Princess Isabella has always been one to step outside the damsel in distress archetype and don her armor. Similarly, the actor that plays her, Karen David, is fighting the good fight to save her show. When it was announced over a week ago that Galavant would not be returning to ABC, the loyal fans banded together, hoping true love might bring it back to life. They’ve taken to twitter en masse, contacting the actors, ABC, and other networks with the hashtag #MoreGalavant. A petition to save the show has already garnered more than 10,000 signatures. Many actors, including Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Dave Prowse (the man behind the Darth Vader mask) have also tweeted their support of the show.
And an avid fan, @gemma27, requested that Paste interview Karen David. And we answered, “As you wish.” We caught up with David to talk about how she learned about the show’s cancellation, and what fans can do to join in on the #MoreGalavant movement.
Paste Magazine: The fans have really been rallying behind the show.
Karen David: It’s quite a beautiful thing to witness, to see all these people from all over the world showing their love. Tim [Omundson] and I were on the phone the other day, completely in awe of what is transpiring before our eyes. I can’t begin to tell you how grateful and overwhelmed we are by everyone’s love and support.
Paste: If you couldn’t tell by my reviews, I’m a huge fan of the show. From the acting, to Dan Fogelman’s writing, Alan Menken and Glenn Slater’s music—the show is just fantastic. Why you think fans have become so obsessed?
David: It’s such a unique and special show, there’s really nothing like it on television right now. The one thing we’re all so proud of is that it unifies people from all over the world, from all walks of life, from different age groups. It unites the whole family together to watch good quality television that makes people want to laugh, sing out loud, be silly. And to tap into your inner child—your innocence. Somehow between Alan and Glenn’s magical music, and Dan’s wit and our writing team, it’s brought out the Disney kid in everyone.
Paste: How did you take the news about the show being canceled?
David: Every show gets canceled at some point—you just hope it’s later rather than sooner. For us, we all know that these things happen, but with our show, everyone feels that it deserves another home. And who knows what will happen? The fans are giving us the best possible chance at trying to find a new home. And if it happens, great. And if it doesn’t—that’s alright. Because what we have is the camaraderie and the community of one hell of a fandom that will live on. I have a feeling, like Princess Bride, that this show is going to be discovered by more and more people. Mark Hamill is a huge, huge fan of the show, and ever since he’s been tweeting his support and love for the show, we’ve had so many more new fans that have come in.