was so
“It’s crazy when you see these fans dress up as the Green Arrow or Black Canary. It’s so cool that people get so excited. I’m a little bit of a geek at heart [laughing], so I really appreciate those things. I think the whole thing is really fun.”
As I’ve gotten older, I have [developed] a huge passion for fashion. I love fashion; everything about it. I think it’s a great way to express yourself. For me, I describe my style as a little tomboy. I like to mix it up. Recently I have been following fashion a lot more closely. I like being unique and creative, and sort of do things that people may conceive as a little bit wrong. I like to wear boy clothes with pumps. I like things like that. I think it’s fun. How Her Love Of Fashion Influences Her Acting Performances It’s all about building a character arc. It’s about doing the background work and script analysis. It ’s about coming up with a backstory that’s legitimate to who the person is. I am drawn to deeper characters. Sometimes the wardrobe isn’t as important [as it is in other instances]. Sometimes you don’t want the wardrobe to speak louder than the characters. You excited about and I can’t wait for it to happen. But, I don’t want it to happen at the wrong time. I want it to happen in the most legitimate and organic way possible. I want us to make the best show possible. If that means I have to wait a little while—then that’s what it means. I’m all about the work and we are all here as a team doing this together. As much as I want it to happen yesterday, I also understand it’s part of the process. I have to practice patience with it. I try not to think about it. I don’t want to get ahead of myself. It’s not the right thing to be focusing on right now. I’m trying to focus on where my character is right now. The Fans And Their Excitement For Her Eventually Becoming Black Canary They ask quite often. I think people are really excited about it. I’m excited for everyone to see what is happening this season [on Arrow]. There are a lot of
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into it. It’s a psychological thriller. It’s dark. It’s gritty. It’s really different. It’s a different character than I have ever played. But, I do feel like there has been some work I’ve done on the show [Arrow] that I am really proud of. I’m so lucky to be on this show and play this character for another season; I hope there are many more seasons. What She Has Planned For Her Future I have a fashion blog I am launching. I have been working on that. I have also been writing on my own. I am writing a movie that is loosely based on a true story. I am also working on a television show; it’s a comedy. I feel like comedy is more my genre. I feel like I have a good understanding of comedy. I also have been looking for projects that I would want to produce.
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