Summer Bishil – The Magicians

By starrymag | February 6, 2019

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) We have seen so many sides and dimensions of Margo the past three seasons, and each one she has come out stronger no matter the circumstance. What has really stuck with you about the woman she has become since season one and the journey that put her on her path?

 

A) It’s been surprising, but fulfilling. The last thing I wanted to do for six years was deliver one-liners, so I’m glad she expanded. I was very committed to demonstrating her heart and her vulnerability the entire time. Without that, she would have been incredibly one note. I can’t sleep at the wheel even after four years because I’m not given subtle character scenes that slowly unfold some truth about her. A lot of the time, Margo is saying out-there stuff in out-there situations and often times with profanity, so if I lose sight of that for a second she falls flat.

 

 

Q) From this season’s musical number, what did you learn about both yourself and the way that music has magic of its own?

 

A) I didn’t learn anything about myself I didn’t already know. Music is a love of mine and I grew up around it a lot because my brother is a composer. Margo and I are as different as two people can be. It was nice to be tasked with some heavy drama on this show because it’s something I have done quite a bit of in my career and I’m not often called on to do it on this show, so it was a nice reminder. It was also incredibly difficult conditions on Episode 10 and I remembered how committed I am to delivering a quality product no matter what. I didn’t just throw my hands in the air and give up. With the conditions I was working in I really could have, but it was too important of an episode for Margo. It was the fruition of four years of hard work and I wasn’t going to let anything take that away from me.

 

 

Q) Margo became High King being voted by both the people and animals of Fillory. She proved to be a formidable foe for the Fairy Queen and earned both her eye back and the Queen’s respect. We saw her finally see herself the way others see her. What do you think it is about Margo that has blinded her from being so self-aware?

 

A) I don’t think she has ever lacked self-awareness, but often times the actor playing the character sees the character differently than the audience and it’s probably a good thing. I think she’s courageous and when given the choice between right or wrong she chose right and, in the circumstances, she is often placed in that takes tremendous courage. She knows who she is.

 

 

Q) Margo is always ambitious, what will be her main aim this season and what attribute will she rely on the most in order to get her identity back?

 

A) Her main aim is and always will be retaining her throne and her power, as well as protecting those she loves. There isn’t anything she wouldn’t do for the ones she loves. She is very committed to both Eliot’s return and her crown.

 

 

Q) Networks like SyFy with shows like “The Magicians” and “Wynonna Earp” have become more at the forefront of feminism. Female leads who aren’t shrinking violets or put in their place, they can be vulnerable, fierce, and flawed at the same time and turn their pain into power. What about this balance is important for females to see represented and what does it mean for your portraying such a complex and compelling character who doesn’t shy away from owning who she is?

 

A) It’s incredibly important to show women as they are and it’s also infinitely more compelling. It’s starting to happen more and more often. Margo was as complex as I wanted her to be. It would have been really easy to just do a shtick for three years. She’s what I want her to be in the scene and one of the things I like about playing her is I don’t feel creatively controlled by the writers. I’d lose my mind if I was given line readings.

 

 

Q) With the group being identity blocked and Alice trapped in the library, what is the biggest challenge keeping them from refocusing in order to find their way back to both Fen and Fillory?

 

A) I don’t think Margo is thinking about how magic is being controlled or what the group is thinking. She trusts herself first and has the courage to know she can accomplish a lot. Her biggest priority is regaining her crown and bringing Eliot (Hale Appleman) back. Those goals require magic, but she isn’t taking on the library and she isn’t really all that connected to the group this year. She has bigger fish to fry, her own demons…

 

 

Q) What are some of your biggest influences in the way you carry, create, and express yourself and why?

 

A) I’m influenced by a lot of things and a lot of people. I read constantly and watch a lot of cinema. Really good films inspire me and so do books. One of my favorite books is Perfume.

 

 

Q) Every season Margo’s limits are tested and she’s either underestimated or undermined. Yet she never is deterred and has an iron resolve. What is it about her that steels her will and drives her?

 

A) My will to not be playing a character who is undermined or underestimated. I had no interest in playing the obnoxious girl who says random cruel things and is written off, so I made damn sure she wasn’t and luckily the writing expanded my character.

 

 

Q) “The Magicians” never shies away from political and pop culture. What current hot buttons and political plot points can you tease that we might we see intertwined in this season’s themes?

 

A) I can’t say particularly what current issues the writers are drawing upon for their storytelling. I rarely have conversations with them about the writing. For me, it’s never been something I’ve felt I needed to do. I don’t analyze the material in that Meta way or else I become too analytical.

 

 

Q) We love how through social media you are not afraid to use your platform to speak your mind, take risks, and use it as your own outlet to educate and engage. Do you feel like social media is a double-edged sword or is it a necessary tool to elevate topical issues? A little bit of balance of both?

 

A) It is a double-edged sword. At first, it was interesting for me to explore my voice when I had maybe ten thousand followers, but as this show has grown a larger audience, I’m more inclined to pull back. I wanted to act and then part of getting jobs became having a social following, but that doesn’t sit right with me anymore. It doesn’t make me feel good or love what I do. If I feel compelled to talk about something I do and I try to be as honest as I can, but there are some parts of me that will always be for me and those close to me and that’s just how I feel now.

 

 

Q) Your upcoming film Under the Silver Lake will be premiering soon. It looks like a head trip that will keep viewers on edge and mess with their minds. When watching, what do you think will stand out the most with this hypnotic drama? What really drew you to the role?

 

A) I think the concept will stand out. I read the script and loved it. I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t love it and the actors in the film are tremendously talented. What drew me to the role was all the talent attached to the project.

 

 

Q) What do you hope that Fillorians take away from watching season four?

 

A) I hope they enjoy it and see themselves reflected and represented. I hope they feel seen.

 

 

Instagram: @summerybishil

Twitter: @summerbishil1