As 90210 airs the first of eight consecutive new episodes next week, Matt Lanter will be front and center.

The young actor - who has also appeared on Heroes and CSI, among other shows - has come aboard The CW series in the role of bad boy Liam Court.

What does the future hold for he and Naomi? And how is Lanter enjoying his time on set? We asked the rising star during an exclusive interview this week...

TV Fanatic: Liam has been billed as the new Dylan McKay, an iconic character. Do you feel pressure as a result of this comparison?
Matt Lanter: You really can't think that way. I've been through the same thing with Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Lanter voices Anakin Skywalker). I just do what I can to make these characters my own.

TV Fanatic: Were you a fan of the original series?
Lanter: I'm starting to watch it now. I spend a lot of time outdoors, I guess [laughs]. But I bought the first season of Beverly Hills, 90210 to see what all the fuss was about.

TV Fanatic: The original clearly made an attempt to teach viewers a lesson about underage drinking, unprotected sex, etc. How does the new 90210 compare?
Lanter: We make a conscious effort to portray what's really going on in the lives of high school students. There's not as much of a message attached. Times change. Teens are going through different things now than they were five years ago, let alone ten years ago.

TV Fanatic: You've worked mostly with AnnaLynne McCord so far. Can you talk about her as an actress?
Lanter: She's unpredictable, really fun to work with. Definitely says some crazy stuff. But I love her, we have a great time doing scenes together.

TV Fanatic: What's your status on the show? Is Liam a permanent character?
Lanter: I've done 7 or 8 episodes so far. But he's a permanent character. Next season, I'll be a series regular.

TV Fanatic: Can you give us any spoilers for your character?
Lanter: You're gonna see how his relationships evolve with almost all the characters, not just Naomi. Youre gonna see how Liam influences other guys, such as Ethan, in a not-so-good manner.

Source

SO HAPPY I COULD SCREAM \o/

Some of these could be considered SPOILERs for 90210.

( +26 )

*insert squeaky glee*

SO happy that he's finally getting more work! SADLY it's a role on the new 90210 which is a show that bores me to all hell, but I'll still watch. For him. And Aimee Teagarden.

New Matt icons coming shortly. W00T.