Beau Mirchoff – Now Apocalypse

By starrymag | March 10, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

A) I have a project in the works where I’m playing a serial killer for an independent film directed by Kevin Hamedani. That is going to shoot in August. Other than that, I’ve been quite busy with “Good Trouble” and “Now Apocalypse.”

Q) How was the premise for “Now Apocalypse” described to you?

A) The synopsis was a coming of age comedy. So, I was up for the part and I was really excited because I’ve been a fan of Gregg Araki for years. They were like, “Make sure you read all the scripts before you agree to the chemistry read.” I was like, “Oh no, I’ll just do it.” They were like, “No, just make sure you read it.” So I did and was blown away by it – how amazing the work was, but also how risqué, provocative and terrifying it is. The show is not like anything else on television.

Q) At the TCA’s Karly Sciortino described the characters as “sexually resilient.” How does that sexual element play into the concept of the show?

A) Most of the show is really about sex. I think it’s brilliant because so much of our lives are motivated by sex. We pretend like we’re not and it’s all about that love thing. We all want a connection and love and that is kind of actualized sometimes through physical love and sex. The show does it in a really fun way. It’s not serious. It’s sexy, titillating and fun, but also kind of honest and presents perhaps a different mode of operation when it comes to your sexuality, which I’m proud of.

Q) What was it about the character of Ford that captured your interest?

A) His honesty. He has a massive heart and just wants to love his girlfriend and wants love in his and life, like all of us really do. I think if we tear away all the layers that’s all we want. We just want to be happy and to be loved and that’s Ford. He’s not ashamed to announce that.

Q) Was there anything you added to Ford that wasn’t initially scripted for you?

A) Yeah, I made him much more boisterous and enthusiastic. Gregg wanted him a little bit more subdued and the noun he used was “a magnet.” He wanted him to be a magnet – not his personality, but people come to him because he’s like a rock and much more aloof. That didn’t seem fun to me nor did I think it was in the writing so much. It’s pretty funny. So, in the chemistry read Gregg really wanted me to bring it down what I was doing. He was laughing and it was really working, but I think it wasn’t tonally correct with what he envisioned. So, I was really worried and didn’t want to do it that way. I was like, “This wouldn’t be fun for me.” I didn’t see Ford that way. So, my coach and I came up with this idea that I was just going to get the role and I was going to go to work every day and just be an idiot. [laughs] I’ll do it my way and then break it down and I’d do it the same way. After a while Gregg would just be like, “I hired an idiot!” [laughs] We had this kind of plan to implement, but fortunately I actually found this happy medium where I actually found a little more honesty with him and was able to find the enthusiasm but in a more grounded way.

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before joining the series?

A) I worked with Avan [Jogia] years ago and Tyler [Posey] we were both on MTV shows at the same time. “Teen Wolf” and “Awkward” had their genesis around the same time so we’ve known each other for a long time. We’ve been to a lot of MTV events. We always talked about doing something together, so we were both very excited when we landed these parts.

Q) The poster has the lead actors naked. How was the idea pitched to you and did it cause you any hesitation?

A) We had already shot the first season, so we were all extremely comfortable being naked amongst each other. That was the one benefit to the show – it was very liberating. Sex sells and the poster is provocative. We’re covering our parts. I like the poster a lot. I think it’s clever.

Q) Did you come to terms with any body issues having to stand naked for the poster?

A) [laughs] You kind of have to. I’m a hairy person. I’m just going to be honest. I’m a quarter Portuguese. My father is a hairy man. His father is a hairy man. His father’s father is a hairy man. I come from a long lineage of hairy men. Look, you’ve got to own up to it. You’ve got to own up to it. Minimal manscaping. [laughs] There is a scene in the first or second episode and you see my big, white hairy butt. That was interesting to see on the big screen extra-large. [laughs] I was hoping people would laugh. No one laughed and that made it worse. [laughs]

Q) What was it like on set filming the sex scenes?

A) It was honestly not intense by any means – the sex scenes. It’s funny, you know? We were all able to keep it lighthearted. You’re making a TV show at the end of the day. It’s serious and stuff at stake, but it’s all okay. Gregg is such a pleasant, kind man. He was just laughing the whole time. He made it very comfortable for everybody.

Q) With that sexual element to the show, what were some of your most memorable moments from filming?

A) The sex parties were great. [laughs] Honestly, what I really liked about this season was a lot of the scenes were just two people scenes. One, it’s easier to shoot. Two, you really just get to talk to each other and have interesting scenes. And the writing is so strong. I have some great scenes with Avan. The later scenes really get challenging for Ford because his life is kind of coming undone at the seams. It’s really funny, but really sad, too. I really enjoyed those scenes. I got to really go for it. They were very, very fulfilling and fun.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan feedback you’ll be receiving to the series?

A) Yeah! I hope people like it. I definitely think it will have a polarizing effect. Some people won’t get it, but there is going to be a large section of people who will love it. I’m excited to see what that response is.

Q) What do you think it is about the show that will make it a fast fan favorite?

A) The environment is inundated with television shows of all kinds of similar natures that it’s hard to kind of get above the noise and this is completely unique. It doesn’t take itself seriously. It’s like a sophisticated dessert – it’s yummy and you just want to eat it. There are scenes in the show that deal with things in a different way, which is refreshing.

Q) How do you plan to celebrate the premiere of “Now Apocalypse?”

A) We’re going to be at SXSW.

Q) Switching gears, how did it make you feel when you were asked to crossover from “The Fosters” to “Good Trouble?”

A) It felt great! I really love the writers and producers and actors from “The Fosters.” To be able to continue that on “Good Trouble” was amazing.

Q) Jamie and Callie have great chemistry. Was it instantly apparent when you were working with Maia Mitchell?

A) It was quite natural. That’s what I’ve found…I don’t know if this is true for other actors, by any means, but for me chemistry is something that just kind of exists. It does or it doesn’t. Perhaps you can grow it or create it. If you mix oxygen and fire you get a reaction. It’s kind of like that. [laughs] I love working with Maia. I think it shows in the scenes, too.

Q) The love triangle between Callie, Jamie and Gael has gotten quite interesting. Does Callie’s history with Jamie maybe put him at an advantage?

A) Yeah. I think so. I think Jamie was quite honest, sweet and forthright in Turks and Caicos. And Callie is looking for a mature man. She’s in her 20’s and all and wants to have, but I think when push comes to shove, she should look at the fun, smart guy who has his life together. [laughs]

Q) So, you think there is a chance for them to have a real relationship?

A) There’s a chance. Yeah…I think so. I hope so. But that Gael (Tommy Martinez) is pretty dreamy.