Zach Gilford has been making waves with his portrayal of serial killer Elias Voit on Criminal Minds: Evolution. In an exclusive interview, Gilford shared his approach to the role, aiming to make the audience like him despite playing a villainous character.
The first season of Criminal Minds: Evolution introduced Voit as the main antagonist, with the BAU hunting him down throughout the season. Despite Voit's dark past and involvement in criminal activities, the writers strategically portrayed him in a way that showcased his complexities, including his role as a loving father.
Gilford's performance as Voit resonated with fans, leading to his character becoming a fan favorite. The actor credited the writers for giving him a compelling role that stood out from typical procedural crime show villains.
Season 2 of Criminal Minds: Evolution saw Voit taking on a new role as a criminal consultant for the BAU while behind bars. Gilford enjoyed the creative freedom he had in ad-libbing some of Voit's lines, adding a playful element to the character.
Off-screen, Gilford engaged with fans by playfully trolling them, showcasing his sense of humor and connection to the show's audience. Despite not being very active on social media, he found ways to interact with fans and add a personal touch to his portrayal of Voit.
Reflecting on his experience with the Criminal Minds franchise, Gilford expressed gratitude for being part of such a positive and collaborative work environment. He praised the cast and crew for their camaraderie and professionalism, highlighting the supportive atmosphere on set.
Criminal Minds: Evolution has been renewed for a third season, continuing to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling and dynamic characters. Fans can catch the latest episodes streaming on Paramount+.
