AMC’s Into the Badlands is an amazing show. I remember seeing the initial trailers and thought to myself ‘Holy crap, I need to watch this!’ When I finally did watch the series, I was hooked. All of the characters are uniquely amazing, and have these rich stories to tell.
Towards the end of Season 2, we one of the most interesting characters to appear outside of the core cast — Nathaniel Moon. Played by Sherman Augustus, I remember thinking that I would be so disappointed if Moon was a one and done character. How could this amazing man with a deep history, a history we barely scratched the surface of, be gone so quickly? I was happily mistaken. Nathaniel Moon brings so much to the show and has quickly become a fan favorite (definitely a favorite for me), and I had the honor of being able to talk with Sherman Augustus about his character and the show.
Nathaniel Moon is such an interesting character who we really don’t know anything about. We have heard a little of his past from him verbally, and we now know about his relationship with Lydia (Orla Brady) — are we going to get any more glimpses into how he became who he is?
Maybe in Season 4 we’ll get a chance to really dive in to the backstory of Nathaniel Moon. But personally, so far, I couldn’t be happier with how the character is written. Moon feels very well-rounded.
He’s using The Widow (Emily Beecham) for his own gain, but at the same time he has thrust himself back in to a situation he never wanted to be in again. Is this something that’s a struggle for him? Being back under someone’s command, that is.
That’s a great question! I don’t believe Moon really minds being under someone else’s command. Yes, he’s using the Widow for his own gain, but he’s also very loyal. And his gain could be assimilating back into to so-called ‘normal’ society.
So, the new hand is really cool, especially the built-in blade, but Moon wants his sword back, right? Do you see this being reflected in his future fights? Especially if he goes up against his own sword?
By now you know he does get his sword back – the “Moon Sword.” It’s pretty much a part of him, and it was very important for him to regain that part of his personality. But such is life we all must adjust to our surroundings and situations. It’s important to know that if Moon hadn’t gotten his sword back, he would’ve kept thrusting forward.
The fight between Sunny (Daniel Wu) and Moon in Season 2 was one of the best fights I’ve ever seen. Are you looking forward to your future fight? And is there any chance for Moon and Sunny to become allies or will it always have to end with one of them dying?
The action this season is going to get bigger and bloodier every episode. And as far as Moon and Sunny joining forces? Well, let’s just say this season there is a clear and present danger that holds the entire Badlands in jeopardy.
Moon lost his wife and child, does Sunny’s son being alive in the Badlands have any effect on his desire to kill Sunny? Does Sunny represent his own failure to protect his family?
That whole conversation between Sunny, and Moon (S2, Episode 3) was exactly that. Moon honestly didn’t want to see anyone else go through the pain and sorrow that endured. I pretty much changed the landscape of the situation. Moon having been in a similar situation, Moon still can’t help but feel for the person who was responsible for taking his hand and sword.
We saw Moon defeat M.K. (Aramis Knight) Without even needing his sword and he knows M.K. Has ties to Sunny, but does Moon actually consider him relevant?
Yep, for Moon, all roads and individuals that lead to Sunny, lead to him to regaining his honor.
I know Moon is a loyal character, I don’t see him questioning a kill order. But is he really interested in the Widow’s cause? Does he have respect for her as his superior?
He respects the Widow, but he’s not a mindless mercenary or a terminator. He’s a thinking person who calculates every move that he makes towards his ultimate goal – redemption.
Lydia and Moon clearly have some sparks rekindling, but Lydia isn’t going to bow to the Widow, not to mention her current alliance with Sunny. Can you tell us anything about how these conflicting views and circumstances will effect their relationship?
It’s obvious that Lydia is her own woman. She’s smart, beautiful and cunning. Moon sees these qualities and is willing to back her play, whatever move she makes and that deal goes both ways. They have mad respect and love for one another
We know that Moon is a pretty hardened character, are we going to see a new, more emotionally sympathetic side or is it too late for him to have a real life again?
I’m having so much fun revisiting this character because there’s so much of me in Nathaniel Moon. The emotional places that I get the go, was and is such an awesome ride. It’s so enjoyable to see people connecting to the work that my fellow actors and I are bringing to life with Season 3 of Into the Badlands!
Well, there you have it. A bit of insight into a badass character and it just makes me even more excited to see what will happen next. It was a pleasure being able to interview Sherman Augustus, I can’t wait to see what more Nathaniel Moon has in store for us. Make sure you tune in to Into the Badlands on AMC, Sundays at 10pm / 9c. And if you haven’t watched it, it’s easy to catch up because seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming on Netflix!
