EXCLUSIVE | ‘Tiny Pretty Things’ actor Alexander Eling reveals the secret partner he would choose instead of Bette
A pinch of magic and a pot of mystery... ‘Tiny Pretty Things’ — Netflix's new ‘Black Swan’ meets ‘Pretty Little Liars’ brings that and more to the table. Based on the book by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton, the show is set in the world of an elite ballet academy and charts the rise and fall of young adults. As Chicago’s only elite dance school, the Archer School of Ballet serves as the company school for the city’s renowned professional company: City Works Ballet.
Alexander Eling stars as Matteo Marchetti in the series and will make you swoon with his dashing looks. A struggling musician and a working-class guy, his character sparks a romance with Bette Whitlaw, played by Casimere Jollette. Did you know the actor learned to play guitar for the first time for his role? Not many know that the 26-year-old whose middle name is Orlando was raised in the United States and has a cat named Oliver.
In an exclusive interview with MEAWW, the actor — who also starred in Netflix's ‘Another Life’ and ‘Heavy’ (alongside Sophie Turner) and ‘Shadowhunters’ — dishes secrets from the show and reveals what might happen in the second season.
In a heart-to-heart confession, he also reveals who he would choose as his partner if not for Bette Whitlaw. Hold your breath, you Bette and Matt shippers!
Here are the excerpts:
We loved watching ‘Tiny Pretty Things’ and your character, Matteo. How did you get the part and what was your preparation for the role?
It popped into my email just like any other audition. Did a self-tape at first, felt great about it, and then... nothing. Ha. Nothing for a month. And then, the same day the Toronto Raptors won the Championship, I was put on hold for the role. What a day that was. Went in a week or so later and did a callback, and then heard shortly after that it was a done deal. I immediately picked up a guitar and got to practice. Did all the usual prep work that I do, as well.
What is the one thing about your character that you personally connect with and one thing that you don't like about him?
He is a hard worker who stops at nothing. I like to think I can relate to that. What I don't relate to, is his close-mindedness, but he comes around at the end.
Will we see Matteo come into the focus and be the central figure instead of being a guest character in the next season?
I'd like to think that later on in the season he sort of does. Not as much as everyone else, but I think there is so much more to know about this guy. I guess the writers don't want to play all the cards just yet. So the short answer is: yes.
On the show, Matteo Marchetti soon gets close to Bette and they have a close relationship. Will the pair reunite in a possible sequel? What is in store for the two?
The pair of them really balance each other out. Yin and yang. They really needed each other. I'd like to think that if we do a season two, they will grow a lot more together, and as individuals, as new challenges pop up.
If you could choose a partner from the characters on ‘Tiny Pretty Things’ instead of Bette, who would you pick?
Nabil [Played by Michael Hsu Rosen]. His accent makes me swoon
Did the actors really perform their own ballets on the show and would you like to be a part of it too?
They sure did. All of it was done by them. I mean, I'd love to partake, but I'd feel and look so dumb next to them. All of them have done years and years of training. Baby steps for me! I'll stick to the things I do well for now. Ha.
What's next for you? Tell us about your projects lined up for the future.
We just finished up season two of ‘Another Life’ so that should be coming out at some point next year I think. Other than that, I'm just trying to find the next thing for me. Keeping busy as best as I can, as I always try to do. This business is a beast, and I'm just trying to navigate my way through it, like so many others.
‘Tiny Pretty Things’ premiered on Netflix on December 14, 2020 and is currently available to stream on the platform.