Q: Why do you think people love Hiro so much?

A: I'm not sure, exactly. I know why I like him. He's basically a wide-eyed kid full of wonder. He's the kind of person so many of us want to be, but we lose much of that wonder as we grow up and grapple with societal pressures. Also, television is so full of dark, stern characters these days. I think the medium needs some more lightness and optimism.

Q: You mentioned the "lightness" of Hiro. But you've also had to play the future version of the character, who seems more dark and serious. Is that a tough transition?

A: Any time you can play two diverse characters in one show, it's a great acting challenge. And playing Future Hiro is cool. You've got the robes, the sword and the soul patch which, in real life, would have taken me a whole year to grow. You feel like a total bad a** and a chick magnet.

Q: And that's a beautiful thing, right?

A: Absolutely. The first time I put on that costume, I was going around to all the women on the (film) crew and saying, (with deepened voice), "Hey baby, what's up?" They'd all say, "Oh Hiro, you're so studly and cool!" And I'd say, "Yeah, I know."