Hey, guys, welcome to I've never said this before with me Tommy di Dario, So this is a really exciting episode for me because I've always been a huge fan of horror movies ever since I was a kid, and my guest today he is quickly becoming one of the reigning kings of horror. The very talented Mason Gooding joins my show who you will See starring opposite Olivia Holt in the upcoming horror film Heart Eyes Now. Hart Eyes is about a masked killer who terrorizes romantic couples on Valentine's Day, and yes, Mason spends the most romantic night of the year well trying to stay alive. But what I love about this movie it's not just horror. It's a rom com mixed with horror. Yes you hear that correctly. It is so creative, so fresh, and of course it's terrifying. I definitely had a few jump scares watching this movie. I'm not gonna lie, you know, and love Mason from a bunch of other fan favorite projects, perhaps most notably as Chad Meek Smartin in the Scream franchise. I know we are all excited for the seventh installment of that to come out next year. And man, Mason is just a cool dude. Yeah, he's definitely an actor to watch across film and television because he's just fantastic. But he also leads his life with so much heart and thoughtfulness. He's what you call a real one. So let's see if today we can get Mason to say something that he has never said before. Mason, Gooding, my man.

Hey, guys, welcome to I've never said this before with me Tommy di Dario, So this is a really exciting episode for me because I've always been a huge fan of horror movies ever since I was a kid, and my guest today he is quickly becoming one of the reigning kings of horror. The very talented Mason Gooding joins my show who you will See starring opposite Olivia Holt in the upcoming horror film Heart Eyes Now. Hart Eyes is about a masked killer who terrorizes romantic couples on Valentine's Day, and yes, Mason spends the most romantic night of the year well trying to stay alive. But what I love about this movie it's not just horror. It's a rom com mixed with horror. Yes you hear that correctly. It is so creative, so fresh, and of course it's terrifying. I definitely had a few jump scares watching this movie. I'm not gonna lie, you know, and love Mason from a bunch of other fan favorite projects, perhaps most notably as Chad Meek Smartin in the Scream franchise. I know we are all excited for the seventh installment of that to come out next year. And man, Mason is just a cool dude. Yeah, he's definitely an actor to watch across film and television because he's just fantastic. But he also leads his life with so much heart and thoughtfulness. He's what you call a real one. So let's see if today we can get Mason to say something that he has never said before. Mason, Gooding, my man.

Howdy, thank you so much for having me. I'm a big fan of the show.

Howdy, thank you so much for having me. I'm a big fan of the show.

Well, thank you so.

Well, thank you so.

I appreciate you in your time. This means a lot to me.

I appreciate you in your time. This means a lot to me.

Well, I'm very excited to have you. I feel like we're going to become bros very quickly.

Well, I'm very excited to have you. I feel like we're going to become bros very quickly.

We better very this one.

We better very this one.

If you're not cool, I talk to you again.

If you're not cool, I talk to you again.

Yeah, I guess it depends on how this goes pross.

Yeah, I guess it depends on how this goes pross.

There we go, There we go. I didn't want to say it, but.

There we go, There we go. I didn't want to say it, but.

No, I know what time it is.

No, I know what time it is.

That's all right, Well, welcome, Welcome to New York. Man. Thank you for enjoying your time. You're happy to be here.

That's all right, Well, welcome, Welcome to New York. Man. Thank you for enjoying your time. You're happy to be here.

I'm so you know, moving here in about a month. Yeah, I'm going to move and I couldn't be more excited about it. No offense to la. It just feels like that time.

I'm so you know, moving here in about a month. Yeah, I'm going to move and I couldn't be more excited about it. No offense to la. It just feels like that time.

New York's the place.

New York's the place.

New York seems to be the po Well you're here, what else? You're right exactly, that's actually what motivated the move in the first place. So all right, good, thank you for being inspiration.

New York seems to be the po Well you're here, what else? You're right exactly, that's actually what motivated the move in the first place. So all right, good, thank you for being inspiration.

I am here to help you. Man, bless you. Well, that's awesome. I already like you a lot. This is off too good. Sorry, I am so excited for you. You have a lot going on right now. I saw your movie Hard Eyes. It was awesome. I am a big fan of horror, so I have a high, high bar, and that bar was met and exceeded. So it was it was awesome.

I am here to help you. Man, bless you. Well, that's awesome. I already like you a lot. This is off too good. Sorry, I am so excited for you. You have a lot going on right now. I saw your movie Hard Eyes. It was awesome. I am a big fan of horror, so I have a high, high bar, and that bar was met and exceeded. So it was it was awesome.

Thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

To begin, I guess what I want to know from you, Mason is your character is very smooth. A are you as smooth as he is?

To begin, I guess what I want to know from you, Mason is your character is very smooth. A are you as smooth as he is?

Oh? No, well no, I feel like what's funny about my profession, being an actor, is because we have so many great people creating or crafting the written word. In this case, it's Phil and Michael Kennedy and Chris Landon, and you try and pay respects to the nuance and the level of artistry that they apply to the words. You're saying, and because Jay's written so smooth, the biggest application of my art that I can afford it is I like to be a very honest and vulnerable guy. And I notice when you apply a genuine desire to inquire or to be considerate to the smooth dialogue, it comes off as disarming and actually a little easier to open up with. And I mean, you'd have to ask Olivia Holt, who plays Ali and I love dearly, if it's actually effective or if she's just an incredible actress and can field whatever stuff I throw at her in that case.

Oh? No, well no, I feel like what's funny about my profession, being an actor, is because we have so many great people creating or crafting the written word. In this case, it's Phil and Michael Kennedy and Chris Landon, and you try and pay respects to the nuance and the level of artistry that they apply to the words. You're saying, and because Jay's written so smooth, the biggest application of my art that I can afford it is I like to be a very honest and vulnerable guy. And I notice when you apply a genuine desire to inquire or to be considerate to the smooth dialogue, it comes off as disarming and actually a little easier to open up with. And I mean, you'd have to ask Olivia Holt, who plays Ali and I love dearly, if it's actually effective or if she's just an incredible actress and can field whatever stuff I throw at her in that case.

But well, it's very convincing.

But well, it's very convincing.

I'll take it.

I'll take it.

You do a solid job with it.

You do a solid job with it.

Acting.

Acting.

Man, what a concept? What a concept? Man? Well, I feel like you're becoming one of the new reigning kings of horror between like the screen franchise and now Hard Eyes. I mean, what do you love about diving into this genre?

Man, what a concept? What a concept? Man? Well, I feel like you're becoming one of the new reigning kings of horror between like the screen franchise and now Hard Eyes. I mean, what do you love about diving into this genre?

That's I mean, I love the fact that you can have such a visceral emotional response while sat in a theater, especially in a communal effort, because you'll see it ideally with a huge audience. It's experiencing the same things you are. I grew up loving horror in all facets, whether it's video games or movies or is there horror music? Is that the monster mash very much, So I always feel like the opportunity to be part of that is the most exciting for me. It's my favorite genre to be in and to watch. So I think if there were any genre, if I had to pick one to stick to, it would be horror. Much of the chagrin of my mother, who has to sit and watch me get eviscerated in every movie. But she's a trooper. She still watches There we Go. It's my harshest critic right there. I love her so much.

That's I mean, I love the fact that you can have such a visceral emotional response while sat in a theater, especially in a communal effort, because you'll see it ideally with a huge audience. It's experiencing the same things you are. I grew up loving horror in all facets, whether it's video games or movies or is there horror music? Is that the monster mash very much, So I always feel like the opportunity to be part of that is the most exciting for me. It's my favorite genre to be in and to watch. So I think if there were any genre, if I had to pick one to stick to, it would be horror. Much of the chagrin of my mother, who has to sit and watch me get eviscerated in every movie. But she's a trooper. She still watches There we Go. It's my harshest critic right there. I love her so much.

I grew up watching horror too, and my mom hated hearing it in the house, And I'm like, I'm sorry, it's the movie I want to watch, right exactly.

I grew up watching horror too, and my mom hated hearing it in the house, And I'm like, I'm sorry, it's the movie I want to watch, right exactly.

You're like, if anything, I'm trying to indoctrinate you into the culture, right, you should be very grateful.

You're like, if anything, I'm trying to indoctrinate you into the culture, right, you should be very grateful.

Yeah, one hundred percent. I imagine horror has so many fun things about it. But what would you say is the hardest part?

Yeah, one hundred percent. I imagine horror has so many fun things about it. But what would you say is the hardest part?

Is it? Is it?

Is it? Is it?

The choreography is at the chase scenes, like, what is it?

The choreography is at the chase scenes, like, what is it?

I So I'm very prepared to get emotional and vulnerable on this podcasts Why We're Here, Okay. Great part of my job, I'd say, whether it's mythos or just something I like to bring to each project, is a level of positivity and familial effort and comfort on set. And I think one of the harder things about a horror movie, because it deals with the moros or the macabre or the violent, is just trying to keep a positive energy on set. And if you're running around, if you're screaming, if you're crying, or if you're you know, doing all this physical activity, it can feel actra exhausting to try and be as you know, as I try to afford a set. But on the bright side, I've had such a lucky opportunity to work with so many incredible visionaries, whether it's Josh Ruben or Matt and Tyler who did the screen movies, Kevin Williamson. They facilitate such a warm, friendly environment across the board that if it's ever difficult to apply a level of positivity or energy to a set, that they always make space for it, and they're always game to just mess around and really integrate a level of familial comfort in and around the filming process. And then they all action and we stab each other, we run around just like the most of it. Lucky to do what we do.

I So I'm very prepared to get emotional and vulnerable on this podcasts Why We're Here, Okay. Great part of my job, I'd say, whether it's mythos or just something I like to bring to each project, is a level of positivity and familial effort and comfort on set. And I think one of the harder things about a horror movie, because it deals with the moros or the macabre or the violent, is just trying to keep a positive energy on set. And if you're running around, if you're screaming, if you're crying, or if you're you know, doing all this physical activity, it can feel actra exhausting to try and be as you know, as I try to afford a set. But on the bright side, I've had such a lucky opportunity to work with so many incredible visionaries, whether it's Josh Ruben or Matt and Tyler who did the screen movies, Kevin Williamson. They facilitate such a warm, friendly environment across the board that if it's ever difficult to apply a level of positivity or energy to a set, that they always make space for it, and they're always game to just mess around and really integrate a level of familial comfort in and around the filming process. And then they all action and we stab each other, we run around just like the most of it. Lucky to do what we do.

Well in this movie too. I mean it's a horror rom com which I've never seen before. I mean, I don't believe that exists.

Well in this movie too. I mean it's a horror rom com which I've never seen before. I mean, I don't believe that exists.

Listen, we're starting it now, trying our.

Listen, we're starting it now, trying our.

Best, I think. So.

Best, I think. So.

We hear a lot of sorry to hear a lot of comparisons between My Bloody Valentine and this, and I think that's simply the context of Valentine's Day or like. But it's very like different movies, both in tone and delivery. So hopefully people will expect to see something new and be delivered on that in space. But you have to let me know.

We hear a lot of sorry to hear a lot of comparisons between My Bloody Valentine and this, and I think that's simply the context of Valentine's Day or like. But it's very like different movies, both in tone and delivery. So hopefully people will expect to see something new and be delivered on that in space. But you have to let me know.

Was that part of the attraction to doing this movie was that it was very different in terms of you have the romantic comedy, the.

Was that part of the attraction to doing this movie was that it was very different in terms of you have the romantic comedy, the.

Well, the second I heard Olivia wasn't it, I was like, well, I've got to YEA been such a fan and she's so incredible. Couple that with the fact that Josh is a visionary the likes of which I really wanted to be involved, but I as a fan of horror and the romantic comedies. The way it was integrated to kind of mesh together felt fresh that I was mostly just more excited thereafter. It's nice to know that there is a property that takes both very seriously through the lens of a very horrific movie. Horrorrific, I suppose, But I was excited from the jump and even more so when I read the thing. So it's a great idea in general.

Well, the second I heard Olivia wasn't it, I was like, well, I've got to YEA been such a fan and she's so incredible. Couple that with the fact that Josh is a visionary the likes of which I really wanted to be involved, but I as a fan of horror and the romantic comedies. The way it was integrated to kind of mesh together felt fresh that I was mostly just more excited thereafter. It's nice to know that there is a property that takes both very seriously through the lens of a very horrific movie. Horrorrific, I suppose, But I was excited from the jump and even more so when I read the thing. So it's a great idea in general.

And you're chemistry man, with Olivia, it's right on the money. I always say, you can smell a fake, And maybe because I'm such a fan of you know, cinema and theater and TV, I really look for and appreciate when that bond and connection feels so real and authentic. So for you, how as an artist, how is a human do you form that chemistry with somebody like Olivia?

And you're chemistry man, with Olivia, it's right on the money. I always say, you can smell a fake, And maybe because I'm such a fan of you know, cinema and theater and TV, I really look for and appreciate when that bond and connection feels so real and authentic. So for you, how as an artist, how is a human do you form that chemistry with somebody like Olivia?

Of course, well, you hope that all artists are as considerate, giving and thoughtful as one Olivia Holt, and I could actpoetic about her all day and I will. She is the most genuine, loving person, both to people that she works with and kind of just in general. That the discovery of chemistry for me felt not only natural, but it felt comforting. The idea that regardless of what we went through on set simply being, however, many thousands of miles away from home we were shooting in Auckland, New Zealand, that I always had a friend or someone that not only could support me, but that I would be happy to support in whatever way that I could. The chemistry does come mostly and my thought process from a level of trust and comfortability. Despite the fact that she looks like an artist's rendition of a Grecian deity, she also allows that level of grace to kind of disarm you from thinking, you know that you have any reason to be trepidacious or worried about a level of connectivity because she's just so thoughtful. She is really one of a kind, and that's an art end in life. So I can't imagine it's very difficult. You don't have to ask her other co stars, but look Cloak and Dagger, it's great chemistry there as well. So clearly that's just part of her work ethic, just being all encompassing and incredible all the way down.

Of course, well, you hope that all artists are as considerate, giving and thoughtful as one Olivia Holt, and I could actpoetic about her all day and I will. She is the most genuine, loving person, both to people that she works with and kind of just in general. That the discovery of chemistry for me felt not only natural, but it felt comforting. The idea that regardless of what we went through on set simply being, however, many thousands of miles away from home we were shooting in Auckland, New Zealand, that I always had a friend or someone that not only could support me, but that I would be happy to support in whatever way that I could. The chemistry does come mostly and my thought process from a level of trust and comfortability. Despite the fact that she looks like an artist's rendition of a Grecian deity, she also allows that level of grace to kind of disarm you from thinking, you know that you have any reason to be trepidacious or worried about a level of connectivity because she's just so thoughtful. She is really one of a kind, and that's an art end in life. So I can't imagine it's very difficult. You don't have to ask her other co stars, but look Cloak and Dagger, it's great chemistry there as well. So clearly that's just part of her work ethic, just being all encompassing and incredible all the way down.

Do you have something that you like or have to do with the coast star, like do you have to go get coffee? Do you have to tell each other your deepest, darkest secrets. Do you have to like keep you anything you're like for every project, I need to do this to feel connected.

Do you have something that you like or have to do with the coast star, like do you have to go get coffee? Do you have to tell each other your deepest, darkest secrets. Do you have to like keep you anything you're like for every project, I need to do this to feel connected.

It's nice to meet you. Can I know exactly what your past trialhood drum?

It's nice to meet you. Can I know exactly what your past trialhood drum?

Maybe I don't know.

Maybe I don't know.

No. I like to think you build it over time the same way I wouldn't want to attribute any level of pressure to comfortability or chemistry. So I'm happy to let that build over time as you work together and as you maybe get dinner as like a cast or whatever. I was always under the impression that because you're having to play romantic interests in a movie, you can kind of do yourself a favor as well as the other person by being positive and affectionate in a professional setting such as like if Live needed a water, I would always try and offer to get it for her. I know what her favorite snacks are, and I would always make sure to go to crafty and make sure that those were there, or if they weren't, I would find a way to get them. And you know, because you're working such long hours, whether it's Olivia or Gigi Simbaro who plays who plays Monica Relian eyes and is brilliant in the movie, I try to afford that same level of care to you know, all people, because especially in this case, they're all incredible and they deserve to be treated like kings and queens. But I would get them flowers if they were having a rough day, or Gigi was. We all lived pretty separate from each other, but Gigi, I remember, was having a rough day for one reason or another, and we sat in the bar and we talked for this was like I knew her, but we hadn't gotten like over the initial like, h it's nice to I'm excited to be working with you. We sat for like four hours and we talked in that hotel lobby and it was really nice. It's comforting, hopefully both ways. You'd have to ask her, but yeah, and then you just find it if that's if flowers and obsequious flatteries and someone's thing. Like Olivia is a very direct and logistically sound person. She's very practical, so the hyper romantic is maybe not the way to go. It's just a lovely conversation. Making sure she feels considered is to me something she's owed and deserves, and I try to do that every day I'm around. They're lucky enough.

No. I like to think you build it over time the same way I wouldn't want to attribute any level of pressure to comfortability or chemistry. So I'm happy to let that build over time as you work together and as you maybe get dinner as like a cast or whatever. I was always under the impression that because you're having to play romantic interests in a movie, you can kind of do yourself a favor as well as the other person by being positive and affectionate in a professional setting such as like if Live needed a water, I would always try and offer to get it for her. I know what her favorite snacks are, and I would always make sure to go to crafty and make sure that those were there, or if they weren't, I would find a way to get them. And you know, because you're working such long hours, whether it's Olivia or Gigi Simbaro who plays who plays Monica Relian eyes and is brilliant in the movie, I try to afford that same level of care to you know, all people, because especially in this case, they're all incredible and they deserve to be treated like kings and queens. But I would get them flowers if they were having a rough day, or Gigi was. We all lived pretty separate from each other, but Gigi, I remember, was having a rough day for one reason or another, and we sat in the bar and we talked for this was like I knew her, but we hadn't gotten like over the initial like, h it's nice to I'm excited to be working with you. We sat for like four hours and we talked in that hotel lobby and it was really nice. It's comforting, hopefully both ways. You'd have to ask her, but yeah, and then you just find it if that's if flowers and obsequious flatteries and someone's thing. Like Olivia is a very direct and logistically sound person. She's very practical, so the hyper romantic is maybe not the way to go. It's just a lovely conversation. Making sure she feels considered is to me something she's owed and deserves, and I try to do that every day I'm around. They're lucky enough.

To be you really seem to be someone who likes human connection.

To be you really seem to be someone who likes human connection.

Oh yeah, I do. If for no other reason, then I don't know what else we can measure success as other than how we relate to other people and whether or not they feel seen or appreciated, because there's, you know, a litany of ways to celebrate a great job well done, whether it's an award or you know, a accolade, verbal accolade. I would like to think that when I'm gone, I'll be remembered as someone who considered the people that I was lucky enough to be associated with and working with. So that's the goal. Yeah, I have told people that before, So that's why that's not what I have.

Oh yeah, I do. If for no other reason, then I don't know what else we can measure success as other than how we relate to other people and whether or not they feel seen or appreciated, because there's, you know, a litany of ways to celebrate a great job well done, whether it's an award or you know, a accolade, verbal accolade. I would like to think that when I'm gone, I'll be remembered as someone who considered the people that I was lucky enough to be associated with and working with. So that's the goal. Yeah, I have told people that before, So that's why that's not what I have.

Oh look, you're already thinking about it. I like it. I like it. You have to. But that's awesome, and I appreciate that. I'm a people person too. I'm all about human connection, real human can For what you.

Oh look, you're already thinking about it. I like it. I like it. You have to. But that's awesome, and I appreciate that. I'm a people person too. I'm all about human connection, real human can For what you.

Do as a fan of the show, you have such a propensity for allowing that access and comfortability to feel willing to be vulnerable and open, and you do that through rhetoric, and you also do that through a profound amount of patience. So what I'm innother words, when I'm getting at is people who are willing and open to connection. I feel tend to make for the best conversationalists or people that you know. I don't know if I'm much fun at parties, You're not the one. I'll find the little back room and we'll talk about something. Yeah, that's fine.

Do as a fan of the show, you have such a propensity for allowing that access and comfortability to feel willing to be vulnerable and open, and you do that through rhetoric, and you also do that through a profound amount of patience. So what I'm innother words, when I'm getting at is people who are willing and open to connection. I feel tend to make for the best conversationalists or people that you know. I don't know if I'm much fun at parties, You're not the one. I'll find the little back room and we'll talk about something. Yeah, that's fine.

Yeah, I'm the same way. I mean, me and my twenties maybe was a little different at this point.

Yeah, I'm the same way. I mean, me and my twenties maybe was a little different at this point.

Take time, you know.

Take time, you know.

That's what I'm a little different. That's that's really cool, man, all right, walk me through this. Yeah, you hear a noise, you stop, You hear a noise again, you turn around. Slow motion terror crosses your face. It's what I call the slow motion scare. How do you master that?

That's what I'm a little different. That's that's really cool, man, all right, walk me through this. Yeah, you hear a noise, you stop, You hear a noise again, you turn around. Slow motion terror crosses your face. It's what I call the slow motion scare. How do you master that?

That's a it's tricky you're talking about on set or just in life?

That's a it's tricky you're talking about on set or just in life?

No one on camera? I like, how do you mess? Are the iconic slow motion scare?

No one on camera? I like, how do you mess? Are the iconic slow motion scare?

Of course? No, it's a tried and true staple. I feel like you can be hell. I love that we're moving back towards the practical element of actually having a thing to react to and have something to incite your emotional response. In the case of something like hard Eyes, we had a hack on set pretty much every day. So you if you want to think about horror as it relates to any other timing prescient genre. Comedy is very similar where you feel that delivery. I'm not a great comedian by any means, but you when you're watching a stand up comedian do the thing, you feel that timing as it gets closer to the punchline. And I always think of when you're going through those moments where there's dread and tension being built up. You feel it like in your empathetic with maybe your limbic system is talking to you, and it's like this moment where the tension has to break, and that's when you do your whip around and you're you know, you're you would never, you would never make that face, make that sound. I don't know. That's okay, I know my place watching your movie.

Of course? No, it's a tried and true staple. I feel like you can be hell. I love that we're moving back towards the practical element of actually having a thing to react to and have something to incite your emotional response. In the case of something like hard Eyes, we had a hack on set pretty much every day. So you if you want to think about horror as it relates to any other timing prescient genre. Comedy is very similar where you feel that delivery. I'm not a great comedian by any means, but you when you're watching a stand up comedian do the thing, you feel that timing as it gets closer to the punchline. And I always think of when you're going through those moments where there's dread and tension being built up. You feel it like in your empathetic with maybe your limbic system is talking to you, and it's like this moment where the tension has to break, and that's when you do your whip around and you're you know, you're you would never, you would never make that face, make that sound. I don't know. That's okay, I know my place watching your movie.

I maybe did. I maybe did take it. That's amazing. So from one horror movie to another, you're also working on screen seven.

I maybe did. I maybe did take it. That's amazing. So from one horror movie to another, you're also working on screen seven.

That's right.

That's right.

So yes, what do you want to know? Are you the opening kill?

So yes, what do you want to know? Are you the opening kill?

Wouldn't it be funny if I just told you right now whether I was man?

Wouldn't it be funny if I just told you right now whether I was man?

That would I tried, I try to say it really fast, so maybe I threw you you are well trained. You were well trained. Okay, I see you team over there.

That would I tried, I try to say it really fast, so maybe I threw you you are well trained. You were well trained. Okay, I see you team over there.

I family got me wrong. I am yeah. No. I also am worried that someone from the studio would slight me through.

I family got me wrong. I am yeah. No. I also am worried that someone from the studio would slight me through.

So it is life or death, all right? Fair enough? Can you tell me if you've filmed it already?

So it is life or death, all right? Fair enough? Can you tell me if you've filmed it already?

You know, it's hard to answer that question because I'm doing press for Hard Eyes and for both Spyglass movies, so a lot of what they're willing to do is made easier by the fact that I'm called in different places from the same people. So I've done a lot. There's still stuff to do, but I'm in New York right now, so I just have to get my rest in while I can't.

You know, it's hard to answer that question because I'm doing press for Hard Eyes and for both Spyglass movies, so a lot of what they're willing to do is made easier by the fact that I'm called in different places from the same people. So I've done a lot. There's still stuff to do, but I'm in New York right now, so I just have to get my rest in while I can't.

How do you feel about spoilers? You know, people posting pictures online trying to piece it all together, like do you see it? What are your thoughts on that.

How do you feel about spoilers? You know, people posting pictures online trying to piece it all together, like do you see it? What are your thoughts on that.

I see it? I think this is me speaking personally. You'd have to ask a studio executive how they feel about it. I love that a fan base care is enough to do the research and do the investigation for me. I've never been worried like I'll be. I'm an anime fan, I'll only do is spoil stuff like Usher spoiled a crazy thing on his TikTok. Yeah, but I will still consume the content. I will still go watch it and almost anticipate that moment, which for horror is kind of fun because you'll watch it and be like, is this the part where the thing happened? I was not descriptive at all, But I don't think a spoiler necessarily ruins a movie. Not that I'm gonna give any spoilers right now, but I do. I do feel like even if you were to suss out a lot of the elements of a thing, the context and the tension built up with and it will always make it fresh when you see it.

I see it? I think this is me speaking personally. You'd have to ask a studio executive how they feel about it. I love that a fan base care is enough to do the research and do the investigation for me. I've never been worried like I'll be. I'm an anime fan, I'll only do is spoil stuff like Usher spoiled a crazy thing on his TikTok. Yeah, but I will still consume the content. I will still go watch it and almost anticipate that moment, which for horror is kind of fun because you'll watch it and be like, is this the part where the thing happened? I was not descriptive at all, But I don't think a spoiler necessarily ruins a movie. Not that I'm gonna give any spoilers right now, but I do. I do feel like even if you were to suss out a lot of the elements of a thing, the context and the tension built up with and it will always make it fresh when you see it.

Do you get to read the entire script ahead of time or are you left in the dark for a movie like Scream.

Do you get to read the entire script ahead of time or are you left in the dark for a movie like Scream.

As for this is embarrassing for five, they not only didn't give us the final act, but I didn't know who the killers were until after the movie was done, and we were sitting getting ready to get on the plane and go home, and I was sitting with a spoiler alert for Scream five right with Jack and Mikey, and I think Jack Jack had like blood under his nails, and I was like, where are you filming the end where I got killed? And I was like, oh, who killed you? And then I realized Melissa stabbed him fifty thousand times and he was the killer, which, on the bright side, made it fresh for when I saw it in real time in the theater. That's my real reaction.

As for this is embarrassing for five, they not only didn't give us the final act, but I didn't know who the killers were until after the movie was done, and we were sitting getting ready to get on the plane and go home, and I was sitting with a spoiler alert for Scream five right with Jack and Mikey, and I think Jack Jack had like blood under his nails, and I was like, where are you filming the end where I got killed? And I was like, oh, who killed you? And then I realized Melissa stabbed him fifty thousand times and he was the killer, which, on the bright side, made it fresh for when I saw it in real time in the theater. That's my real reaction.

But wait, you chose not to read it or you just want it.

But wait, you chose not to read it or you just want it.

They never gave it. They never gave it to me during COVID, so we couldn't, like, go visits sat willy nilly. I've never said willy nilly, and I just did that.

They never gave it. They never gave it to me during COVID, so we couldn't, like, go visits sat willy nilly. I've never said willy nilly, and I just did that.

I like it. I'm bringing it back, so I'm going to bring it back.

I like it. I'm bringing it back, so I'm going to bring it back.

It sounds better coming out of your Mouthain.

It sounds better coming out of your Mouthain.

I don't know where it came from, but I'm bringing it back before where I came for.

I don't know where it came from, but I'm bringing it back before where I came for.

Someone's got to started. But no, they now they didn't. I never got the third act because Chad gets bloodied up in the second. They did give me the ending bit where I get wheeled down on the ambulance, but even that was a late call because I was supposed to die, and then they changed their mind for one reason or another. So this script, you've read this script I have read, so now I'm now I'm legacy cast. There you go. Yeah, excuse me, yeah, hell yeah.

Someone's got to started. But no, they now they didn't. I never got the third act because Chad gets bloodied up in the second. They did give me the ending bit where I get wheeled down on the ambulance, but even that was a late call because I was supposed to die, and then they changed their mind for one reason or another. So this script, you've read this script I have read, so now I'm now I'm legacy cast. There you go. Yeah, excuse me, yeah, hell yeah.

Let me ask you. I know you can't say much, but is it Were you happy with the script?

Let me ask you. I know you can't say much, but is it Were you happy with the script?

Like it?

Like it?

Will we all be terrified?

Will we all be terrified?

Of course, I will say, I hope this is It's the most brutal I think ghost Face has been from a anatomically logistical standpoint. There's a lot of blood and viscera, and I feel like with Kevin Williamson directed brilliant, truly and clearly mentally sadistic and have a lot to look forward to to what we do to.

Of course, I will say, I hope this is It's the most brutal I think ghost Face has been from a anatomically logistical standpoint. There's a lot of blood and viscera, and I feel like with Kevin Williamson directed brilliant, truly and clearly mentally sadistic and have a lot to look forward to to what we do to.

These yeah, these characters. Yeah, good for you man. Well, I'm I'm very excited for that journey for you too, because you know, I feel like you've done so many, so much great work out there. I do you feel like Scream kind of put you into this international, worldwide household fandom and well deserved because you're you're now a critical and crucial part of that franchise. I grew up with the franchise from a as a young age. I'm probably a decade older than you.

These yeah, these characters. Yeah, good for you man. Well, I'm I'm very excited for that journey for you too, because you know, I feel like you've done so many, so much great work out there. I do you feel like Scream kind of put you into this international, worldwide household fandom and well deserved because you're you're now a critical and crucial part of that franchise. I grew up with the franchise from a as a young age. I'm probably a decade older than you.

And what are you talking about?

And what are you talking about?

I just turned recording.

I just turned recording.

I just turned your eyes literally gave me the butterflies.

I just turned your eyes literally gave me the butterflies.

I don't want this interview to ever and man, yeah, yeah, yeah, god the most charming guest, as I said in the beginning. But but yeah, I'm just turned thirty nine. I grew up with the originals, and it's just cool to see you.

I don't want this interview to ever and man, yeah, yeah, yeah, god the most charming guest, as I said in the beginning. But but yeah, I'm just turned thirty nine. I grew up with the originals, and it's just cool to see you.

You're thirty nine. Nothing wrong with being thirty nine, that's radish.

You're thirty nine. Nothing wrong with being thirty nine, that's radish.

But see, I'm the age where people are like, wait a minute, you're that age. So that does kind of make so you know I'm getting up there, I guess. No, I hear, bring it on, bring it on. I'm ready to stop. This is not about me. Okay, So my last scream question to wrap it all up. Did you know you would be a part of this movie or did you find out really close to the beginning, Like what was that? Yeah? Was that?

But see, I'm the age where people are like, wait a minute, you're that age. So that does kind of make so you know I'm getting up there, I guess. No, I hear, bring it on, bring it on. I'm ready to stop. This is not about me. Okay, So my last scream question to wrap it all up. Did you know you would be a part of this movie or did you find out really close to the beginning, Like what was that? Yeah? Was that?

Yeah?

Yeah?

Yeah, like you've known for a while.

Yeah, like you've known for a while.

No, it's no. It's obviously touch and go for a lot of reasons. But I will say because Radio Silence has been given so much leab or project acts in this case, because Radio Silence define six. But they are so loving and willing to involve my understanding of the franchisees, it moves forward that it was always like little conversations and catch ups. But that's more caveat to the fact that I don't really tell me much until it's need to know, and I kind of have. I'm kind of jaded in a lot of ways because I was kept out of the script process for five and six in such a way that I just didn't get an ending to those and now I do. So I feel maybe like my answers yes right, because I you know, I didn't get a script before and I did. Now I feel like I'm moving up right, I would say, so, I'm trying.

No, it's no. It's obviously touch and go for a lot of reasons. But I will say because Radio Silence has been given so much leab or project acts in this case, because Radio Silence define six. But they are so loving and willing to involve my understanding of the franchisees, it moves forward that it was always like little conversations and catch ups. But that's more caveat to the fact that I don't really tell me much until it's need to know, and I kind of have. I'm kind of jaded in a lot of ways because I was kept out of the script process for five and six in such a way that I just didn't get an ending to those and now I do. So I feel maybe like my answers yes right, because I you know, I didn't get a script before and I did. Now I feel like I'm moving up right, I would say, so, I'm trying.

So you knew your place was secured in this one? Not? Well, yeah, I guess if like I earned it hard. That's hard.

So you knew your place was secured in this one? Not? Well, yeah, I guess if like I earned it hard. That's hard.

Well, that's hard to answer without you seeing the movie, and you know, dependent on how one read the script, that answer varies. Which is the most noncommittal way. Respect that, I respect part of the anyway.

Well, that's hard to answer without you seeing the movie, and you know, dependent on how one read the script, that answer varies. Which is the most noncommittal way. Respect that, I respect part of the anyway.

I respect that, and I think it's really cool, like I said, that you're part of such a big pop culture moment and that it kind of, you know, gave you a springboard to lead your own horror film now, which I believe will become a franchise hopefully.

I respect that, and I think it's really cool, like I said, that you're part of such a big pop culture moment and that it kind of, you know, gave you a springboard to lead your own horror film now, which I believe will become a franchise hopefully.

You know, I would do for the rest of the.

You know, I would do for the rest of the.

I just think it's such a badass film. What I like about you is you seemingly seem to have balls of steel. And what I mean by that is I know that when you were in meetings for the original Scream. I don't believe you had a real audition, did you?

I just think it's such a badass film. What I like about you is you seemingly seem to have balls of steel. And what I mean by that is I know that when you were in meetings for the original Scream. I don't believe you had a real audition, did you?

Actually you have an audition.

Actually you have an audition.

You had a meeting with the creators and you brought up a paper you wrote at N y U right, N y U two?

You had a meeting with the creators and you brought up a paper you wrote at N y U right, N y U two?

You did.

You did.

I didn't. I did, graduated again a little earlier than you. There we go, There we go, and you brought up, like, Yo, I wrote this paper about it, and you offered for the creators to read it.

I didn't. I did, graduated again a little earlier than you. There we go, There we go, and you brought up, like, Yo, I wrote this paper about it, and you offered for the creators to read it.

Read it. Well, they did ask And I was like, I'm not going to pass a an opportunity to engage with the franchise beyond like what if I didn't get the role? What if I did after audition I didn't get it. I was like, I just want this paper to mean something because and the paper was about what it was about Scream and the like your love for it sort of the I don't know if I remember the prompt, but I do know the thesis was just that Scream was maybe more so than any other franchise Right for Revival, given the meta narrative and the ability to touch on different cultural or social dynamics present.

Read it. Well, they did ask And I was like, I'm not going to pass a an opportunity to engage with the franchise beyond like what if I didn't get the role? What if I did after audition I didn't get it. I was like, I just want this paper to mean something because and the paper was about what it was about Scream and the like your love for it sort of the I don't know if I remember the prompt, but I do know the thesis was just that Scream was maybe more so than any other franchise Right for Revival, given the meta narrative and the ability to touch on different cultural or social dynamics present.

In the world.

In the world.

And when they were discussing in that original meeting, it was Chad, Matt, and Tyler, and they were talking about what they wanted to do with five, it felt resonant to what I had written, just why I don't just go around not just like, hey, can you guys please I do that now? But for others I usually love poem. Yeah. But they we talked for like two hours and at the very end was like, you know, I about this thing. I gave it to them. That whole thing was because I was supposed to. I was supposed to audition before like pre COVID, I think for like Ritchie, which is jack Quade's character, And for some reason I got lost in my email. I never saw it, so I didn't so it looked like I was like eh, And they were like, all right, well, let's can we meet. Can we set up a meeting with the team and see if it's a good fit and then maybe read for this other character Chad, And sure enough we had the meeting sent in the paper. I heard nothing for two weeks and I was like, damn, it was that bad. I remember the paper was pretty good, that's fine, and then they put an offer in and the rest was thankfully history.

And when they were discussing in that original meeting, it was Chad, Matt, and Tyler, and they were talking about what they wanted to do with five, it felt resonant to what I had written, just why I don't just go around not just like, hey, can you guys please I do that now? But for others I usually love poem. Yeah. But they we talked for like two hours and at the very end was like, you know, I about this thing. I gave it to them. That whole thing was because I was supposed to. I was supposed to audition before like pre COVID, I think for like Ritchie, which is jack Quade's character, And for some reason I got lost in my email. I never saw it, so I didn't so it looked like I was like eh, And they were like, all right, well, let's can we meet. Can we set up a meeting with the team and see if it's a good fit and then maybe read for this other character Chad, And sure enough we had the meeting sent in the paper. I heard nothing for two weeks and I was like, damn, it was that bad. I remember the paper was pretty good, that's fine, and then they put an offer in and the rest was thankfully history.

And so that paper could have sealed the deal for.

And so that paper could have sealed the deal for.

You could could have which is crazy because I don't remember getting a great grade on it.

You could could have which is crazy because I don't remember getting a great grade on it.

I don't recall, well, that's seach, you're just an understanding, clearly clearly.

I don't recall, well, that's seach, you're just an understanding, clearly clearly.

Down on horror is a medium. That's their fault. But that's awesome.

Down on horror is a medium. That's their fault. But that's awesome.

I love that story because I think it shows that sometimes an unconventional way of going about something can reap the greatest rewards.

I love that story because I think it shows that sometimes an unconventional way of going about something can reap the greatest rewards.

That was always there was always something I heard growing up. It was like, there's no rules to it. Yes, Like, especially in acting, it's like, however you make your mark or showcase your ability, whether it's through thoughtful, you know, endeavors like letters or essays or whatever. It's like, sometimes it's best to just take that chance and showcase society of your personality you can't get from like a tape, which every director hates me now because I just told every actor writing right, write a collegiate MLA format essay, send that in.

That was always there was always something I heard growing up. It was like, there's no rules to it. Yes, Like, especially in acting, it's like, however you make your mark or showcase your ability, whether it's through thoughtful, you know, endeavors like letters or essays or whatever. It's like, sometimes it's best to just take that chance and showcase society of your personality you can't get from like a tape, which every director hates me now because I just told every actor writing right, write a collegiate MLA format essay, send that in.

But it worked.

But it worked.

It worked, so it proves in the pudding.

It worked, so it proves in the pudding.

Yeah, there we go, there we go. It's cool. Like I said, I think, I think we're in this day and age where you can create so much of your own work and bring it to life if you really believe in it and stay at it, and yeah, push you know yourself to do it. And I think that there's no one path to anything nowadays. I never would have imagined being here today like you just. I think some of the best life, you know, Like I think, the best things in life sometimes happen when you do do something that's maybe a little riskier or unconventional, like so many people in your position could have said, Oh, I can't, I can't bring that up like they're going to think I'm crazier. They're not going to want to read it. They're going to think I look desperate or.

Yeah, there we go, there we go. It's cool. Like I said, I think, I think we're in this day and age where you can create so much of your own work and bring it to life if you really believe in it and stay at it, and yeah, push you know yourself to do it. And I think that there's no one path to anything nowadays. I never would have imagined being here today like you just. I think some of the best life, you know, Like I think, the best things in life sometimes happen when you do do something that's maybe a little riskier or unconventional, like so many people in your position could have said, Oh, I can't, I can't bring that up like they're going to think I'm crazier. They're not going to want to read it. They're going to think I look desperate or.

Hence the balls of steel.

Hence the balls of steel.

That's why you have the balls of steel.

That's why you have the balls of steel.

See, that's why I love for reasons. I love social media because it has an opportunity to highlight voices and talent that might otherwise go overlooked, and to watch a younger generation involve themselves in creative means that past generations just didn't have the chance to is really inspiring. And obviously, you know what that looks like is having different cultural touchstones of you know, I love that little black boys and black girls can put dances on TikTok and go viral and then launch us a career of you know, content and artistry in its own right. So I think there's plus size to everything. I'm an optimist. If you couldn't tell no, I try no.

See, that's why I love for reasons. I love social media because it has an opportunity to highlight voices and talent that might otherwise go overlooked, and to watch a younger generation involve themselves in creative means that past generations just didn't have the chance to is really inspiring. And obviously, you know what that looks like is having different cultural touchstones of you know, I love that little black boys and black girls can put dances on TikTok and go viral and then launch us a career of you know, content and artistry in its own right. So I think there's plus size to everything. I'm an optimist. If you couldn't tell no, I try no.

I like that about it. I like that you're a very positive, forward thinking person, and I imagine that's something you've chose at a young age to be and you've had to kind of cultivate. How did you cultivate that? How did you become this way?

I like that about it. I like that you're a very positive, forward thinking person, and I imagine that's something you've chose at a young age to be and you've had to kind of cultivate. How did you cultivate that? How did you become this way?

That's it comes from a lot of trial and error. I would say I was a younger kid with a lot of image issues and insecurities, especially because I was one of the bigger I guess facets of my childhood was being overweight. I was like three hundred pounds by the time I got to like eighteen nineteen, and I spent every day. It's funny because people would always say back then, it's like, you'll lose the weight, you can slim out, and I was like, you don't understand when you're that when you're heavier than people are telling you is allowed. You don't spend time at least I didn't spend time wanting to lose weight. I wanted to literally disappear. I wanted to like fold into myself and not take up space. Was like a big thing. That's why paradoxically would wear really tight clothes like I would wear skinny jeans and tight T shirts because it made me feel like I could physically take up less space in a room. So that when I decided, through you know, conversations with people that I trusted and felt safe with about acting, I understood that my desire to change my physique or take my fitness to in a direction that I felt would help me. It was not from a place of wanting to like disappear or like lose something a part of me, but just to make a change that felt like a more authentic version of myself. And you know, I feel better about it every day. That's why I love talking to people about like fitness and diet stuff. Not that I'll get into that now because it's boring. It's math basically, but I spent so long loathing my physical appearance and how I was that instead of letting that become part of my personality, a I consider that other people might be experiencing the same thing, and how I might be able to recontextualize that, and just like an opportunity for growth or change. And then you know, as a public figure, there's a lot of discourse online about like the way one looks or things you say. And the longest time, I was always like, I promise you there's nothing you could say to me that I haven't said to myself. And the strength that came from that is like, I'm still here And despite it hurting to consider that I ever felt that way about myself. I think part of growing up is realizing the version of yourself that you were as a child was really trying their best and just creating space not only for the younger me that really loved oreos and pop douds, but for other people that maybe deal with you know, the same trials and tribulations to come with you know that experience.

That's it comes from a lot of trial and error. I would say I was a younger kid with a lot of image issues and insecurities, especially because I was one of the bigger I guess facets of my childhood was being overweight. I was like three hundred pounds by the time I got to like eighteen nineteen, and I spent every day. It's funny because people would always say back then, it's like, you'll lose the weight, you can slim out, and I was like, you don't understand when you're that when you're heavier than people are telling you is allowed. You don't spend time at least I didn't spend time wanting to lose weight. I wanted to literally disappear. I wanted to like fold into myself and not take up space. Was like a big thing. That's why paradoxically would wear really tight clothes like I would wear skinny jeans and tight T shirts because it made me feel like I could physically take up less space in a room. So that when I decided, through you know, conversations with people that I trusted and felt safe with about acting, I understood that my desire to change my physique or take my fitness to in a direction that I felt would help me. It was not from a place of wanting to like disappear or like lose something a part of me, but just to make a change that felt like a more authentic version of myself. And you know, I feel better about it every day. That's why I love talking to people about like fitness and diet stuff. Not that I'll get into that now because it's boring. It's math basically, but I spent so long loathing my physical appearance and how I was that instead of letting that become part of my personality, a I consider that other people might be experiencing the same thing, and how I might be able to recontextualize that, and just like an opportunity for growth or change. And then you know, as a public figure, there's a lot of discourse online about like the way one looks or things you say. And the longest time, I was always like, I promise you there's nothing you could say to me that I haven't said to myself. And the strength that came from that is like, I'm still here And despite it hurting to consider that I ever felt that way about myself. I think part of growing up is realizing the version of yourself that you were as a child was really trying their best and just creating space not only for the younger me that really loved oreos and pop douds, but for other people that maybe deal with you know, the same trials and tribulations to come with you know that experience.

So do you ever feel that younger you, that version of you creeping in today that you have to kind of quiet down?

So do you ever feel that younger you, that version of you creeping in today that you have to kind of quiet down?

No? I love him for experiencing the hardship that he did, and I try to make space for him. Now, that's why I act like a goofball, because I felt like as a kid, I tried to tried to keep myself from any social settings because I knew what the perception was. I knew how I would kind of be perceived, and it felt safer to isolate or be insular with my with my own thoughts about myself, which is not necessarily the way to go. So as an adult, I do a lot of work to be patient with myself and who I've been and recognize it as just part of the journey. And some of the best moments I've had have came from reconciling with that. That a lot of work I've done seems to be paying off because I can be positive and still feel like I mean it, be positive about myself or about other people, and have it feel genuine, like when I give someone a compliment like your beautiful fucking face, I mean that because I'm looking at it and perceiving it, because it is that, not just trying to get one over on you or say something that sounds nice.

No? I love him for experiencing the hardship that he did, and I try to make space for him. Now, that's why I act like a goofball, because I felt like as a kid, I tried to tried to keep myself from any social settings because I knew what the perception was. I knew how I would kind of be perceived, and it felt safer to isolate or be insular with my with my own thoughts about myself, which is not necessarily the way to go. So as an adult, I do a lot of work to be patient with myself and who I've been and recognize it as just part of the journey. And some of the best moments I've had have came from reconciling with that. That a lot of work I've done seems to be paying off because I can be positive and still feel like I mean it, be positive about myself or about other people, and have it feel genuine, like when I give someone a compliment like your beautiful fucking face, I mean that because I'm looking at it and perceiving it, because it is that, not just trying to get one over on you or say something that sounds nice.

You say what you mean. It's very clear though, hope, so you're that kind of a person. You leave with that, you know, and I think through going through what you went through as a kid and kind of being your own worst critic, right, do you think that that, in a weird way prepared you for being in the spotlight where everybody has an opinion and now you're able to not let that affect you unless it does affect you.

You say what you mean. It's very clear though, hope, so you're that kind of a person. You leave with that, you know, and I think through going through what you went through as a kid and kind of being your own worst critic, right, do you think that that, in a weird way prepared you for being in the spotlight where everybody has an opinion and now you're able to not let that affect you unless it does affect you.

No, if it affected me, it would only be in so much as you know, my work is out there to be consumed. I'm no idiot. I know that art is subjective, and I certainly don't think I'm above or exempt from criticism. So I welcome it and accept that is just part of the processing, learning and growing. I do think I can separate the punitive comments that are just meant to like bother me, right, and the constructive ones. That's why, Like, you know, there's stuff that a lot of stuff that some people seem to perceive as negative. I tend to find humor in Like the NEPO baby thing.

No, if it affected me, it would only be in so much as you know, my work is out there to be consumed. I'm no idiot. I know that art is subjective, and I certainly don't think I'm above or exempt from criticism. So I welcome it and accept that is just part of the processing, learning and growing. I do think I can separate the punitive comments that are just meant to like bother me, right, and the constructive ones. That's why, Like, you know, there's stuff that a lot of stuff that some people seem to perceive as negative. I tend to find humor in Like the NEPO baby thing.

Was over that conversation. I'm so over that conversation. But I stop, crap, It's clearly I'm sure you trigged me. Now I need to That's part of the I'm trigged. I'm trigged. Now I'm upset.

Was over that conversation. I'm so over that conversation. But I stop, crap, It's clearly I'm sure you trigged me. Now I need to That's part of the I'm trigged. I'm trigged. Now I'm upset.

You understand, first of all, for me, that was part of my upbringing and part of my psychoses that I had to understand as moving into you know, uh, the acting and Hollywood landscape. But also case in point, that's a term that was kind of contextualized as being pejorative. And as time goes on, I feel like people are starting to realize that that's present in most industries. Yeah, yeah, you know, a lineage of.

You understand, first of all, for me, that was part of my upbringing and part of my psychoses that I had to understand as moving into you know, uh, the acting and Hollywood landscape. But also case in point, that's a term that was kind of contextualized as being pejorative. And as time goes on, I feel like people are starting to realize that that's present in most industries. Yeah, yeah, you know, a lineage of.

You don't think if my dad was the biggest doctor in the world and I wanted to be a doctor, he'd say, let me get you a job as a doctor. Of course he would like, of course, that's just how the world works, you know. And and now you triggered me, and I'm sorry, I need to talk about it. And I almost think, and this might be controversial to some, but I almost think if you come from a parent or a sibling or whoever who's doing the job that you're now doing, you have to prove yourself even more interesting. I think now it's like, oh, well, let's see if that person has it like so and so does, and you have to maybe the door opens for you a little easier, but once you're in that door, you better deliver and improve yourself or you won't have a career, no mistake, you won't have a career. So that's why I get bothered by that conversation.

You don't think if my dad was the biggest doctor in the world and I wanted to be a doctor, he'd say, let me get you a job as a doctor. Of course he would like, of course, that's just how the world works, you know. And and now you triggered me, and I'm sorry, I need to talk about it. And I almost think, and this might be controversial to some, but I almost think if you come from a parent or a sibling or whoever who's doing the job that you're now doing, you have to prove yourself even more interesting. I think now it's like, oh, well, let's see if that person has it like so and so does, and you have to maybe the door opens for you a little easier, but once you're in that door, you better deliver and improve yourself or you won't have a career, no mistake, you won't have a career. So that's why I get bothered by that conversation.

No, rightfully so, because it does take away from the hard work that a lot of incredible artists and in this case, doctors are capable of doing despite their lineage. I also feel like being able to, you know, adopt certain ideologies and understandings or even methods from past generations is inherent to the job. It's like what makes acting so fun as you can build upon it.

No, rightfully so, because it does take away from the hard work that a lot of incredible artists and in this case, doctors are capable of doing despite their lineage. I also feel like being able to, you know, adopt certain ideologies and understandings or even methods from past generations is inherent to the job. It's like what makes acting so fun as you can build upon it.

Yeah, and if you if.

Yeah, and if you if.

That source is a family member, you can at least have that discourse. I couldn't say I really had that experience, but I do love talking to other NEPO babies and hearing their experience in being able to call on, you know, parental figures and have those discussions that because it is like a privilege, or at least like an asset. I would say, but the work is, the onus on the artists to do that job is always present. So that's why I'm like, I don't know where the discourse goes or how it turns negative as it relates to specific artists because they're so good. But I can also understand that the dynamic between privilege and all that stuff.

That source is a family member, you can at least have that discourse. I couldn't say I really had that experience, but I do love talking to other NEPO babies and hearing their experience in being able to call on, you know, parental figures and have those discussions that because it is like a privilege, or at least like an asset. I would say, but the work is, the onus on the artists to do that job is always present. So that's why I'm like, I don't know where the discourse goes or how it turns negative as it relates to specific artists because they're so good. But I can also understand that the dynamic between privilege and all that stuff.

I just don't like throwing around buzzwords. I think it's I'm tired of and i'mbward of it, like everyone move on from that conversation, and and it's it's not.

I just don't like throwing around buzzwords. I think it's I'm tired of and i'mbward of it, like everyone move on from that conversation, and and it's it's not.

Good, but that's why you're good at what you do.

Good, but that's why you're good at what you do.

Well. I don't know about that, but I just I think there's so much more than meet CI. But I think for you, when you look at your career and everything you've accomplished in industry that's very difficult to achieve success in and now leading your own big movie releasing, you know, nationwide on February Sevenebruary seventh, February seventh, you must be so proud of everything you've accomplished, right, So are you able to look at your career and say, wow, you know what I'm doing it like I'm proud of me? Or is that a weird thing for you?

Well. I don't know about that, but I just I think there's so much more than meet CI. But I think for you, when you look at your career and everything you've accomplished in industry that's very difficult to achieve success in and now leading your own big movie releasing, you know, nationwide on February Sevenebruary seventh, February seventh, you must be so proud of everything you've accomplished, right, So are you able to look at your career and say, wow, you know what I'm doing it like I'm proud of me? Or is that a weird thing for you?

It's it's hard to I don't know, because that's a binary and so much as like I'm either proud or I'm not. And I think the nuance is enjoying, enjoying the moment as it's sort of happening for me. Took a long time to work on. Whereas I don't know if I could me personally, I don't know if I could look at my career and say, wow, you're really doing the thing without looking ahead for like, well, what are we going to do next? As I just know I invite that juxtaposition between what I've done and what I want to do. So a huge aspect in getting older and in being a performer is taking it a job at a time and really affording all my excitement and my belief in myself and my pride into you know, making this one as you know, meaningful as I can. The pride i'd say I feel is the pride I say I feel in work done is whether or not my mom has watched it. It's like a big one, and you said I was my bit biggest critic. She will let me know if she likes or does not like a project, and that's why that's why I'm like, I just want her to I just want her to. Like one man, that's going to be the best day.

It's it's hard to I don't know, because that's a binary and so much as like I'm either proud or I'm not. And I think the nuance is enjoying, enjoying the moment as it's sort of happening for me. Took a long time to work on. Whereas I don't know if I could me personally, I don't know if I could look at my career and say, wow, you're really doing the thing without looking ahead for like, well, what are we going to do next? As I just know I invite that juxtaposition between what I've done and what I want to do. So a huge aspect in getting older and in being a performer is taking it a job at a time and really affording all my excitement and my belief in myself and my pride into you know, making this one as you know, meaningful as I can. The pride i'd say I feel is the pride I say I feel in work done is whether or not my mom has watched it. It's like a big one, and you said I was my bit biggest critic. She will let me know if she likes or does not like a project, and that's why that's why I'm like, I just want her to I just want her to. Like one man, that's going to be the best day.

Of my life.

Of my life.

One of these days she's also my biggest fan. She bought she just bought a hard Eyed T shirt. I like, look what I found on the internet, and I was like, oh, I hope you like the movie.

One of these days she's also my biggest fan. She bought she just bought a hard Eyed T shirt. I like, look what I found on the internet, and I was like, oh, I hope you like the movie.

That's so cute.

That's so cute.

She will, I know, she will.

She will, I know, she will.

I love to hear that. I love to hear. Well, Mason, we are at that point in the show Yeah, where I ask every guest that comes on the same question, which is based off the title of the show. So I'm wondering, is there something that you can think of today that you've never said before that you want to say?

I love to hear that. I love to hear. Well, Mason, we are at that point in the show Yeah, where I ask every guest that comes on the same question, which is based off the title of the show. So I'm wondering, is there something that you can think of today that you've never said before that you want to say?

That's right. I am a way to say this doesn't feel as if I'm applying a level of self importance. So in college, I was studying psychology. I was there for writing in psychology, and there was a class. You might hate this given the conversation we just had, but it's my story, so that's fine. There was a class on adolescent psychology where we were discussing the dynamic that children as in adolescence between the age of birth to four or five six maybe so on the relationship they have with their parents and how the understanding of mom and dad is more ethereal at that point. It's like the mother as in one who gives life and all those things, father, those concepts, and how you realize over time naturally that they're just people and that mom is mom and dad is dad, and vice versa and whatnot. And the separation, if done and properly, can lead to a lot of different psychoses and whether it's trauma or experiences later down the road. And as the professor was talking about a relationship between an understanding of our parents as not only people, but as you know, ethereal beings, I raised my hand and I was like, Hey, what what happens if the subject has a parent who is a pub figure and the relationship you have to them is mostly parasocial, regardless of the amount of personal time or physical time that you spend with them. She goes, I think that's more of a you thing, and that's fair. But it it allowed me to consider not just in the context of my family as it exists now, it's it put me in a place at this time I wasn't acting. Now I am now I have a whether it's a level of you know, experience in the industry. I realize that my relationship to my children and even to the people that consume my content and what it means to be a you know, public figure, so to speak, and how the relationship between you know, who I am personally and how I'm perceived is inherence different and me it as time goes on, I reconcile with that every day. A lot of times I feel like I know certain actors, even my father, better as personas rather than as people. And the work that has to be done to kind of mitigate that and actually create human relationships. That's probably where I value them so deeply. But yeah, it terrifies me, but I feel like it makes me this is the optimist coming out. It makes me grateful for icons like the late Chadwick Boseman who put in such a prolific amount of work to be showcased as understanding the cultural impact that not only he as an actor had In Jackie Robinson forty two, I think, and specifically for me at least Black Panther and the amount of work he would do in different Black communities and for you black youth. In recognizing his position as a inspiration and as a Zeitgeist defining persona, he put in all this work to you know, uplift and be that figurehead beyond any personal dynamic that he had with that same Chadwick persona, and that to me was not only inspiring, but it's kind of the ethos that I take into my work, is recognizing the separation between who I am and who I will be parasocially and just trying to be the best version of myself that I can be. Hence the positivity.