Batman fans have been anxiously anticipating next week’s “Gotham” premiere and the Fox show’s star, Ben McKenzie, who plays a young Commissioner Gordon, is willing to bet that the hype won’t be in vain.
“I’m really proud of it,” McKenzie said during his exclusive interview with TheWrap. “I think it’s going to work, and work really well because I think the episodes we are making are really good. But we will find out soon.”
See video: Ben McKenzie Explores the Origins of Batman’s Villains in ‘Gotham’ Teaser (Video)
McKenzie and Fox previously joined forces for the ratings hit “The O.C.” from creator Josh Schwartz, which became one of the most-watched shows for the 2003-2004 season and launched the now-36-year-old actor’s career.
Will “Gotham” be McKenzie and Fox’s next big hit together?
See video: Ben McKenzie Has Warning for Aspiring Batman Villains in Latest ‘Gotham’ Teaser (Video)
“At the end of the day, the show lives or dies based on if people like it or not,” McKenzie tells TheWrap, describing his character as being “an honest man in a dishonest age.
“He’s not a soft character. He’s a war hero, he’s a little rough around the edges when pushed. He’s pretty brutal when he has to be. But, at the same time, he has a real moral compass.”
Also read: ‘Gotham’ Named Fall’s Most Promising Show by Television Critics Association
“Gotham” is being told through the eyes of Gordon and is an origins story for all of the other well-known characters of this DC Comics universe, including Catwoman, The Penguin, and of course, Bruce Wayne and the eventual Batman.
“Gotham” premieres on Fox on Monday, Sept. 22.
Watch TheWrap’s interview with Ben McKenzie in the clips above and below.