We are just a day away before the release of the highly anticipated superhero series Jupiter’s Legacy on Netflix. Based on the comic series from Mark Millar and Frank Quitely, this story follows two generations of superheroes dealing with the struggles of life both in and outside of the suit. It focuses on the idea of passing on a legacy and what it means to truly live up to someone else’s expectations. We got the chance to sit down for a roundtable interview with a few cast members to learn more about how they prepared for their roles and then show’s unique way of telling two stories at once.
For those unfamiliar with roundtable interviews, they’re comprised of multiple journalists from different outlets. They usually run for about 15 minutes. Each journalist is granted at least one question. Thankfully, I was able to slip another question into during the first roundtable and I couldn’t have been happier with the response.
Andrew Horton, Elena Kampouris and Ian Quinlan
Our first roundtable featured three members of the younger generation of supers, Andrew Horton, Elena Kampouris and Ian Quinlan. They each deal with being raised in the shadow of their superhero parents and living up to long-lasting legacies. Andrew plays Brandon in Jupiter’s Legacy, the son of Sheldon (Josh Duhamel) and Grace (Leslie Bibb). He serves as this defacto leader to the younger generation as well. We chatted about what it was like to prepare for such an emotionally heavy role and if he went in knowing how this story ends.
For me, knowing overall what was going to happen made playing out what happens in season one much more enjoyable than if I had just gone in as Brandon is in the comic books. We encounter Brandon as this emotionally complex guy and he is, as you say, the guy who is in charge of the younger generation. So for me, in terms of preparation, it was physical, so I spent a lot of time in the gym getting bigger for the part because you want to look like a superhero while pretending to be one.
I broke down all of my scenes and did something called intentioning, where you write down what motivates you in that scene and why. I found myself putting together playlists to match certain scenes as well, to get me into a particular emotional state. Also, reading the comics beforehand and seeing the journey that Brandon goes on and then come back to this more naïve kid with rose-tinted glasses. This meant playing someone younger than my actually playing age, which was fun. And then I got to develop and mature more as we went forward.
Before the roundtable came to an end, I had just enough time to squeeze in one more question. So, of course, I needed to chat with Ian for a second about his role as Hutch in Jupiter’s Legacy. He doesn’t have any superpowers in the series, but we do see him use the power rod throughout the trailers. So I wanted to know what kind of power he would choose for himself if given a chance. And, of course, Ian’s answer didn’t disappoint.
I really really do like to teleport, like the movie Jumper. Like the ability to go anywhere and have a million vacation homes that’s full of stuff I’ve stolen. And to be able to go anywhere with the flip of a switch. I could wake up every morning and surf in a different country, then go to dinner in a different country every other night.
Matt Lanter
In one of the best turns of events, I was given a chance to chat with Matt Lanter as well! Yes, the man behind Anakin in Star Wars: The Clone Wars series! He plays the charismatic and charming George Hutchence within Jupiter’s Legacy. He plays a significant role in the 1929 storyline. We discussed what it was like to see both of these stories come together in the end.
It’s very cool. I had spent very little time with some of these folks. We got to know each other because we trained together. I would have training sessions with Elena (Kampouris) and Andrew (Horton), but I never got to work with them and see them perform. I could only imagine what it would look like from their table read. So when I first saw the series, it was a really pleasant surprise. We’ve got a fantastic group of actors and I really loved watching Ian (Quinlan) who plays Hutch. I really thought he was great and very charismatic and very proud that he is my son.
My workload was very light and when I wasn’t there, I had days and days off at a time since I was only in half the show essentially. It was selfishly hard to remember that there was another part of the show happening outside of my scenes and the world they are set in. I had to remind myself that they have this three-day fight scene that is going to be this huge epic hilltop fight scene. It was super special to see it all come together and I really think it came together beautifully. Writing both stories side by side is so cool and it’s not just a flashback; it’s that we are spending half our time in the origin story, which I think helps set up the stakes of the present-day story. It’s a really cool and unique way of storytelling.
Leslie Bibb
I finished up my day with a Jupiter’s Legacy roundtable featuring the wonderfully amazing Leslie Bibb. Like Matt, Leslie spent quite a bit of time between the 1929 storyline and the present. So I really wanted to know what it was like being in that position and which one she enjoyed more.
So cool, I love it! I had never done a period piece set in the ’20s that was this long and I really enjoy the time in the past. I loved putting on all those old clothes, I loved everything about it and I think I preferred the past to the present. It is interesting to look back and you never really have the in a show. They talk about it or may have one or two flashbacks. But you don’t see this simultaneous version of each world living and breathing and seeing someone’s response back then and then someone’s response now. You don’t normally get that comparison. That is partly one of the really cool things about the show.
I love being in the past; I think it’s so fun. Seeing all of these people when they are sort of out there most idealistic. I know for me and for the others, you are sort of on the balls of your feet and you haven’t really settled back. I like seeing the whole group of us as we become the Union and when we are sitting around the big table for the first time. It’s like kids who finally get to sit at the grownups table for the first time. It’s like what would you do if you could help the world and it’s that idealism that I find very intoxicating. They haven’t gotten jaded yet and life hasn’t knocked them down a few notches. They haven’t seen the worst of humanity and I really enjoyed that part of it.
For those who haven’t gotten the chance to experience Mark Millar and Frank Quitely’s series before the Netflix adaptation, you are in for a wild and emotional ride. Steven S. DeKnight and his team have done a fantastic job bring Jupiter’s Legacy to the screen and we can’t wait to see more!
Jupiter’s Legacy is set to release on Netflix starting May 7, 2021.
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/jupiters-legacy-trailer-reminds-us-that-legends-dont-live-forever/
Who I Am: A nerd by the strictest definition. I enjoy diving straight into my favorite fandoms without a care in the world. I live on video/board games, fantasy movies and TV, and all things geeky.
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