Star Power Vol.39

from the editor

HELLO THERE, READER!

In this Star Power issue, we got to chat with actor Björgvin Arnarson about his show Chucky, and its second season

We also have a quick chat with actor Jacob Buster who can be seen in Let The Right One In on Showtime

As usual, I hope you enjoy reading the issue and that it inspires you to go after your dreams

YOURS TRULY, Carol Wright

IN CHIEF @ CAROL WRIGHT

To

I grew up in

Björgvin Arnarson

InterviewbyCarolWright|Photographer:MichaelCreagh@michaelcreagh

Growing up, Björgvin Arnarson did theater and made movies on a camcorder with his brother, and this led him to his passion for acting. Now, he can be seen playing Devon Evans on the hit SYFY show Chucky, a continuation of the long-running Child's Play franchise. Arnarson talked to NYOTA about playing a true crime junkie and the collaborative environment on set.

When did you know that you wanted to pursue acting?

I don’t remember an exact memory of when I wanted to act, but I’ve always loved to entertain. I did a bit of theater and made lots of little movies with my brother on an old camcorder we had When I got older, I started by self submitting for local projects, and I kind of fell in love with acting and continued to pursue it.

Your character Devon is a true crime junkie who suddenly finds himself living out a true crime series in many ways. How do you think his interests and detective like background have helped him when it comes to dealing with the chaos Chucky creates?

His interest in true crime has given him good problem solving skills and he's also very observant. Devon is patient and thinks critically. He's also very calculating like Chucky so he knows how to deal with the chaos. Devon is calm under pressure, and cool as a cucumber.

It can be difficult for reboots, spinoffs, and reimaginings to work, but Chucky found a very loyal audience. Has it been exciting to see viewers’ positive reactions to the show? Yes, it has been very exciting! It's my first big acting gig, and it's great to come into a franchise that has such a huge, loyal fan base People really love Chucky, and Don has done an amazing job keeping it fresh, so it's a real honor to be a part of this new journey.

Had you watched the film Child’s Play before auditioning for the show?

I hate to say this, but I hadn't seen any of the movies, but once I booked the part, I binged watched all the movies with my dad.

After now being able to play Devon for two seasons, are there characteristics or traits that you and your character share?

I think one thing that Devon and I share is that we’re both natural skeptics We don't take things at face value, rather, we question the reasoning of things. It’s especially helpful when you live in a world with a possessed killer doll running around.

Throughout the show, Devon, Jake, Lexy, and other characters deal with personal drama outside of Chucky. On set, does the cast ever work with the writers or showrunner to ensure the teenage experiences and storylines are authentic?

Definitely! Don encourages collaboration and you can always voice your ideas about dialogue or certain scenes. He's very open to that so it's nice.

Were there any moments or events in Season 2 that shocked you while filming?

Yes, but it's a scene in an upcoming episode, so I can't talk about it. It really shocked me, and I'm super hard to shock. What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

Hone your craft, take acting classes, watch movies, and just keep at it.

"Hone your craft, take acting classes, watch movies, and just keep at it."

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Jacob Buster

Did a particular television show or movie inspire you to pursue acting?

Not in the beginning I started acting at 7 years old because my parents were in the business. I found out quickly, though, that I loved it, and it’s been a part of my life ever since. But, as I became a teenager, my love for acting deepened. This was largely due to two actors and shows that inspired me to pursue acting in a deeper and more passionate way. I love Timothee Chalamet in Beautiful Boy and Zendaya in Euphoria. Performances like these have, in the last few years, inspired a deeper level of passion for my art.

Tell our readers about your character Peter. What drew you to the role, and how did you go about stepping into Peter’s shoes?

An opening scene in a series sets the tone, and you show up within the first few minutes of Let The Right One In. Were you excited to be one of the first faces viewers see when they tune into the first episode?

Yes, I was very excited! I think the opening scene for LTROI is very powerful. I think the opening scene is more layered than it first appears, and it sets the stage/tone for the series. I was excited to be a part of the first moments.

Originally the story of Let The Right One In was one I was unaware of. After I was able to read the scripts, I truly loved how grounded in reality, the show is. It brings up very profound questions about family and battling between loyalty versus morality. Vampire shows aren’t typically so reality based. Peter is no different… though a vampire, he is human He’s real and grounded and going through a dark place in his life. Even though my personal experiences are different than Peter’s (obviously, I’m not a vampire.). I can relate to some deep parts of Peter. I can relate to the loneliness he feels. I can also relate to how much love he has for his sister.

The relationship between Peter and his sister Claire is a critical part of the series. Did you and your co-star Grace Gummer do a lot of work in rehearsals to portray an authentic sibling relationship?

When I started filming Let the Right One In. I had recently turned 18, so it was my first project away from home alone, and I wasn’t just away from home. I live in Utah, and the series was filmed in New York. Needless to say, a huge adjustment. Having Grace Gummer as a person and an actress to work with and alongside was a blessing. Off camera, we were truly as close as we were on camera. I never had to work to feel close to her She helped me feel comfortable in the role and make it my own, helping to create a realistic sibling connection.

nterview by Caro Wright Photographer: Yves Brght

Let The Right One In has had a few different adaptations. How does the show stay true to the original story while still taking its own creative liberties and direction?

Let The Right One In as a show is really a love letter to the original book and films This adaptation has added some new ideas, including my character and storyline, but at its core, it’s unchanged LTROI is, as it was originally, a love story focusing on the unconditional love between families. The show can still be eery, similar to the original film, but instead of following the same path as the film. It combines eeriness with an endearing aspect. These tender, loving qualities really deepen and amplify the story.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors?

My advice would be to stay true to yourself. Do what you love and only act if it’s your deepest desire. Also, at least half of the work on set is off camera, so be in the moment and make connections with the people around you…you’re all creating something together Those connections are part of the total experience. Finally, acting is fun. If it’s only work, the passion can be lost Think of acting as playing and creating.

"My advice would be to stay true to yourself. Do what you love and only act if it’s your deepest desire."

COVER

PUBLISHING

Björgvin

CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTOGRAPHER Michael

PHOTOGRAPHER Yves

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