Jesse Metcalfe – Exclusive Interview

DallasTVshow.com: What made you want to be part of the new Dallas?

Jesse Metcalfe: I was cautious at first because the original is such a landmark series. But once I read the material, the writing and character dynamics felt strong enough to justify returning to that world. It didn’t feel like a novelty — it felt like a continuation with purpose.

DallasTVshow.com: How does the continuation balance honoring the original with appealing to new audiences?

Jesse Metcalfe: The core ingredients are still there — family, power, rivalry, loyalty, betrayal — but the stories are framed for a modern audience. You can jump in without a deep knowledge of the original, and longtime fans still get the sense that the show understands its own DNA.

DallasTVshow.com: Tell us about your character, Christopher Ewing.

Jesse Metcalfe: Christopher represents a more forward-thinking perspective inside the family. He’s driven by ideas about moving beyond the old oil-first mindset, including alternative and cleaner energy. That goal isn’t just personal — it bumps up against the family legacy, which makes for real tension.

DallasTVshow.com: Did you revisit the original series to prepare?

Jesse Metcalfe: I went back to understand the tone and the family dynamics, not to replicate anyone. It helped me get a feel for the world and the relationships so my performance could fit naturally into the larger Ewing story.

DallasTVshow.com: You originally auditioned for a different role. How did you end up as Christopher?

Jesse Metcalfe: I initially read for John Ross, but as the process moved along, it became clear that Christopher was the role that aligned best with me. I connected with his outlook and where he sits emotionally within the family.

DallasTVshow.com: What’s it like working alongside the original cast members?

Jesse Metcalfe: It’s inspiring. There’s a real bond among them, and they bring an energy that sets the tone on set. You learn a lot from their professionalism — not necessarily through speeches or “advice,” but by watching how they work and how seriously they take the material.

DallasTVshow.com: Any memorable moments from filming?

Jesse Metcalfe: We were shooting an emotional scene in a barn, and a cow nearby kept making noise at exactly the wrong moments. It turned a serious setup into something we couldn’t stop laughing at. Eventually they had to move the cow so we could get the scene done.

DallasTVshow.com: How do you feel about your career at this point?

Jesse Metcalfe: I feel fortunate to keep working consistently. I also try to protect my private life — that’s important for staying grounded — and I don’t take opportunities for granted because this business can change quickly.

DallasTVshow.com: What do you hope audiences take away from the new Dallas?

Jesse Metcalfe: I hope viewers see that it’s not just revisiting a title — it’s building a story that can stand on its own. If people connect with the characters and the family conflict, it has real potential to become appointment television again.

DallasTVshow.com: Note for readers:

Editor: This is a transcript-style editorial Q&A based on the on-camera interview. It is paraphrased for clarity and readability and is not a verbatim transcript.