Sujaya Dasgupta is a rising star in the entertainment industry and is quickly making an impact with appearances in Netflix’s Shadow and Bone and she’s even dropped by CBS’ Ghosts. Currently she stars as Kavita in the new Apple TV+ series, Shantaram, and we here at NTG had the honor of sitting down with Sujaya to discuss her new role and this series.
​
John Betancourt: Let’s talk a little bit about what it was that attracted you to this project?

Sujaya Dasgupta: Well, when I first read the sides, when I was auditioning, what really stood out to me was… was the writing of this character, this woman who was a modern Indian woman, who is so hungry and eager to prove herself, make her mark in her industry of journalism. And, you know, her storyline and her character was so independent of, you know, men and that stereotype, and that often stereotype that is written for South Asian women, it just didn't… it was not there in this script. And I was so drawn to that. That, you know, here's this powerful, independent woman who speaks her mind, is fearless. And she is chasing a story that will prove herself and prove to herself that she's as talented and capable, and fearless as her male counterparts. So that was the initial kind of thing that jumped out at me when I read it.

John Betancourt: So, getting into your character a little further. Let’s talk more about those things that attracted you to her as an actor. So, aside from jumping off of the page, what is it about the nuances of the character that made you want to play her.

Sujaya Dasgupta: Well, the journey through the whole series is such a rich one, and the arc as well that she goes on, it's one of the most exciting arcs in the show, I think. So, for me, as an actor to play that, you know, there was so much meat that I could get my teeth into, it's a really bad analogy. And I'm vegetarian. So that doesn't make any sense. (laughter) But it was so rich, and like you just said the nuance and subtleties in his character. It's not often that you get to read a part or play a part like this, especially for South Asian women, because, you know, it kind of plays against that stereotype of “subservient” and “reserved” or “stay at home” sort of woman. And we addressed that in the show as well, you know.

And also, for me, it was just so interesting to dissect and analyze, you know, who this woman is, you know, what, what happened in her life? And, you know, what, what drove her to, to this place we meet her in now. And, you know, I love for me, as an actor, I love doing a lot of prep. So, I love doing a lot of research and asking a lot of questions about the character before I jump in, you know, who is this woman? Where does she come from? Why does she say the things she does, and you know, what drives her? And it was such a, you know, we were given such a rich context as well, given that we had the book, but also this script, which enabled me to dig deeper and deeper. That, I could because of the script, everything was in the script. And I tried to find out as much as I could from the script, and then fill in the blanks and flesh this character out as much as I could. But yeah, I really hope I've done the script, justice and, and provided you know, the nuances and subtleties that this character deserves as well.

John Betancourt: I would say so. 

Sunjaya Dasgupta: Oh, brilliant!

John Betancourt: Now something I love about this show is that is among other things, grounded in the search for meaning for the characters. What would you ultimately say Kavita is searching for in this story?

Sujaya Dasgupta: I think she's really… she's really tired of where she is at the moment with her career where we… where we meet her in tonight's episode, in Episode Five, you know, she's really tired and just over the fact that she has to keep writing these trivial pieces about celebrities and that's all they see her as capable of and perhaps she's so hungry and searching for that for you know, what she thinks is the one story that will get her name out there and not just for, you know, selfish desires. She really does want to change the world. I think. I think she really wants to be one of those people that can use their position to do good and to amplify or showcase the real-life problems that were in Mumbai and Bombay and India at the time and be the forerunner in that. And also, just to prove it to herself and prove it to others that she is as capable as her male counterparts. And especially in such a male dominated industry like journalism, she has to work twice as hard to get to the same place as her male counterparts. So, I think she really is hungry for that one story that will show everyone what she can do. And I think that's what she's searching for… during this show, this season, anyway.

John Betancourt: Now with this series being set in such a vastly different era of time, how did you as an actor prepare yourself for an era (the 1980s) that is just so foreign and behind us now.

Sujaya Dasgupta: Yeah, the 80s. So far, far back, I watched a lot of 80s movies. My mom recommended actually. So, Hindi movies, ask me what they were, and I'll completely forget off the top of my head. (laughter from Sujaya and John) But there are a lot of because I really looked at Shabana Azmi, who's a brilliant actress. And she did a lot of wonderful issue-based films in the 80s. And I watched a lot of those. And I researched female journalists, especially those who were writing in the 80s. And then before that, just to gain a bit of context about what that world would have been, like, you know, being a journalist, especially a female journalist back then, and you know, how far they had come by then. And the challenges. And I read a couple of books as well that, that wrote about personal accounts of female journalists writing at the time, and they wrote a lot about kind of, you know, how, because it was so male dominated, how difficult that made it for the women working in this industry, which is nothing new. And it's just the same sort of, you know, sexism and just massive challenges, but cultural challenges as well.

So it wasn't just in the workplace, it was outside of the workplace. So, all of that stuff factors in especially, you know, yes, during the 80s, I looked at a lot of the fashion as well, and the hair, because, you know, the whole look of it, as well informs the character, and the costume and things like that. So that helped. And the accent, I really listened to Shabana Azmi, when she did interviews in the 80s, Amrita Singh as well, I listened to. And just because, you know, they wouldn't speak exactly how they would now, you know… it would be, especially from considering backgrounds as well, and class and upbringing, it would be a very specific sort of accent. So those were the kinds of things that I was looking at to kind of base myself in that era of the 80s.

John Betancourt: Now I’m also a big fan of how this show is laden with some positive and hopeful messaging. What is the number one message you hope that audiences take away from this season?

Sujaya Dasgupta: I think exactly what you said… there is a sense of hope, because every single character in this in this show has a past or something they're almost running away from or searching for or trying to get away from. And everyone is on this path and individually, and, also how they come together, how it all interweaves. And entwines, and it's so interesting to see, to see how each life affects the next. But that sense of hope that you know, no matter where you've come from, and where you know, what walk of life you're from, it doesn't have to define where you're going, you know, you can absolutely change things for the good. And it does have that hopeful message, you know, for instance, Lin running away from his past. He really wants to become the man that he, you know, and see the man that he wants to be when he looks in the mirror and the man that the other characters see him as you know, he really wants to see that, and it is that hopeful message of it doesn't matter. That kind of sordid past that you've had. If your intentions are good and you and you want to change, there is absolutely a possibility to change.

John Betancourt: That’s kind of what I’ve gathered too. He’s pushing in that direction. Slowly getting there.

Sujaya Dasgupta: Yeah! Slowly, slowly.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for you today, what are you most proud of when it comes to your work on the show?

Sujaya Dasgupta: Wow, that's a good question. I… I think, for me, personally, I loved… because I love… just me, I'm, I'm a prep geek, I love doing prep, I love researching. And I think this… because of time as well because we did it during the height of COVID in two different countries. It enabled you to do intense work. And I think that let me get into her skin a bit more, maybe more than I would have if the situation was any different. So, I think the amount of prep that I did I'm quite proud of, but also just getting as a collective, getting through and making this during COVID. And we did it and we, you know, it doesn't matter what challenges were thrown at us it. It was just a testament to everyone's hard work that we did it and everyone was so positive as well. And I think for me, personally, just the challenges that that threw as well. You know, it was a long, it was a long process. It was a long filming process. But I think the way we all dealt with it, and me included, I think we can all be really proud of that and what we've produced as well.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

​It takes a lot to bring a television show to the small screen, and one of the most important pieces of that puzzle are the people at the top of the show. For they direct its vision and oversee its assembly and we here at Nerds That Geek were fortunate enough to talk with the brain trust of the Disney+ series, The Mysterious Benedict Society, before season two premieres. To gain insight on what the show means to Executive Producers and Creators, Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi and Executive Producers and Showrunners: Darren Swimmer and Todd Slavkin and what they hope people take away from season two of this delightful show!

John Betancourt: Let’s talk about how this show came to life in the first place.

Phil Hay: We were sent the books by Trenton Lee Stewart and immediately just fell in love with them. And that launched a process of really trying to get it set up and made, which took years actually, and, you know, that seems to be our trend. Matt and I, it takes years for us to get things going. But once we do, we're really, really happy we got there. And we got together with James Bobin, who directed the pilot and the first episode of second season, and started collaborating with him on it, and long story short years later, we had the opportunity to make the show. It began at Hulu, and then it moved to Disney Plus, which actually is the perfect the perfect home for it. And it's just been a pretty spectacular experience from beginning to end.

John Betancourt: Matt, anything to add?

Matt Manfredi: No, Phil told it accurately.

Phil Hay: Thank you, Matt!

John Betancourt: What does it mean for each of you for this have to have come to life and hit a second season and be embraced by fans?

Matt Manfredi: It's been really, it's been really gratifying. And it's, you know, it's the goal… without sounding too, you know, whatever… to bring something joyous into the world. And, you know, it's really fun to make a show where empathy is the superpower. And, kids who are different, are embraced. And the thing that makes them different is the thing that helps them succeed. And getting to do another season of it is just kind of a dream come true. So, it's been really, it's been really gratifying, when it connects with people.

Phil Hay: I would add that we've done, you know, over the course of our career… we’ve done movies in very different registers, you know, and they all are different, and they all are different experiences. And this, it's been really wonderful to get to play in this sort of joyous… but very soulful, and hopefully very meaningful world. So, it's been really great and unique for us.

John Betancourt: What are you both hoping audiences take away from season two?

Phil Hay: What I'd love for them to walk away with is… is A. just the feeling of feeling closer and closer to these characters and feeling… it's funny, I'd say like… to feel like the love for their fellow person, you know, like to feel like that, you know, connection is possible and that the things that make us really… make these kids unique are their strengths and not their weakness, and those aren't weaknesses, like being different is actually kind of a wonderful thing. Especially if you can find other people that can support that. So that's a feeling that I'd love for people to have.

Matt Manfredi: Yeah, I think one of our one of our guiding principles in this season and last season is it's not, and our characters kind of play out this ethos, it's not that they win or lose. It's how they do it.

Phil Hay: Yeah, it's the means versus ends, you know? The means is important.

John Betancourt: What are you each most proud of when it comes to your work on this show?

Matt Manfredi: I think it's making a show where we can kind of explore characters in unique ways. Just to go off on these tangents, just have these flashes, that illuminate people and, again, showing people that just because you're different, it's actually a good thing. You know, it having empathy actually is a strength, not a weakness. And so, I'm proud of putting a show that says that out in the world.

Phil Hay: And I'm very proud of that too. And I'm also proud of our cast and crew and their… first of all the sacrifices they made in the first season to make the show during the pandemic where it was very difficult like very lonely, you know? They had to really, really rely on each other. And it's sort of wonderful… I'm really proud of what good spirits our cast and crew have, and, you know, there's just… you’re really lucky when not only are the kids, that are playing their parts great, but their families are great, and they're very supportive of the journey, and all of our adult actors are wonderful and it really does feel like a lot of people, you know, they say like, “Oh, this show feels like a family.” This one really does. People really care about each other, and I'm really proud of that.

The Mysterious Benedict Society returns for its second season on Wednesday and we here at Nerds That Geek were lucky enough to sit down a bevy of cast members from the show to discuss this year’s adventures. So, without further ado here is what Mystic Inscho (“Reynie Muldoon”), Marta Kessler (“Constance Contriare”), Seth Carr (“George ‘Sticky’ Washington”), Emmy DeOliveira (“Kate Wetherall”), Gia Sandhu (“Ms. Perumal”), and MaameYaa Baofo (“Rhonda Kazembe”) had to say about season two!
​
John Betancourt: What does it mean to each of you to be a part of a franchise that is so unique and original?

MaameYaa Baofo: It's an honor. I mean, I feel like being a part of this production, this cast, is part of being a society, you know, a society member myself, you know? Like, I'm part of a cool society, which is this show? And I know, Gia has mentioned this a couple of times, but, um, just to be part of this production, you know, that started filming, in the middle of a pandemic, and, you know, with what the whole story is about, you know, empathy and true happiness. And, in the midst of all of this chaos, it's something that will be with me forever, you know? It's timely, and it's timeless. And it is an honor to be part of, of something that is so inspiring, not just to kids, but to adults as well.

Gia Sandhu: I completely echo everything that MaameYaa just said, it's such a wonderful journey. And it's truly an inspiring cast. And since it's an inspiring story to work on, so yeah, likewise, I just feel really fortunate.

Emmy DeOliveira: Yeah, it's amazing. It's, it's really cool to be part of something like this, where, of course, it's based on the book. So, there's already kind of a dedicated fan base, going into it. And then just like being able to pick up this character, and then being able to carry on with it, like as now we're having a second season. It's, it's really, it's really something.

Seth Carr: Um, yeah, it feels great to be a part of a franchise like this. A franchise that is back and is very loving. And I'm just really honored to be a part of something as great as this.

Marta Kessler: I'm really happy to be in the show, of course, and especially in the second season, and I'm really happy to have Constance as my character, and she's actually a really unique character, and I've never had that type of character before. It's a lot of experience for me.

Mystic Inscho: Yeah, it's really, it's a really great opportunity to play this character. And like all the kids, all my classmates in school, they've all watched the show, and they all say like, “You're really great.” And that's cool.

John Betancourt: What are you most looking forward to audiences to experiencing in season two?

Seth Carr: What I'm looking forward to is definitely not only how it comes out, but how the audience responds to it, because that is a big part of why we do what we do. And I'm really hoping for them to get… misled over everything they're seeing.

Emmy DeOliveira: I think I'm the most excited for people to see all of the new like relationships that happen in the new season, there are so many new characters that are introduced. And there are some characters that are reintroduced. So just getting to be with everyone again, and I think, just like the development that the characters have, and then in terms of like that, and then how they grow and how they interact with one another. I think fans are gonna really enjoy seeing that.

Mystic Inscho: I'm really excited for everyone to see the new changes that not only Rainey, but all the kids go through. And just the new adventures we go to, we filmed on location most of the time. So, you'll see a lot of different settings. And Rainey has an outburst. I don't want to spoil too much, but you’ll have to watch to find out.

Marta Kessler: Well, I think I am most excited about how we will have our changes. And Constance will have a lot of unexpected changes. And I think the audience would like to see this too, and we will have a lot of unexpected turns in the second season itself.

John Betancourt: What are you each hoping the audiences takes away from this season from a message standpoint?

Gia Sandhu: I think this season is really, really interesting. And it's actually very layered, and I think, very complex, but presented as you know, as a parable in a way. And I think, you know, the idea that Dr. Curtain has this “fix you” remedy, which is happiness, you know, a false state of happiness, I think that that's something that our society is really grappling with those ideas of, you know, what, what is true happiness? You know, we've all had so much time to reflect on our lives and think about, what's actually important. And I think that sometimes there is this, it almost feels in his case, it's very sinister, you know, this kind of wash that, you know, people think might be the solution that, “I should feel happy all the time. I'm gonna put all my efforts towards that.” And I think it can be very, very misleading. So, I hope that the takeaway really is that is what the children are presenting, you know, as the alternative to Curtain’s argument that, actually, our reality is complex, and there are ups and their downs and accepting reality for what it is, is actually probably the source of true happiness.

MaameYaa Baofo: I mean, I think Gia said that really well. And I think also it's about finding happiness within yourself, you know, and being happy with who you are. Because someone who is projecting the way Curtain does, you know, that there's, I mean, we see in season one, why he is the way he is, and, you know, I guess it takes time to get past that. But especially for kids, this false sense of happiness, social media, or you know, self-loathing, and all of that like to really be happy with who you are. And if you're not happy with who you are, to find out why that is, and to work on it for you, not to impress anybody else, or to get likes or anything like that. But you know, at the end of the day, you have you. And that's the most important thing. YOU… being happy with yourself.

Emmy DeOliveira: I think that a big part of the second season that I think is a good lesson for people to take away from the show is about change, and how change is important. And how even more so than that, I think how people change is a big part of it. Just seeing how the characters grow and how they evolve, I think is really good. I think it really shows how change is important and how it's a part of life and how anyone can change.

Seth Carr: I would have to say family. Our family comes in all different shapes, sizes, colors, you don't need to be blood related to be family. And I feel like that really plays a big part in the second season.

Marta Kessler: Well, there's an important message about happiness, for example, what is happiness? There is fake happiness, which Dr. Curtain created. And I think that there can be an emotion with fake happiness. Just like in the Disney movie, Inside Out, and happiness can be created with different emotions, like different emotions can be a part of happiness. For example, when you miss somebody, you are sad, but you are happy, because you know how much you love that person. And I think one really important theme in season two is about happiness.

Mystic Inscho: I think the second season goes on the idea of like found family. Because all the kids come together to form one family, they're all orphans. And they come together, and they really trust each other. And they're more confident with each other now, and I also think something else is like the process of winning, because like if you watch season two, Curtain is being praised as the person who solved “The Emergency,” even though the society did everything right. You know, they stopped “The emergency,” they fought Curtain, but Curtain in peace is being praised. So, I think the process of doing what's right is really interesting.

John Betancourt: What are you most proud of when it comes to your time on this show?

MaameYaa Baofo: I'm proud to be part of a show that expresses everything that we've just said. I'm proud of the diversity of our show. And I'm proud of just who… who everyone is on the show. Like we're not just cast members, we're also friends, you know, beyond the show and so it's… I'm very fortunate and I don't take it for granted.

Gia Sandhu: I have so much love for the fact that we get to make a show that's so hopeful and has such a wonderful message for young people, some of what we discussed. And also yeah, what MaameYaa said. I mean, it's great to just be on a show where your cast members, you know, start to feel like family and you just get to go to work and you have a great time working with comedians, is so special, and yeah, we just have this, you know, like there's an abundance of, like happiness. Truly, when we when we come on to set so it's nice, you know, if you're having a bad day or, you know, things aren't going well to be able to, you know, I guess it's different in our case, but you to be able to go to work and actually just have that be a source of happiness is… I feel very, very lucky and I’m proud for that.

Seth Carr: What I'm proud of is me being able to take on challenges of playing such an intelligent character. Because he does have some very big words that he is saying, and he has a challenge because he's not so much of a sociable person.

Emmy DeOliveira: I think the thing that I'm most proud of is the friends that I've made, I think like being on set, I've made just like, I've made so many amazing friends. And I think I'm really proud of in the show itself… just like… just this character that I guess I've, I guess I've made. Well, I didn't make Kate, but I feel like I'm sort of like a part of her kind of becoming… like a full character and I'm pretty proud of that.

Mystic Inscho: I am really proud of making friends with all these three wonderful kids. And I'm really proud of like, when I'm older, I'll probably look back on this and say, “Hey, I was really great friends with them.” And this was a great opportunity for me.

Marta Kessler: Yeah, I'm really proud to know all the actors, for example, Tony Hale. I'm really proud to know Tony Hale as a person and to get so much experience from the adults and from Kristen Schall who plays Number Two, and with MaameYaa Baofo, who plays Rhonda and everybody, every everybody from the set, I got so much experience, and I'm really proud that I know everybody from the set.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Andrew Orenstein and Luke Matheny are a pair of accomplished writers and producers with numerous credits to their names and currently, they also write and produce the Apple TV+ series, Ghostwriter, among other duties since Luke also directs on the show. Recently we had the opportunity to sit down with both of them to discuss season three of the series, which is now streaming on Apple TV+.
​
John Betancourt: I would love to know, what it means to both of you to be involved and running a storied franchise now heading into its third season?

Andrew Orenstein: It feels amazing. I love the original. Luke's a good friend. I love working with Luke. So, it's really a dream come true. And I love mysteries, and literature. So, kind of a dream job for me.

Luke Matheny: I feel the same way. And as you know, in this third season, we were able to come up with a new mystery. We have a new cast and the same crew up in Toronto. And well, I think we just had a real opportunity to dig a little deeper into social issues than we had before. And because of COVID, things kept getting delayed. So, we had more time to get the scripts better, more time to plan out the shoot, more time to get everything right. And that just artistically, this is an incredibly satisfying experience for me.

John Betancourt: Now you made mention of the cast and story change. Was it always the plan to introduce new cast members and new stories as the series continues along?

Luke Matheny: I think it became evident after we got picked up. And we talked about different ways forward. And I adore the original cast, both as actors and people. But it became clear that there was, well, one… the mystery that they had, we had sort of solved with them felt pretty resolved. And it would be a little tricky to try to prolong the mystery or add implausible complications. So, there was that kind of thing on the table. And then we there was also great hunger in the writer’s room to tackle social issues that were devouring the headlines when we started writing this in the summer of 2020. And we knew we were going to have to retool our approach, which would necessitate a new and very specific cast that we just didn't have in the previous seasons.

John Betancourt: Andrew anything to add?

Andrew Orenstein: No, that’s very well said.

John Betancourt: Now since writing and literature is so important to both of you, what is it like to work on a show that allows you to pay tribute to what you love?

Andrew Orenstein: Yeah, I mean, it's pretty amazing. And one of the deeper hopes of the show, in addition to just the entertainment value is promoting literature and children. Part of the reason why I'm even a writer is because of reading some of the books that we showcase on the show. So, it really gives me a warm feeling. It's really nice.

Luke Matheny: I'm a much lazier person than Andrew. (laughter) So for me, it's very helpful to stand on the shoulders of some of these great books. I mean, it's impossible not to have a fun time adapting Wizard of Oz into a children's program, because you already have these three well-known characters with well-known problems that are emotional and relatable. And you can relate them directly to our human characters that we have. And it just lays out really nicely. And it's extraordinary fun to work on.

John Betancourt: Now out of curiosity, what kind of differences are there from a writing perspective in assembling a show that is as free as this over a traditional series?

Luke Matheny: It's sort of all bonuses for me. If it was a very focused serious mystery the whole time, for instance, that's kind of one vibe that you have to sustain the entire time. Whereas Andrew shepherd's this amazing team of writers and this writers room to give you so many different colors on the palette of light comedy, of suspenseful mystery, of serious heart to hearts, between a mother and daughter about a really serious social issue… that it's great fun and a great experience for a director because you just get to do so many kinds of scenes in the course of a day.

Andrew Orenstein: It's also really fun, from a writing standpoint to look at a whole season and map out a mystery and sort of then the arcs of each character, and then the individual episodes. And from a writing standpoint, to be able to write in one episode; mystery, drama, and comedy is not something that we get to do very often.

John Betancourt: Now, there was mention of social issues being woven into the fabric of this series as well. What kind of challenges did you run into from a writing and production standpoint in making sure that such matters were handled properly?

Andrew Orenstein: Well, on the writing side, we wanted to make sure we were very careful to get it right. And so, we worked with a team of consultants to really educate ourselves and make sure that we got it right. And then we wrote it, and then they also read it and really helped guide us on the writing front, but then the performing front was a whole other, you know challenge.

Luke Matheny: Yeah, I mean, director-ially, the biggest challenge was abject fear of getting it wrong. For instance, in this scene in this first episode, where the Nia character is racially profiled in a rather unexpected moment… the cost of getting that wrong is much greater than another goofy, jokey scene like… you have to get them all right. But that was one you really had to get right. And I was certainly very stressed out on that day. But the actress, Princess Mapp is extraordinary. And she just… everyone could tell how nervous, and anxiety ridden I was, like leading up to it. But once the monitor was -- everyone was looking at the monitor after I yelled action, and she took it over, as all actors must do, like that's the last step, no one was worried about anything. And everything we saw on the screen that day went straight into the cut. And it was, it was a very proud moment for me. And most of all, because I got to work with a great actress.

John Betancourt: What are you most excited for audiences to experience this season?

Luke Matheny: I'm always… in this this kind of programming, I'm just hoping for a truly memorable family viewing experience. That you remember watching it with your family, you remember the conversations you've had with them after it was over.

Andrew Orenstein: I agree with that, though, I also would add is I'm really excited to introduce kids to some of the books and in the case of a song, this year, because, you know, we have The Wizard of Oz and The Mouse and the Motorcycle and Charlotte's Web. And it's talking about the Rolling Stones, like I'm really excited for kids to tune into those things and discover them.

John Betancourt: Out of curiosity, is there a particular book that hasn’t been showcased yet that you’re both dying to get featured on the series?

Andrew Orenstein: I think we both kind of have the same…
Luke Matheny: Yeah.

Andrew Orenstein: Dr. Seuss, we'd love to do Dr. Seuss.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for you today, what are both most proud of when it comes to your work on this show?

Luke Matheny: I'm proud of the cast and crew for pulling off a very technically ambitious and exhausting shoot in the middle of early days of COVID, when it was just very uncertain. If we would be able to shoot it at all, let alone hit it out of the park the way this this crew really did. So, I'm just so appreciative of this cast and crew up in Toronto.

Andrew Orenstein: And I'm in addition to that, also really proud of the stories that we got to tell and, you know, tackle social issues that you don't see very much on children's television. I'm really proud of that work.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and content.

The third season of Ghostwriter gets underway on Apple TV+ on Friday, October 21, 2022, and in anticipation of its arrival, we here at Nerds That Geek were fortunate to sit down with the cast. And here is what Princess K. Mapp, Daire McLeod and Nour Assaf had to say about their roles and this brand-new season of storytelling.
​
John Betancourt: What does it mean to all of you, to be part of such a storied franchise?

Nour Assaf: We are so grateful, you know. This whole journey from the beginning of February of 2021. We filmed through COVID, there was challenges, but we got through them. And we're so thankful for such an amazing cast, crew, production, everyone huge shout out to them.

Daire McLeod: And I think to be part of such a coveted franchise, like you said, that was around since the 90s, which is amazing. And the fact that not only did we get to, you know, continue on the story of that version, we also got to start a completely new one of the reboot! So, I found it was really cool, that, you know, we got to also carry all this literature and all of this, and honoring these classic stories that I feel like everyone's read at some time.

Princess K. Mapp: I really love the fact that we are showcasing very important topics that are happening in our everyday world, like Nia experiencing racism and Samir’s issues. And Charlie's issues, too. We each have issues that people go through. And I'm excited to other people to realize that they're not alone. And we also go through the same things.

John Betancourt: Now since this is basically a playground of a show, where you three get to hang out with mythical characters all day long, how do you as actors maintain that sense of wonder all day?

Princess K. Mapp: Oh, well, to stay in that mindset all day, I guess you just got to really just be positive. And just like, in your own little imaginative world, and with the CGI I think that those scenes were like, at first, I thought they're gonna be really difficult. But imagining something there is not really that hard if you just really put your mind to it. And just like using the magic and mystery that we have in the show into like our acting, it really helped.

Daire McLeod:  I think that the reason that the show you know, staying in that positive and wonder-filled mindset all day, I think it actually… and I'm gonna go into something a little bit but like, when I was like really, really young, I always used to do like these games where I'd be in these fictional worlds, I'd be playing with my friends, we’d like make believe we're princesses one day and then thieves that are like princesses, the next. (Laughter from all) There was always some kind of element though of royalty. I don't know why. (More laugher) But anyways, but it was just really cool. That I got to be part of a story that not only portrays like I said, literature, books, and music, because I'm a musician, but it's like really cool that I got to you know, live in that fantasy worlds for six months. Which was really amazing.

Nour Assaf: Adding on to both of them. Yeah, like the positivity, super important of having that mindset and staying humble to yourself, especially as an actor in this industry. Staying positive all day. Yeah. Samir as a character, he has a Syrian accent. And me being originally Lebanese, my parents have that middle eastern accent. So, it was easy for me to put on that accent. However, it kind of takes away from the acting perspective, as when you're acting normally you have to focus on only acting. And when you're acting with an accent, you have to focus on an accent while acting. So that made it pretty difficult. And it was a challenge at first, however, I overcame that. And, you know, I think it really helped me grow as an actor. I really enjoyed that experience.

John Betancourt: What would you like audiences to know about your characters in advance?

Daire McLeod: I think what I would want people to know about Charlie, is that Charlie is definitely a “march to the beat of her own drum” kind of girl, me and her both live by the motto “dare to be different.” And I think that she's going to teach everybody, you know, being authentically yourself is what's most important because her conflict through the show is feeling like a second fiddle to her older sister who is perfect, and she is beautiful and smart and has all of these awards and accomplishments. And I feel like that makes Charlie sometimes feel, you know, like she's not enough as herself because, you know, magician, wanting, and her parents want her to get into the painting business when she doesn't really want to. So, I think that's going to be something that could inspire people, because it's talking about that even if sometimes it gets tough to be yourself that you always have to be that way.

Princess K. Mapp: For Nia, I think everyone should know that at first, she is not really a team player, she is a… to herself straight to the point kind of girl. And she loves her own company like she is fine with it. And she's been comfortable with that for a while. So, when she goes throughout this journey with Samir, and Charlie, it's such a new environment for her. So, she's kind of hard at first, but you get to see the character development throughout the show and how much stronger and more lovable Nia becomes.

Daire McLeod: Oh yes, so lovable. (Laughter from all)

Nour Assaf: Yeah, so Samir. He's a Syrian refugee. And throughout the show, he goes through many, many situations where he's feeling differently. And he's… you know… it's not fair. And I just want little, little boys and girls across the world who might be going through the same thing as Samir to be inspired and to know that they're not alone. And they're going through this together, and hopefully, this can bring awareness to the public.

John Betancourt: That and something Princess mentioned earlier, actually leads me right into my next question. What does it mean to each of you personally, to be part of a show that is working to tackle some important topics and start some important discussions?

Nour Assaf: Yeah, I'm super grateful to be a part of a show like this. Because if you look at these, like all these shows that are being released and these movies, they don't really focus on much of real-world issues that people are going through. And that's what I really, really liked about the season. And it really brought attention to me.

Princess K. Mapp: Yeah, like I'm honestly really honored to be on the show where we’re showcasing these true events, because this is really happening in the real world. And it's really important and people need to know that this is happening. Nia’s character is another girl out there going through the same thing. So, Nia and others are out there going through the same thing. And there are millions of kids like that, and millions of people going through that today. And I'm very happy that we get to showcase that, and show that that they're not alone, and that we're here and what our characters do after that, and how they grow and how they become powerful, instead of letting that change who they are, and define who they are.

Nour Assaf: One hundred percent.

Daire McLeod: Yeah. And I think for me, it's just, it's so cool to be a part of a show, that's not only tackling the social issues, but tackling the issue of, you know, literature and all of that, and how people, you know, I feel sometimes get absorbed in the things that don't matter, the materialistic things. The things about social media and appearances. And it's, I think it's really cool that we're not only tackling the issues that are very prevalent and very heavily, not only discussed today, but also have been needed to be discussed for years.

Princess K. Mapp: Centuries.

Nour Assaf: Yeah, like right now the world is really, really revolved around electronics and social media and what happens here and what happens there. While this show what's different about it is how it really focus on reading and literature and magic and mystical things. You know, it's a reimagining of the hit early 90s show, and we're rebooting it now. And I'm so grateful.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for all of you today, what are each of you most proud of when it comes to your time on this show?

Princess K. Mapp: Well, like I said before, I'm very proud of Nia because of what she's gone through. And to show afterwards how powerful and the activist she becomes because Nia did not let that change her. She made it, she let it become better. She made it, she’s grown from it. And she, she changed from it. And I'm very happy that people can see that and to learn from that and to apply that in their own life.

Daire McLeod: I think… ah… and I'm starting to get emotional a little bit. I've like always wanted to do this. Since I was like 12. Like… whoa… sorry. So that was like, as soon as I stepped on stage for local theater productions for a little theater camp that I was in. And you know, the idea is that I got to… oh… gosh… live out my dreams for first six months was really cool.

Nour Assaf: Oh, yeah, I'm super proud of the show for you know, being that different show out there. Not that not that same show that always focuses on the genre, like, comedy, action, thriller. Those shows and movies are great, but I'm really proud of how this isn't. It's different. It's really… it's really sending a message out to the world.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Katie Chang is an accomplished actor one that has graced both the silver and small screen and she has even provided her voice to multiple projects along the way. Currently she stars as Maddie on the AMC+ series Pantheon, and we here at Nerds That Geek were fortunate to sit down with Katie to discuss her role and her thoughts on the show’s fascinating commentary.

John Betancourt: What was it that attracted you to this project?

Katie Chang: Okay, initially, but it is only because I pride myself on my honesty… I was excited to work. Like this was like deep pandemic, at the beginning of the pandemic, I looked at my partner and I said, “Oh, I'm never gonna work. I'm never gonna have a career again, like, this is the end of the world,” you know? Because we were all catastrophizing. So I was just excited, like to get the audition, you know, and every time I get an audition, I'm like, “Oh, me really?” You know, I was I excited to be thought of. When I found out though, that I got the part, and I was able to read the first script -- I was talking to a friend of mine just sort of really basic outlining kind of the themes of the story. He looked at me, he was like, “This is going to be huge; you know, this is going to be really good.” And so, I read the script again, after I talked to him. And I remember thinking, I don't know where this is going. But the one thing that I feel, keeps me invested in any show or movie that I watched, is that I want to know what's going to happen next. And the cool thing about Pantheon and the way each episode ends is you're like, “What just happened?” I need to know what happens next week. I have no idea how we got here. It's so far from where we started, but that's probably what engrossed me the most at once I started working on it was like, I genuinely felt like a fan every time I was recording and I would press Craig, I'd be like, “Tell me what's gonna happen next time.”

John Betancourt: Did he though? Or did he keep it a secret?

Katie Chang: He kept some things a secret. I think, you know, at the beginning, they were still writing. They were still figuring some things out. Eventually he clued me into a lot of the core parts of where we end up in the show. And yeah, I was… safe to say I was amazed.

John Betancourt: Same. There have been several moments now where I’m watching and something epic happens and my jaw just drops.

Katie Chang: So, I have my family, my friends are watching it and they're like, “I cannot believe that happened.” And all I say is “just wait.” If you think it's crazy… Just wait.

John Betancourt: So true. I think that’s why I’ve been savoring and spreading out my watching of this one just a bit. Now, in keeping in mind with interests, I would love to know what attracted you to the role of Maddie.

Katie Chang: I think it still excites me every time I get asked to audition for a part that is written specifically for someone who looks like me and has the racial background that I do. Especially with like… sometimes I get asked to audition for mixed roles, but like the mom is always Asian and the dad is white. But in my family my dad is Korean, and my mom is white. So, like just to have that, so specifically, my family makeup literally represented in the story, that was like my initial in, you know was “Oh! I can identify immediately from that.” And then as I got to know her. I think the thing that I found the most important about her was her the, the interesting relationship between her strength and her youth. I remember when I was younger being headstrong and I remember being stubborn and I'm sure people now would describe me as headstrong and stubborn too as in my in my elder years. (Laughter from Katie and John)

But the thing is when you kind of take, especially knowing what I know now, is when you take stock of everything… her strength kind of outlives her youth because… is she really wrong? She's not wrong about the things she believes. And she's not wrong to pursue the truth that she's pursuing, and to play a character that I agree with? You know, it was honestly, it was enjoyable, it wasn't hard work, because I just felt like I understood why she was doing what she was doing.

John Betancourt: That’s awesome. Love that we’ve got representation in animation. Wonderful to see. Now, shifting gears a bit, something that I am definitely curious about, and correct me if I’m wrong here… but preparation for a voice role versus a standard role are vastly different, are they not?

Katie Chang: They're different. Yeah, they're different. I mean, I was telling someone earlier… you know, to just, like, transcend what you look like, and your physical being, and just let go of all of that, and just focus on conveying a message through your voice, like to be disconnected from being on camera, and just having that extra challenge of how do you tell a story and send a message with your voice alone. That was that was really exciting for me. And I did a lot of work with my acting coach about, you know, breathing and projection and coming from my diaphragm. So, it definitely was a different process. Yeah. But I learned so much. And I don't know, in a way, I almost enjoyed it more. Because it was such a unique challenge that I wasn't used to before I started this.

John Betancourt: Now with that in mind, how did you as an actor get into the mindset of playing Maddie?

Katie Chang: I mean, I feel like I'm perpetually in the mindset of a 15-year-old girl, like, I think my emotional growth got stunted. (Laugher from Katie and John) It wasn't, it wasn't difficult. I also have a 15-year-old sister. So, I sourced a lot of a lot of help from her for sure. Um, to get into Maddie's mindset, though, I think I was thinking a lot about trying to go back to moments in my life where I felt lost, but also when I felt like I had lost something, or someone, and trying to bring back those emotions, trying to bring back the thoughts that I would have. And also, moments where I felt like, I felt such a strong conviction to either find the truth or that something that was existing currently was wrong. You know, and so I think to get into the mindset was a lot of like, looking back into my life and finding maybe, maybe the situations were vastly different, but the emotions were there, and how can I tap into that?

John Betancourt: Now shifting gears again a little bit, I’m curious as to what it means to you to be part of a show that is such a grand and sweeping sci-fi epic.

Katie Chang: I can't. I mean, how much time do we have, it would take me like hours to just articulate how meaningful being a part of Pantheon has been for me, on literally every level. I mean, so… I'll just leave it at that. It is extremely, extremely meaningful. One of the… I definitely think, you know, 10 years from now looking back, I'll be like, “Oh, that was a core experience of my life.” For sure. And the bigger part of it, too, to get to be, you know, written in the same sentences of people that I admire for their careers. And that's always such an honor. And, so, you know… I always feel like I have a foot in the door, but I don't feel ever like I'm fully in the door. I don't want to feel like I'm fully in the door, because I want to keep that fire underneath me. Yeah. It makes me feel like I'm allowed to be here, you know, and that's exciting.

John Betancourt: Now we spoke a little bit about layers earlier, and I want to follow up on that. So, of the many layers and messages present in this show, what’s the one that stood out the most to you?

Katie Chang: Oh my God, what is your what is your humanity worth and what is humanity to begin with? Especially in this day and age… how do you define human? Given the advances we've made in technology and in the show, given what they're able to do with humanity? What is the definition? Do we have to rewrite the dictionary? I think that is the question that the series wants you to think about. And whether you find the answer or not at the end, I think the whole point is to figure it out for yourself. What do you believe in? What is your sense of right and wrong? What is your limit, to how far technology should go?

John Betancourt: That’s very fair, and those are some burning questions for all of us right now.

Katie Chang: Yeah, I mean, sooner rather than later. We're gonna have to figure that out.

John Betancourt: Yeah, exactly. Maybe sooner for sure. Now, once this season has come to its close, what do you hope audiences take away from it?

Katie Chang: One of the things that I think people should be thinking about is like, what would you do in this situation? Let's say you're Maddie, how would you have done anything differently? What would you do with all the information that she uncovers episode after episode? What would you do? If you were Caspian? How would you handle that? Was it Shakespeare? Who was like, “The theater is holds a mirror to ourselves.” I think it might have been Shakespeare or something. But that's, that's what TV and film is supposed to be. It's supposed to reflect back on to us and make us think. So, that's what I hope people do.

John Betancourt: What did you enjoy the most about working on this project?

Katie Chang: Being a fan, being a fan of it, because every time I went in, to record, and would finish an episode, I’d look at Craig on Zoom. And I'd be like, “Are you kidding? I can't imagine what's going to happen next.” I think, though, if I had to pinpoint it, like, my favorite, most impactful moment about working on this show was recording the very, very last episode. And I can't say why.

John Betancourt: No that’s fine! No spoilers. Last question I have for you today, what are you most proud of when it comes to your time on this show?

Katie Chang: I think this show does a really incredible job balancing, the classic stuff that you would think about when you think about the show, like sci-fi, and tech, and world building and all of that. But combining that with like a real family story. And a story about being a teen in this day and age, and a story about love, at a certain point. Various kinds of love, different ways that it looks like to the people who are in it. And I think that's the biggest thing for me, is that beautiful balance that it strikes. Some shows go far in one direction not far and enough in the other. I think Craig has done and can certainly with the work he did, too. They've done such a good job of, of combining the humanity with the questions about humanity. Making you really think about that relationship.
​
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.