Halo’s James Ackerson is not a typical, clear-cut villain, as seen in Paramount Plus' take on theHalouniverse, which recently aired its Season 2 finale episode. It’s a role that couldn’t be more suited to actor Joseph Morgan, who plays the new Director of the Spartan program following Halsey’s downfall. Morgan is known for his complex villains or anti-heroes, such as the popular Klaus Mikaelson inThe Vampire DiariesandThe Originals. Similarly, Morgan’s Ackerson has numerous shades and dimensions as seen throughout the show.
In a recent interview with Game Rant, Morgan spoke about his favorite scenes in Season 2. He also talked about how he aimed to create a relatable James Ackerson and why he considers this important, as well as sharing his thoughts on the series' take on Ackerson overall, compared to the greaterHalolore.
Joseph Morgan’s Favorite Scenes in Halo Season 2
When asked about James Ackerson’s scenes with his father, who hasdementia, Morgan described those as his “favorite scenes” and identified the emotional dimension of the character as what initially attracted him to the role. Morgan went on to explain how these particular scenes were “imperative” to create a sense of relatability for audiences:
I thought they were imperative because they gave us a glimpse of Ackerson at his most honest, I think, because he’s with someone that he cares deeply about - his father. I think we saw Ackerson with as many walls down as we’ll probably ever see. That, to me, was very important because I wanted the audience to connect with him. I wanted to find some kind of relatable quality and I thought of him caring for his unwell father who’s suffering from dementia…They might understand the struggle he’s going through in his personal life, so I think that’s important, especially when you’re playing a character who potentially could be painted as a villain.
Dementia is an emotionally distressing condition for its sufferers, for their families, and for their caregivers, often creating feelings of helplessness. It’s an emotional toll that also seems apt for Ackerson to bear as a man on a quest for power, adding a layer of humanity to his otherwise seemingly villainous actions leading to theevents of Reach.
James Ackerson Compared To The Halo Comics
When asked about how the different and more emotional sides of Ackerson’s character compare to lore in theHalocomics, Morgan admitted he’s maybe taken a few liberties but, generally speaking, has stayed true to the character:
I feel like, in general, his comic counterpart was perhaps a little - we saw a little less of the vulnerabilities there. Although, you know, there was that stuff with his brother and the Key of the Osanalan, which I thought was so relatable and kind of cool. But in general, I feel like we’ve stayed true to the character. Maybe I’ve taken a few liberties, but I feel like, in general, it’s the ballpark.
Morgan also added that playing the role has enabled him to “show some vulnerability and insecurity in the character that have previously been hidden.” Some of thelore changes in theHaloTV serieshave been more considerable or controversial than others, but Ackerson seems to have come out on the better side. Either way, time will tell how much Ackerson ventures down a path of redemption, assumingHaloreturns for a third season, and to what extent that path deviates from or remains firmly following the lore.
Halo
Based on the immensely popular video game franchise, Paramount+’s Halo series follows the journey of Master Chief (Pablo Schreiber) and his fellow humans in the future war against the Covenant.
