EXCLUSIVE | 'Motherland: Fort Salem' star Kai Bradbury says playing Gerit was his first chance to kiss on camera
'Motherland: Fort Salem' has been one of those breakouts shows in 2020 as it brings with it a unique concept coupling fantasy and thriller as its key genres. Created by Eliot Laurence, the drama encompasses elements of horror, action, some alternate history and definitely wild fantasy. To imagine witches as a new breed of superheroes is something unheard of, and the series sheds light on what makes them the country's best defenders.
With four episodes down, 'Motherland' has hit the ground up and running and the previous episode, 'A Biddy's Life', sees a new storyline that introduces a new character. Kai Bradbury's Gerit Buttonwood is a male witch who makes his entrance in the show as Tally Craver's (Jessica Sutton) love interest. It was a role that really piqued Bradbury's interest.
"It was something I've done in theater but never on film," the actors says in an exclusive interview with MEA WorldWide (MEAWW). "Being given this opportunity as an actor of part-Asian descent was so important to me as it's fairly uncommon to see us as the object of desire in media. It's slowly starting to change as there's a movement following 'Crazy Rich Asians'. Aside from that, I'm a lover of the sci-fi and alternate world genre so after reading the script, I had to be a part of it."
The 26-year-old also sheds light on his character Gerit and calls it "the brainchild of show creator, Elliot Laurence". He also outlined his preparation: "I did some reading on Wiccan tradition and practice but otherwise the universe of the show is brand new. I tapped into my own emotions, recalling first love and what it might be like under these circumstances. Playing this role was more about bringing humanity and chemistry than research."
Playing a male witch, Bradbury is sure is that there is no sexism or hatred towards men. However, he says, "there certainly is a difference of status and ability between male and female witches in this world. Though vital, they simply don't play a powerful role in the military like the women do in 'Fort Salem'."
For the talented actor, 'Fort Salem' has certainly been of many "firsts". "Playing a love interest being one and some I can't spoil yet. Simply from what we've seen so far in Episode 3, it was also my first on-camera kiss, first lacrosse lesson, and my first time working with a wild animal on set."
"I'm split between edgy drama and an equal passion for comedy!" he says when asked if he is open to experimenting with roles. "I would say the variety comes from my love for exploration. As an actor and artist, I'm very open to trying genres and new styles," he adds.
Ask what's in store for the audience who've tuned in religiously to watch 'Motherland: Fort Salem', "They can expect to ride a very twisty rollercoaster ride! With every episode, you learn a bit more about the world of the show and there is something for everyone in it. It's also beautifully shot and has an incredible underscore," he opined.
'Motherland: Fort Salem; airs Wednesdays 9 pm ET on Freeform.