‘Lucifer’ showrunners share why Tom Ellis fit the role of the handsome devil

Fans can go on and on about why Tom Ellis is the perfect person to play “Lucifer.”

But just what was it about the dreamy Welsh actor that made him fit to play the tall, handsome crime-solving devil on the TV show?

Just before Season 5 arrived on Netflix this month, “Lucifer” showrunners Joe Henderson and Ildy Modrovich were kind enough to share what they were going for when they were creating the character.

“The key of the Lucifer character was making him relatable,” Henderson told GMA News Online in an email interview.

“Once we realized he was just a teenager who wanted to be loved, who had all these emotions he didn’t understand, we got it. He’s Peter Pan, he doesn’t know how to grow up … but deep down, whether or not he admits it, he wants to,” he said.

“Everyone can connect with that in some way, and as long as we explore his story through that lens, he’s not the devil. He’s just a person learning how to grow,” he added.

Modrovich, on the other hand, pointed out how “honest” this version of Lucifer was.

“The devil is usually depicted as being a liar … someone who deceives and manipulates people. So, watching him just blurt out the truth, is not only a hilarious kind of wish-fulfilment, but infuses the character with an inherent integrity,” she said.

As for their star actor, the showrunner shared how Tom Ellis contributed more than just charm to Lucifer’s character.

“We also wanted our devil to be the most charming he could possibly be, and of course, Tom could not be MORE charming. But what makes Tom Ellis’ portrayal so special, is that no matter how charming, debonair, or in control he is, he’s always conveyed a vulnerability underneath it all,” Modrovich said.

“And he’s done it from the very first episode! Which is why we’ve all been able to have a little (or rather, a LOT of) sympathy for the devil,” she added.

“Lucifer” Season 5 arrived on Netflix Aug. 21.

Fans who miss seeing Tom Ellis as the Prince of Darkness are in for a treat because they'll be seeing not one, but two Lucifers this season.

There’s also a scene where Lucifer speaks Tagalog, and a special noir episode that will answer a lot of questions. – RC, GMA News