Interview: Kelly Blatz (Aaron Stone)
On Feb. 13, Disney launches its latest TV channel -- Disney XD. Described by Disney Channel President of Entertainment Gary Marsh as "the new destination for boys on television, online, everywhere they interact with media," Disney XD (which is replacing Toon Disney in the TV lineup) kicks off with new live-action series Aaron Stone.

The show follows avid teen gamer Charlie Landers as he gets pulled into the real-life version of his favorite game, Hero Rising. We spoke with star Kelly Blatz (pictured, left) about how he feels about Charlie/Aaron, the show's messages, and the media's influence on kids.

Common Sense Media: Do you consider Charlie/Aaron a role model?
Kelly Blatz: This is a kid who has the weight of the world on his shoulders -- literally the world. It's his duty to save mankind. Charlie didn't choose this responsibility -- he was chosen. In life, we don't get to choose everything that happens to us or is handed to us. There are many obstacles and challenges that we have to face no matter what. Even though it isn't the world that most of us have to worry about, there are parallel situations that mean the world to us -- such as family and obstacles, which Charlie also has to deal with. He takes on these challenges with great passion and holds on to his values. And he doesn't have super powers. He's just a regular guy like you or me who uses the talents that he has to his advantage.

CSM: What do you hope kids take away from Aaron Stone?
KB: I hope that kids see Charlie/Aaron as someone that they can aspire to be, someone they can emulate and relate to. I want kids to watch the show and realize that they're having the same kinds of problems with girls or balancing homework or winning the big game. I want them to see how Charlie and Aaron take on these problems that we all have to deal with and know that in the end, if you follow your passion, everything works out the way it's supposed to. And I want people to see that Charlie isn't perfect, just like us. But if we stick to what we believe in, we're on the right track for the rest of our lives.

CSM: How do you think media influences kids?
KB: The reason I got into this business is because I was so greatly affected by movies and television. And I think the media can affect kids both positively and negatively. But I think that if we try to control it and restrict it too much, it almost has the opposite effect. Kids are getting more savvy with all of the new technology, and if we try to restrict them, it only makes them want to do what's restricted. We all know life works that way. I do think kids should read more books. I'm an avid reader and believe kids should take the time to balance their lives with everything they do -- school, sports, watching TV, reading books.

Check out our review of Aaaron Stone for more info on the show!