EXCLUSIVE | 'The Chi' star Miriam A Hyman says Season 3 will surprise us with a lot of changes in storylines
After two scintillating seasons, Showtime's hit drama 'The Chi' is all set to arrive with a new installment this weekend. And with the new chapter comes new faces and one of them is Miriam A Hyman. Best known for her role as Patricia Kingsley in 'The Sun is Also a Star', the actor is all set for a multi-episode arc in 'The Chi'. Hyman's major works include 'The Laundromat', 'Brittany Runs a Marathon', 'The OA', 'The Rookie' and 'Blue Bloods'. Ahead of Season 3's premiere, MEA WorldWide (MEAWW) caught up with Hyman in an exclusive interview where she spoke about her character Dre on the show, the preparation and what's in store for the audience this time around.
Congratulations on 'The Chi'. How did the role come about?
Thank you so very much! I appreciate the love. It came about like the majority of my opportunities. I received an audition through my reps for the role. I was immediately attracted to the role and content because I had never played someone like Dre before. I had to send in a self-tape initially before I was invited to audition in person for casting and the rest is history.
What were your initial thoughts after reading the script of Season 3?
Well, when I auditioned, I had only received sides for my character, not the full script for any of the episodes. There are 10 episodes in total, so I wasn't privy to all 10 in the beginning. Once I was cast, weekly, I would receive each script to read where the show was headed and to understand the show's trajectory.
You play Dre, a high school guidance counselor. What can you tell us about your character in the show?
Well, my character shifted a bit from how my character was initially announced. Once I came on board, Dre's mission became less about being a guidance counselor for high school students and more about being a supportive partner to and for my new wife and for my two stepchildren, Keisha and Kevin. Our family faces quite a lot in Season 3 and Dre assists in a major way to help resolve some of those issues that arise.
How did you prepare for the role? Can you take us through the process?
I prepared by completely immersing myself in Seasons 1 and 2. I spent the first few days after being cast binge-watching the first two seasons. I really wanted to understand the world and characters that I would be interacting with. When it came to my hair, wardrobe and such for Dre, I was able to add my spin on things to make her really authentic and believable. I spoke with the producers and creative team to hone in on who Dre was and who she could be so that she would resonate with viewers.
What can the audience expect from the new season?
They can expect a lot of change from Seasons 1 and 2 in terms of storylines. There are several new characters that are introduced in the mix. They can expect to see more cross over in terms of interaction from the characters in the neighborhood. 'The Chi' is a very real show about real people that won't change, but the realities that they all face affect the community as a whole.
What was it like working with Lena Waithe and the cast?
It was great. I didn't have any scenes with Lena, although I wish I had. Lena and the entire cast and crew were very welcoming, and I was fully embraced. I fit right in, and that made my job a lot easier.
What's next on your list of projects?
I'm prepping to shoot another film, and I'm always churning out new music with my very good friend and main music producer, East-O.
'The Chi' Season 3 premieres Sunday, June 21, 9 pm ET on Showtime.