Connor Jessup – Locke and Key

By starrymag | February 12, 2020

By: Sammi Turano

 

 

Q) How would you describe “Locke and Key?”

 

A) “Locke and Key” is a fantasy adventure mystery about three siblings who, in the wake of the brutal murder of their dad, move to his ancestral home with their mother.

They soon discover their dad was not who he said he was. Everything is shrouded in mystery and they discover keys. Each one has a different power and mystery. They have to figure it out as well as figure out who they are as well as who their dad was.

 

It is kind of like a mix of Narnia and “Stranger Things.” It has a bit of everything and I hope people enjoy it.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the series?

 

A) When I first read the script and comics I thought it would be a lot of fun and thought people would enjoy it. I felt as if there was a lot of fun and appeal for the audience, especially in this tough time we are in. It uses a sense of fun and adventure to smuggle in new ideas to deal with growing up with grief and trauma. It also focused on how choices you make and are forced to make can set the path for your life. The combination of everything made it very appealing.

 

Q) How was the character of Tyler originally described to you?

 

A) He wasn’t described to me at all. I got the first few scripts, read the comics and loved them both. They are similar, but have some key differences. In the comics Tyler is broody and built like a tree trunk while in the show he is more sensitive and vulnerable. Nobody told me how to take him, which was a blessing because it allowed me to explore where I wanted to take it.

I explored the aspects I found most intriguing and hope people like him. I hope the comic book fans like the evolution of how he is portrayed.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to him that wasn’t in his breakdown?

 

A) I’m attracted to softer characters, but Tyler is harder. I was interested in finding where the softness was. Entrances are most interesting and I approached it that way. The writers also helped develop this.

 

Q) Did you read the comic to get an idea of what Tyler was like?

 

A) Yes! The comics begin as a graphic representation of different types of teens. Tyler barely speaks in the comics and is more of a grunter. He is not very articulate and is usually buried under a hat. As the characters develop, they become more complex and open and it becomes very different.

The arc is emotional and it was gratifying to see it complete. The truth is the comic and TV adaptions are different. The comics are graphic and the TV writers used it as a foundation and made it their own, so it wasn’t a literal adaption.

 

Q) What did you find challenging about portraying him?

 

A) So much! Acting is challenging in general. You are thrust into things so quickly with not much time for rehearsal. You meet actors who play your family and need to make it convincing, despite only knowing them a week. It takes time to find that footing and sweet spot. It is nerve wracking in the beginning, but we got more comfortable as time went on.

 

Q) What were you doing when you found out you got the role?

 

A) I was having breakfast with my best friend in November 2018 in Toronto when my agent called to tell me I had the part. My best friend figured it out and then I called my mom and boyfriend to tell them. As an actor, there aren’t many times you get this kind of call so it was a big deal.

 

Q) How does the show compare to the comic?

 

A) The comic creators were very involved. The comics were written ten years ago and have been on a quest to be adapted ever since. There was first a pilot for Fox before it was considered by Hulu and finally this version. All the versions were different. This one focuses more on the fantasy adventures in the comics whereas the comics also have more gothic horror. A lot of the narrative and plot are remixed, allowing us to arrive at things show in the comics in a different way.

However, the core of the story (especially the innocence to maturity and the spirit) are the same.

Hulu, films as well as this version, took a long time to come around. All the versions are different, all the tone, etc. …Ours focuses more on fantasy adventure of comics whereas the comics focuses more on gothic horror.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before filming?

 

A) No. It was shot in my hometown, but I didn’t know anyone. Most of the cast was from out of town. When we met it was kind of like going to summer camp. There were unfamiliar faces, but then you all become close friends you can’t imagine not knowing.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film for the series?

 

A) There are so many, but episode seven is an odd episode.  It is a much narrower episode, focusing on less characters and more on the emotional and physical aspects. It is a tense, but pivotal episode. There are a lot of scenes that are cathartic for Tyler. I look back and think that this episode is the most memorable.

 

Q) How did you shake off a long day of filming?

 

A) I really didn’t do anything because my days were twelve to fourteen days long. I’d wake up, work, try to eat when I got home and then prep and repeat for five months.

On the weekends I got to see my friends and family. It was nice to be home and relax with them and talk about other things and be distracted.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Locke and Key” that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats?

 

A) The writers do an effective job of taking the plot from comics and remixing them in a way that is perfectly suited for binge watching. Once you start watching it will be difficult to stop. There are a lot of cliffhangers and it is very addicting with a lot of mysteries being added and answered. People should plan to lose a large chunk of their weekend.

 

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

 

A) Thank you for sticking with me.