The Safe House - Expositions

This week, Bradley Cooper (Alias' Will Tippin) provides the intel every fan needs to know--including what it's really like on set and his own take on the Sydney-Will relationship.

Hey there, Alias-aholics. I'm very pleased to announce a special guest today...the man you've all been waiting for: Bradley Cooper of Alias! Try to keep the drool to a minimum, and we'll jump right in!

Waterdancer asks: I've loved the Will/Francie scenes from last season and this season. Do you think there'll be any sparks between Will and Francie later this season?
Bradley_Cooper replies: You never know with this show. Personally, I've never thought of Francie in that way, as Will, it's just one of those best friend-- male female platonic friendships. But you never know. And luckily we get along well so those scenes are fun.

Farrah asks: Do you have a favorite episode from the last two seasons of Alias? I know it's hard to pick because they all rock!
Bradley_Cooper replies: Hey Farrah. They're all a blur. To be honest. There are moments I remember. I like really odd moments. I LOVE when Dixon falls in the pilot, when he falls backwards, he pretends to be knocked down and have seizure, so Syd can go downstairs and get the device, and he literally falls, like the trust exercise. He did it with trusting, nothing. He actually really hurt himself.

Bradley_Cooper: I also love when Sydney gets hit by the car, she's walking and she's just left Emily and she's walking away and Sloane kidnaps her because he thinks she's a double agent. I love that. And pretty much any scene with Jack. There's a certain scene on the train with Lena Olin that could be my new favorite.

Lauriana asks: How will Will's relationship with Syndey change now that he knows her secret? Will they remain friends or take it one step further?
Bradley_Cooper replies: Clearly, it's a more open relationship now. Before conversations would be about lying to one another and now they're about sharing. And in a lot of ways, tbey're both getting to know each other for the first time. In terms of where it'll go, I've always sort of seen it as a friendship. Not to say that Sydney isn't the hottest woman in television. I would love if it was more, but I don't think it is.

Cricket asks: What's it like working with Michael? Because of your real life friendship, do the two of you ever cause havoc on set?
Bradley_Cooper replies: We have to be careful that the sound isn't on between scenes, that's for sure. The other day we were filming and we were talking between takes and realized we were miked. And that could lend itself to some problems. But I LOVE working with him. It's been what I look foward to this year, are my scenes with him. I feel really lucky to be working with him, to be honest.

noodle_witch asks: Hey Bradley. What attracted you to the Will Tippin character? And did you consider auditioning for any other roles on the show (Vaughn, Danny, etc)?
Bradley_Cooper replies: No. I only auditioned for Will, who's name was then Clay. (My dad used to always call my sister noodle.) What attracted me? JJ. THe script and JJ. The character ... I loved the neophyte. The person who enters into this mythical world with iconic characters and is there for the audience. He's the everyman.

Bradley_Cooper: (laughs) I just wanted to say Neophyte. JJ always uses that word.

Lauren asks: Great job on Alias! I read you were an English major in college. What are some of your favorite books?
Bradley_Cooper replies: Thanks. Lauren. Lolita. I did my thesis on that and I carried a hardback copy of that in my jacket all year. Always had it on me. Geek Love. I love that book. And also A Home at the End of the World by Michael Cunningham. And Ask the Dust by John Fonte.

Natalie asks: How is it having Lena Olin on the cast? I loved yesterday's ep!
Bradley_Cooper replies: Thanks, Natalie. Lena Olin is just incredible. You always hear about how tight the cast is so you can imagine what it would be like for someone to come into that family, and she just immersed herself fully. She's such an asset, not just for the story, but on set. She's as goofy and as funny and as sexy as Jennifer. I sometimes go to work early to see if I can catch her in the makeup trailer, and then pretend that I thought my call time was earlier. "Hey, oh wow, are you working now?"

Jes asks: Why did Will's look change throughout the season? Long blond mane, glasses, to dark short hair sans glasses?
Bradley_Cooper replies: Laser surgery.

Aliasvix asks: What's the craziest thing a fan has ever done for you and sent you? I LOVE YOU!!!!
Bradley_Cooper replies: I LOVE YOU, TOO!!!! This message.

Sher asks: How worried should Alias fans be based on the weekly ratings?
Bradley_Cooper replies: Not at all. Every Monday after the show the network sends down calls of congratulations on the ratings. Apparently we kick ass in the demographics. Not to say that getting up to a 14 share wouldn't make things easier, but I think we're pretty solid. But I have to say, since you opened up the door, I think we need to change our timeslot. I still don't understand how you can go from the Wonderful World of Disney to Alias. I would love to be up against West Wing on Wednesdays. I think we can take em DOWN.

Liz asks: While the show's in hiatus, will you have any projects lined up?
Bradley_Cooper replies: I hope so. I'd love to do anything with a good story. I wouldn't mind something that would take me back to New York.

brent asks: How's it like working with Victor Garber? Are you guys friends off set?
Bradley_Cooper replies: Victor is one of the great guys one can ever meet. He and Michael are my best buddies out here. I can't imagine going through this whole experience without him. From the plane ride from NY together to shoot the pilot to last Saturday night, having dinner together.

Wanda asks: Is it true you call him up and do impressions of him?
Bradley_Cooper replies: Yeah. Unsolicited. I also do a little Sloanage and a little Sark. The guy that everybody does is Kendall, the CIA director. The character of the month is Kendall. Jennifer does mean Kendall impression. It could be one of the most wonderful things to watch ever.

Wanda asks: Can you give us any kind of tease?
Bradley_Cooper replies: Let's just say that in the next six episodes, everything you thought was true, isn't.

Wanda asks: Are we going to see Will become an Agent?
Bradley_Cooper replies: You can't just make Will an agent. The show would be like Scooby Do. It has to happen slowly and believably if they decide to go that way. He certainly ... his street smarts are an asset. But if any sort of total immersion occurs, it's going to be gradual. you can't just cut to a scene of Will saying "I've been training for 6 months in Guatemela and now have the experience to go out on missions." As far out as Alias is, that would be too far out. That said, I would love to see Will release some sort of physical energy.

Wanda asks: Like, with Sydney?
Bradley_Cooper replies: [Laughs.] No, that would be nice. But I don't think it'll happen. I'd just like some guy to piss off Will in a bar. He's ready to cut loose.

Wanda asks: Speaking of cutting loose, Bradley has to go. They're shooting today, and he needs to get over to the set by 5 p.m.
Bradley_Cooper: Bye, everyone. I just want to say ... All of us recognize the support we have from the viewers. And don't think that what you say doesn't have an impact. Because it really, really does.

Okay, guys. Bradley's out of here. Thanks so much for making him feel welcome!

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