Genevieve Kang

A fan favorite on Netflix’s Locke & Key, Genevieve Kang shines as Jackie Veda. We talked to the rising actress about set secrets, potential storylines and more!

words by VANESSA SALLES photo by KRISTINA RUDDICK

Tell us about Locke & Key - what is it about the show that made you want to be involved? After reading the first script, I immediately knew that I wanted to be a part of this project. Truthfully, I couldn’t stop reading, which is always a good sign. The storytelling is so nuanced. It’s not just a fantastical show with elements of horror and magic, but it’s very much grounded in reality. It deals with family and relationships, and real issues pertaining to grief, loss, and what it means to grow up.

For those who haven’t streamed it yet, how would you describe your role as Jackie? Jackie is confident. She’s ambitious. She knows what she wants. While she always tries to see the best in people, she’s also not interested in playing small to accommodate the insecurities of others. Jackie has a good sense of selfawareness and self-worth. Early on, Jackie befriends Tyler and over the course of the first season, a gradual romance develops between the two.

How would you describe the vibe on set? I think the energy on set really depends on what work we’re doing and who is present. From my experience on this project, I always felt a strong sense of professionalism and collaboration amongst everyone. We all cared about showing up, doing good work, and also enjoying ourselves and having fun in the process, which is really important! And this extends beyond our creative team and cast, to also include our crew, both in Toronto and Nova Scotia. They were fantastic all around and brought a really great, consistent energy to set each day.

With all the craziness that happens this season, is there a scene that was your favorite? Yes! I was really impressed by the whole series of scenes with Dodge and the Crown of Shadows. That image of Laysla, who plays Dodge, approaching the Keyhouse and summoning the shadow monsters is what every evil demon dreams of! It’s so striking and powerful. It really sets the stage for the series of scenes to follow, where the Locke kids are battling these shadow monsters in the house. So much energy and charge at every turn.

What would you say is the biggest lesson you’ve learned on the Locke & Key set? One of the biggest lessons I learned working on Locke & Key has to do with stepping into the role of Jackie, who is definitely one of the nicest, sweetest characters I’ve ever played. As an actor, I think that it can sometimes be difficult to make a “good” character interesting and someone with whom audiences connect. I really wanted to ensure that Jackie isn’t onenoted, but rather that she’s multidimensional. With the help of our writers, I was most definitely able to do that. She’s not just a nice girl, but she’s someone who has depth and substance, especially for a young woman. I learned a lot playing her, the girl has solid values.

What kind of storyline would you like to see for Jackie if the series gets a second season? I would like to see Jackie experience more of the magic. As much as she is resistant upon first learning about demons and magical keys, I think if she has to live alongside it then at the very least, she wants to understand it as much as possible. On a personal level, I’m curious about Jackie’s backstory and where she’s coming from. It would be fun to explore more of that in season two.