Do you like horror? Are you a Stephen King fan? If you fall under either or both of those categories, have you heard of this awesome show on Hulu called, Castle Rock? Because it’s a series you should absolutely be watching.
Set in the fictionalized town of Castle Rock, Maine, the series utilizes characters, places, and themes seen in Stephen King’s stories to weave a tale that ties together the familiar and the new, original content.
The Pop Break had the awesome opportunity to talk to Season Two cast member, Matthew Alan (who portrays Chris Merrill) about his own ties to the horror genre, the series, and his character’s role.
First thing I have to ask given the show is a two-parter. Are you a Stephen King fan and what’s your favorite story of his?
Matthew Alan: Yeah. I’m a big Stephen King fan. I feel like, in some way, everyone has read or been in touch with his work at some point – he’s such a fabric of this genre. For me, the first one I ever read was, Pet Sematary, I read that when I was a teenager, and it stuck with me for a really long time. It opened the door for this weird horror genre that I wasn’t familiar with. I think his writing is so interesting because he creates these characters that people connect with but then puts them in these bizarre, wild circumstances. I think that’s what draws people to his work. That and my dad was a diehard fan, there was always some kind of Stephen King book lying around the house.
Obviously shows you’ve been in before, such as 13 Reasons Why, had their own kind of intensity and drama, but how does that compare to the intensity of acting in a horror production? Which genre do you prefer?
Matthew Alan: I’m always drawn to the weird stuff. There’s not a certain genre I prefer over the other, each one is different – the messages and the stories, it’s always different. For this though, it’s wild, because the Stephen King universe is so unpredictable, so this series is different in that vein. But something like 13 Reasons Why, really opens up the dialogue for a lot of social situations, so I feel like in that respect, that show has been a very cool experience in that way.
Chris Merrill is in Castle Rock‘s world but he isn’t from a Stephen King story? What’s it like portraying a character like this?
Matthew Alan: Chris is not an original Stephen King character, but the Merrill family is, Pop Merrill played by Tim Robbins and Ace played by Paul Sparks, they’re original characters. [Editor’s Note: They Pop and Ace both appeared in Stand By Me]. So Chris is an added character to the series, which has been cool because you’re creating a character from the ground up in this world that so many people are familiar with. It’s pretty exciting, but it’s intimidating in the same respect because it’s such a well-known universe. It’s a daunting thing but equally exciting.
How does Chris fit in to this story?
Matthew Alan: Well, Castle Rock is kind of a magnet for the weird and the dark. I feel like with Chris, and Nadia played by Yusra Warsama, as well, they’re the two that are the most level-headed that we’ve been introduced to so far. They’re grounded by family and loyalty, and I think Chris’s main goal is to just keep the family together. As the chaos starts to ensue, Chris is the one making his best effort to keep it out of Castle Rock and keep the things that anchor him, his family and community, safe. He has good intentions, he’s a good guy but he’s stuck in a tough situation.
A little bit of a spoiler of a question, but your character dies in the series – but not really? Clearly there’s more mystery to unfold, but is Chris even still there and what’s does the future hold for Chris?
That’s a great question. I think that’s where the heart of the story will unfold from here on out and we’ll be able to see how much control these characters have over what’s happening. I think we’ll see Chris have to face the challenges of what this other side of things holds for him. And I think maybe we’ll learn that there’s a chance that this uprising can be halted and hopefully Chris will find a way to be a part of that, or at least we’ll get to see a bit more of what is making this town do what they’re doing and Chris’s part in it.
Castle Rock is a series wrapped in mystery, which leads to all sorts of fan theories — do you ever check any of these out?
Matthew Alan: Yeah, I like to read up on what people think where things are going. This world is so unknown and so crazy that I think that’s the fun of it, that anything is possible. A lot of these theories may or may not be true, but who knows where it could actually end up. That universe is so complex and so big and there’s so many theories out there that I think would make excellent stories for seasons to come – anything could make a very cool third season.
What’s your opinion on the rise in popularity of anthologies and limited series television? Why do you think people gravitate towards them?
Matthew Alan: Now with streaming, it’s just so much easier to access more content. From an actor’s perspective, there’s opportunities for more creative content and more opportunities in general. Sometimes you might wish it was a multiple year contract, but then at the same time you can take part in a very cool, short season, then still be open to other opportunities out there. It’s changed the industry a lot, but I think it’s a good thing because it allows for viewers to have more opportunity too. They have the opportunity to binge or to wait week to week, they can watch a drawn out season at their own pace – all the options are there, except with more options.
You’re also going to be on HBO’s Lovecraft Country – is horror a genre you’ve always had an interest in? Also, can you talk a little bit about your role in the series?
Matthew Alan: I’ve always personally just loved horror. I love a good horror movie, I love good suspense, but I haven’t had much opportunity to work in the genre too much, so with Lovecraft and Castle Rock, it’s been a cool introduction to that. I would love the chance to work more in it if I could. For Lovecraft, I’m in the pilot. The story follows a young man searching for his father in the 1950s and it’s got the Lovecraft element to it. It’s about the different characters and monsters he meets along the way, it’s all about that journey, which opens up the door for different interesting characters, good ones and bad ones. I play a detective in the town that they cross through in the first episode, and this is where the journey really begins for him. It’s a very intense opening to the series and I’m really excited to see how it turns out.
Is there anywhere people can follow you for more information about what you’re working on?
Matthew Alan: I would love for them to follow as much as possible, definitely check out the Hulu page. I don’t have much presence on social media myself, so check out the Castle Rock page and check out new episodes on Wednesday nights.
Catch Matthew Alan on Castle Rock Season 2 which streams Wednesday nights streaming on Hulu.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bytPaQ5I8U
