In a new interview with SciFiNow, Merlin newcomer Alexander Vlahos talks taking over the role of Mordred in the upcoming 5th season of BBC’s fantasy drama.

Prior to season 5, the role of Mordred had been portrayed by Asa Butterfield; the Mordred casting change was made shortly after Merlin showrunners announced that season 5 would pick up 3 years after the events of season 4 unfolded.

In the interview, Vlahos says that part of taking over the role from Butterfield includes filling the audience in on what they haven’t seen in the years that have passed since we last saw Mordred.

“There’s a big time jump, though, so I’m having to fill in what happened. The audience aren’t stupid, they know it’s a different actor playing the part, so I’m having to bring a little bit of me to it.”

Vlahos is determined to put his own spin on Mordred but one thing did want to do was nail down a very specific trademark expression that Butterfield brought to the role.

“Asa has this great thing where the last time you see him he has this brilliant smile and then he drops it within a second and looks as evil as anything. I wanted to bring that in as a nod to the past and from then onwards it would be my approach to Mordred.”

Merlin returns to television for season 5 sometime this fall.

What do you think of Alexander Vlahos? Do you think he’ll make a good older Mordred?