Katie Cassidy excited about MEFCC in Dubai

We chatted with the Arrow star ahead of her appearance at the Middle East Film and Comic Con being held at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 11-13

Daughter of seventies heart-throb David Cassidy, Katie Cassidy has come a long way since starting her career modelling with Abercrombie and Fitch. After making her film debut as Tiffany Madison in the horror When a Stranger Calls (2006), Katie appeared in a number of TV shows, including the long-running fantasy-horror hit Supernatural. Because her career credits include quite a few horror films like Nightmare on Elm Street, Wolves At The Door and the TV series Harper's Island, she's acquired the reputation of being a modern day 'Scream Queen'.
However she is best known today for essaying superhero characters Black Canary and Black Siren on hit shows Arrow, The Flash, and Vixen and will be aptly making her presence felt at the upcoming Middle East Film and Comic Con to be held at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 11-13.
When we chatted with Katie ahead of the convention, she revealed this would be her first time in Dubai. "Outside of the airport, yes," she said, adding that, apart from her appearance at MEFCC, she was looking forward to "meeting all of my fans and exploring."
So is this lovely multi-faceted star (she's also a talented guitarist and pianist) a comic book fan in general?
"I've certainly become one. I grew up playing video games. I guess you could call me a gamer girl," she admitted.
Katie emphasised that playing superheroes has inspired her in real life too. "I feel it's part of my responsibility as a public figure to be a positive role model for others to look up to."
Black Canary is one of DC Comics' oldest super-heroines, and taking on such a cult part was 'rather intimidating,' she revealed. "Black Canary's shoes are big shoes to fill. However, instead of allowing fear to get in my way, I embraced her and took the "bull by its horns".... Black Canary would have done the same."
When asked if she likes dressing up in costume, Katie said, "Ummm yes. Who wouldn't want to dress up in costume to play a super hero!?! It's every little kids dream come true, myself included."
So who is her favourite comic book character of all time? Here's a hint: it's a feline superhero, who first made her appearance in Batman #1 (1940). Yes, you guessed right, Catwoman is "hands down" Katie's favourite comic book character. Will we see her portraying this attractive supervillain/antiheroine of DC comics someday? Only time will tell. In the meantime, head down to Comic Con to catch a glimpse of Katie. And don't forget your costume! We're thinking of going with Black Canary.
Katies's Tribute to Arrow stars
When the CW channel announced the cancellation of Arrow early March (only 10 more episodes will air in the fall of 2019), Katie took to Instagram to post a pic of her Arrow castmates and share her gratitude for working with them. She wrote: "The SQUAD! & Forever my FAMILY. I love u. Thank you for inspiring me each & everyday as artists & individuals. You've helped shape me into the woman I am today. I will be forever grateful!" 
Meet Katie at MEFCC
Visitors will be able to meet with Katie across all three days of the show, as well as get up close and personal, by watching her live in the MEFCC Theatre, where she'll be taking part in celebrity panels and Q&As. Visit the website for full schedules: www.mefcc.com
Quick 5 with Katie!
Your favourite...
. TV series - Homeland
. Film - The Shawshank Redemption
. Actor - Matt Damon
. Actress - Meryl Streep
. Musician/band - the Beatles
 
 
enid@khaleejtimes.com 

• Dubai