Trae Romano – DC’s Stargirl

By starrymag | August 10, 2021

By: Atiya Irvin-Mitchell

 

 

Q) What can you tease is in store for Season 2 of “DC’s Stargirl?”

 

A) This season is really more of a mental and emotional side of the show that we haven’t seen before. Every character is explored individually, and their trauma and guilt are heavily touched on as well. Through the course of the season, the villain and hero lines get kind of blurred and you’re not sure who’s the good guy or the bad guy. It’s really a very grounded and real season dealing with a lot of mental pain and guilt.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from Season 1?

 

A) Honestly, my favorite moments where when I got to explore the more emotional side of Mike. Most times those scenes where with Brec [Bassinger] or Luke [Wilson] or even alone in some cases. The best aspect of Mike’s character in Season 1 has been focused on for the majority of Season Two; they really do Mike justice when it comes to his maturity.

 

Q) What sorts of things did you do to get into character to play Mike?

 

A) Honestly not much! I really think at this point I feel the general vibe of the show and the character, and I just go in and really try to capture Mike to the best of my ability. The cool thing is that he is an ever-changing character, and I can always bring something new to him. Also, Luke and I always throw ideas off each other with our characters, and it stays really fresh.

 

Q) Prior to taking the role were you ever a comic book fan or interested in superhero properties?

 

A) I’m going to be honest, not really. I’ve always loved Star Wars and Batman, but outside of those I was never exposed to comics in the way that I am now.

 

Q) Mike was left out of the loop quite a bit in season one and sometimes he just felt downright neglected. Will he get more one-on-one time with Pat in season two?

 

A) Mike has a really rocky relationship with Pat in Season 2, and a really sweet brotherly relationship with Courtney because she really wants him to realize his potential even if Pat doesn’t necessarily. In the beginning of Season 2 Mike has a very transparent episode; we get to take a look into his bike route, his personal life and some mistakes he makes along the way. Even though Pat has told Mike countless times that he’s trying to protect him, Mike still tries to be involved and really betrays Pat.

 

Q) How does Mike finally being in on the secret change the family dynamic?

 

A) Mike realizes that he could be a valuable part of the team and tries to prove himself. It creates a conflict with Pat, but a really strong bond with the JSA, especially Courtney. Mike also really confides in Yolanda and Rick about his guilt, and it opens up a side of Mike that we haven’t seen before.

 

Q) Speaking of family dynamics, Courtney and Mike were on their way to forming a sibling bond last year. Will we get to see more of them spending time together?

 

A) Definitely. Mike is in the same situation that Courtney was in last season, and they bond over finding their identities.

 

Q) During the battle at the end of last season Mike hit Icicle with a car presumably killing him. Will he potentially have any feelings about that?

 

A) That is the major conflict with Mike’s character this season, honestly dealing with guilt is the real overarching conflict in the whole season. Mike isn’t a killer deep down, and sometimes the guilt just creeps up on him, but he does find comfort talking to Yolonda (Yvette Monreal) about it.

 

Q) What are some Season 2 episodes that stand out to you that fans should look out for?

 

A) Episode 3 is Mike’s episode in Season 2. It does a great job setting up the rest of the season for him, unlike last season when you wanted to feel bad for Mike. Also, the last five episodes in general are so well done and really explore Mike’s character and see how far he has come.

 

Q) The mystery of Courtney’s father was solved last season, is it possible we’ll learn a little more about Mike’s mother next season?

 

A) I can’t say much on this topic, but I think this season is mainly focusing on Mike’s future, and hopefully the storyline around Mike’s mom will be touched on more in the future. I am excited to see what happens when/if she makes her entrance.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan feedback have you gotten to the series?

 

A) Honestly, I have gotten many great DMs talking about how much people love my character in Season 1, which is kind of funny because Mike’s character was originally supposed to be the typical annoying brother in 80s movies. [laughs]

 

Q) What do you think it is about “DC’s Stargirl” that has made it such a fast fan favorite show?

 

A) “Stargirl” has so many aspects of different dramas, comedies and superhero shows, it makes it so unique and fun.