Matthew Finlan – EZRA

By starrymag | November 11, 2022

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the series “EZRA.”

A) After centuries of envying human life whilst living in the shadows, Ezra, a gay vampire, finally grows tired of the loneliness his vampiric roots bring him and flees to the human world, where his romance with a human, Ian, blossoms.” I’ll admit that I copy and pasted this, but it sums the show up pretty well without giving too much away.

 

Q) How was your character Cade Walton originally described to you? 

A) Cade was originally named Dante but didn’t actually come with much description. In fact, the breakdown only said “[DANTE] 20 to 28 years old, open ethnicity male. A cashier at the pumpkin patch. He swiftly manages to get a flirt in with Gwen at Checkout.” But it’s not uncommon for breakdowns to be open ended–that’s where each actor’s interpretation comes into play.

 

Q) Was there something about the series or about Cade that really made you want to be a part of the show? 

A) I’ve always wanted to be part of a Vampiric Universe and getting to participate in one so close to home was a huge draw. And being able to sink my teeth (pun intended) into a role as multi-layered as Cade was such a treat.

 

Q) Did you add anything to the character that may not have been in that initial breakdown? 

A) I initially wanted to cut my hair for the role, but the creative asked me not to–their exact words were “you can do anything you want just please do not cut your hair.” So, I bleached it blonde instead! I wanted to pay homage to Buffy [the Vampire Slayer], and truly I felt that Cade needed a quality like dyed hair to show his attempt at blending in at Woodcrest.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your co-stars before working with them on the show? 

A) The only cast member I knew before shooting was Veronika [Slowiskowska] (who plays Amber). We had worked together a few years before on a student film. But I am so happy to have met this extremely talented group of cool people. I love that the series follows a gay vampire!

 

Q) Since you are a part of social media, what kind of fan feedback have you been receiving to the show? 

A) Fans have been loving the show, no surprise. It’s been really exciting to watch viewers see themselves in this Canadian Queer Vampire Show! It’s also been so cute to see fans use the Ezra Filter on Instagram to see which character they would be–check it out if you haven’t yet!

 

Q) What were some of your personal favorite scenes to film or memorable moments from working on the show? 

A) Some of my personal favorite scenes to shoot come at the end of Season 1. And I don’t want to spoil anything for viewers who may not have gotten there, but I will say that getting to share the screen with Chelsea Clark was such a blast!

 

Q) What do you think it is about “EZRA” and the tale of Ezra Grey that will make it a fast fan favorite series? 

A) We’ve all seen a vampire show, but not like “Ezra!” What “Ezra” does so well is play into the campy world of horror comedy, while still tackling real world issues like: inclusion, diversity and gender equality. Not to mention the show gets truly scary at times. I’d say it checks all the boxes.

 

Q) What are the other projects that you have been busy working on lately? 

A) This summer I was busy working on two features: Hell of a Summer and Civil – both set for tentative 2023 releases. Funny enough, in Hell of a Summer I play a character named Ezra. Keep your eyes peeled for these projects as they are sure to be awesome as well.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do? 

A) To any fans and supporters of me and the work I’m lucky enough to get to make, I want to say – Thank you, your kind words, enthusiasm and encouragement mean more than you know. Follow me on Instagram @matthewfinlan if you’re not already, and you can be sure to stay up to date on all things “Ezra” and beyond!