Talented cast members of the comedic masterpiece Resident Alien, Levi Fiehler (Ben), Meredith Garretson (Kate), Jewel Staite (Jules), Sara Tomko, (Asta), Alan Tudyk (Harry), and Alice Wetterlund (D’arcy) joined fans for the panel “Resident Alien: Alien? Guests Among Us” on Saturday at 4PM in the Marriott Atrium Ballroom. Moderator Crispy began the hour by asking the guests what nerdy things they were into. The answers were surprising.
Fiehler was just geeking out while on a service elevator with Edward James Olmos. Tomko has a triforce tattoo, loves all things Zelda, and just got some Zelda earrings. Garretson was wearing some gorgeous silver elf ears that someone had gifted her. She also loves Dune and got to put her hand inside a Bene Gesserit box, and although she didn’t get the pain she was strangely hoping for, she did get a sticker that said, “Fear is the mind-killer.” Wetterlund hosts a Star Trek podcast and loves everything Trek. Tudyk loves Widows Bay and is ready for a rewatch.
As with his panels in previous years, Tudyk gave out silly “treats” to each attendee who asked a good question. The first was an autographed but empty bag of Skinny Pop. In return, the recipient gave him a folding yardstick for his collection. Tudyk proceeded to play with it and read its printed advertisement for a local store. He says that kind is the best.
Other prizes Tudyk gave during the panel included a page he’d partly colored, a poster for Once We Were Spacemen (the podcast hosted by him and Nathan Fillion, also signed by both), early concept art for the Alien Harry, and his room key—an old one, unfortunately.
When asked how Tudyk developed his alien character, Harry, Tomko jumped in with “his clown class…and AI.” The next question of how they are different from and the same as their characters in the show elicited some unexpected answers. Fiehler said he’s much the same. They’re both uptight and like to “run out the crazy,” but he’s never been a mayor. Wetterlund admitted that she can’t ski. Staite said she’s not really a mantid. Tomko doesn’t wear jeans or leather but likes doing the right thing. As for Tudyk, he likes pizza, but “I’m not really an alien—I swear,” he says, just like Harry would.
Staite reminisced about all the things Tudyk didn’t warn her about when he offered her a part on the show: hanging from the ceiling in the cocoon, the webs, the slime, and being thrown to the floor facedown. At that moment, she was wondering if she’d ever speak to him again. She laughingly blamed herself for not realizing that something was going to happen when they asked her if she was claustrophobic. While she told the story, Tudyk was grinning like a mischievous kid.
Each actor took something from the show. Alan got a Bridget for the Christmas tree, Wetterlund pretended to be emotionally bonded to the espresso machine (which had already gone to a producer’s niece) and ended up with some of D’arcy’s clothes, Fiehler took some of Tudyk’s clothes because they were very nice and fit him, and Tomko has the leather jacket.
Tudyk’s antics kept everyone entertained on the set. One time he was playing with a cadaver’s intestines, and Tomko had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing.
When asked to mimic Harry’s two famous taglines, Wetterlund used a high-pitched voice with a British accent. So, Tudyk demonstrated. To the crowd’s delight, Fiehler repeated it with surprising accuracy.
The cast had grown so close that it was difficult for them to say goodbye at the end. They recalled hugging each other, crying, and then noticing that Tudyk was gone. “I hate goodbyes,” he admitted, because they’re so painful. So, he ghosted them. As the panel wrapped up, the audience hoped this wouldn’t be a final goodbye to this funny and beloved cast.
