Aaron Jakubenko – The Shannara Chronicles

By starrymag | February 16, 2016

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) Last year, I was fortunate enough to work on three very different, but incredible productions. The first was “The Shannara Chronicles,” which is currently airing on MTV where I play Ander Elessedil. He is an Elvin Prince who has to help his niece Amberle (Poppy Drayton) and the unlikely trio she is a part of on their epic journey to save the world from Demons.

The second was an independent film called The Spirit of the Game, which was based on a true story. I played American Mormon basketballer, Delyle Condie, who moves to Australia and helps train the Australian Basketball team for the 1956 Olympic Games. He is also facing his own problems whilst forming his own team that became the main warm up team for the Olympics.

And the third, I played Commodus in the Netflix original Docu/Drama “Roman Empire.” It’s an epic story based on the heartbreaking life of Commodus and the assassination attempts and corruption he faced.

Q) Please tell us how your character Ander was originally described to you.

A) The main thing that was described to me was the complexity in who he was. He was full of love for his niece, but at the same time full of shame for the death of his oldest brother, Aine. And this became my favorite thing about portraying Ander – to be full of such beautiful light and a tragic darkness.

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) I think with every role we play we bring our own individual flavor.

Q) How familiar were you with the books that the show is based on before joining the cast?

A) I hadn’t read or even heard of Terry Brooks or any of the The Shannara Although, as soon as I was cast I had two months before filming where I read The Sword of Shannara, The Elfstones of Shannara and The Wishsong of Shannara – stunning books. Terry created such a beautiful world and I’m so excited for him that it’s been given new life in MTV’s “The Shannara Chronicles.” I feel blessed to be a part of it.

Q) There has been a bit of an outcry from fans about the changes in Ander’s character from his role in the books. What are your thoughts on these strong reactions from fans?

A) The main outcry was that he was originally described as a “party boy.” But the truth is, he is so far from that. He’s full of a richness, that complexity that I mentioned earlier. MTV may have decided to start him a little lighter so that he had more room to grow and so the audience could follow his journey and see his changes. But in regards to changes, it was all approved by Terry himself and it was all to add depth to who he was and to help him with expanding his journey.

Q) There is such great chemistry with the cast. Was the chemistry instant between you all or did you spend some time to bond?

A) The cast were all so incredible. We were fortunate enough to get on so well instantly. And during the preproduction stage, we spent a lot of time together working on our fitness, horse riding and stunt and sword fighting, which is such a beautiful way to form a bond.

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the performing of your own stunts for the show?

A) Almost every day we weren’t filming we would be doing stunt, horse and sword training. So, when it came to stunts and fights, we did most of it ourselves, but the stunt team would choreograph every step and help us in any way we needed. They were incredible. And, of course, any stunts that were really dangerous (like falling off horses, etc.) the stunt artist would do it for us. Basically, they would make us look like a badass! [laughs]

Q) What are some of your most memorable moments from filming “The Shannara Chronicles?”

A) My favorite moments were filming some of the more emotional scenes that I had with Dan McPherson, who plays my brother Arion. I also liked the scenes with Manu Bennett, who played Allanon, and John Rhys-Davies, who played my father King Eventine. They’re all coming up in the show so I can’t say too much about them right now.

Q) What have you taken away from your experience working on the show?

A) I fell in love with horse riding during “Shannara.” Such beautiful animals. Also, the people were all stunning. I’ve been fortunate enough to form some amazing friendships.

Q) What would you like to say to encourage fans of the books to tune in to watch the series?

A) It’s the same epic journey that you read years ago – full of elves, trolls, gnomes, demons and all the exciting elements that make up the magical Four Lands. Terry Brooks loves it and we’re all so proud of it. So, we really hope you love it, too.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to interact with your fans?

A) Well, it’s the best way for us to connect with each other. So, we can get to know the fans, know who they are, what interests them, etc. – all while they get to know us, too!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I’m just so thankful that you are all loving the show as much as you are. The love and support that you have all shared with us is phenomenal. Truly. I feel so honored to be a part of this and, most of all, honored to share it with you! Thank you!