Jack Messina – Manifest

By starrymag | May 4, 2020

By: Courtney Groom

 

 

Q) “Manifest” is one of the best shows on TV at the moment – it’s so complex and has so many unexpected twists and turns in the story. What was your first initial reaction when reading the first script and why did you want to get onboard with the show?

 

A) I thought the script was so interesting. Just the idea that a plane could disappear and return five and a half years later was a wild idea. Then, the callings start and it’s such a crazy ride. I was so excited to be a part of it, and to have such an important role.

 

Q) Cal is a character who deals with terminal illness. Did you any research upon this when getting the role for Cal?

 

A) My mom helped me research what kids with cancer go through. She explained chemo and the effects it has. The producers told me they would shave my hair because most patients of chemo lose their hair.

 

Q) One of the most shocking twists I think on the show so far has been when Cal revealed that all the passengers on Flight 828 have a set death day. What did you think of this twist when you first read the script with it on?

 

A) It was scary. Cal drew his own tombstone. Knowing bad things before they happened always freaked me out a little.

 

Q) Cal certainly had a hard time during the finale too after being kidnapped and then falling through the frozen ice into the water. What was it like for you to shoot that scene?

 

A) We prepared for the water scene a few weeks before we shot it. I was trained with a stunt coordinator, scuba instructors, and scuba gear for safety. The underwater parts were shot in a pool, again with plenty of safety people there. I had fun doing it.

 

Q) The show ended on such a big cliff hanger, with Ben (Josh Dallas) receiving a calling about Flight 828 exploding when a fishing boat in Cuba pulled up a tail fin from Flight 828. How does this change everything we thought we already knew about the callings and the passengers aboard?

 

A) I have no idea! Either we’re not real or there was another plane, I guess.

 

Q) During the finale we see Zeke (Matt Long) beat his death day. In the hopes that Manifest is picked up for a third season, what would you like to see for Cal and The Stone family?

 

A) I think Cal, Ben and Michaela (Melissa Roxburgh) will be trying to follow more callings in the hope that one of their good deeds will erase their death date.

 

Q) How is it for you working on such a huge show at such a young age and being one of the youngest on set?

 

A) I am so lucky to be part of this great show. I love the story and the cast. Everyone is super nice and supportive. To have such a big storyline in a show like this at my age is incredible. I’m so grateful.

 

Q) What has been one of your favorite scenes to shoot over the past two seasons?

 

A) I would have to say episode 209 with the pirate ship was one of my favorites to shoot. We filmed it soaking wet. At one point in the day I was told I could change into dry clothes. When I returned to set, they dumped a bucket of water over my head to soak me again. The entire crew dressed up as pirates that day. It was a very fun day.

 

Q) What do you like the most about playing Cal?

 

A) There’s so much to like about playing Cal. He gets to show so many emotions, go on crazy adventures and he’s really smart. He does all his scenes with adults, so he’s pretty mature. Not a typical kid.

 

Q) What are the similarities and differences between you and Cal?

 

A) There aren’t too many similarities other than we’re both close to our families and we both like an adventure. As for differences, obviously Cal’s illness and dealing with the unusual situation of coming back to a family that is now five and a half years ahead. I don’t know if I would know what to do about the callings. Not sure I would run off to solve them by myself.

 

Q) Who would you like to see make a guest appearance on the show in Season 3?

 

A) Everyone wants Josh Dallas’ wife Ginnifer Goodwin to appear. That would be cool.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Manifest” that has made it such a fan favorite series?

 

A) The story is always taking unexpected twists and turns which makes it interesting. But there’s also a family story, which connects with the audience.