Netflix's 'V Wars' actor Peter Outerbridge opens up on how sci-fi can tell a human story and get powerful messages across
Peter Outerbridge is no stranger to the science fiction or fantasy genres. After all, the 'V Wars' actor has multiple credits under his name for both including 'The Expanse', '12 Monkeys', 'The Umbrella Academy and 'Orphan Black'.
In a recent interview with MEA WorldWide (MEAWW), Outerbridge reveals he felt the script for 'V Wars' was a "really interesting spin on the vampire genre," taking a scientific approach to the vampire mythology. He says, "if it does well, it could make for some really interesting story arcs using the vampire and the plague [to reflect] bigotry and persecution".
Regarding the ending of Season 1 of 'V Wars', Outerbridge compares the situation on the show to the rise of far-right politics around the world. He says, "The rise of anti-immigration, what's happening at the borders of Mexico with all the camps and cages [is something] they touch upon in the show. Unfortunately, it's a very topical theme. I don't think a lot of fictional shows has started touching upon those kinds of issues."
Outerbridge also noted the interesting aspect that the vampire plague on the show started because of climate change, he says, "it's almost like humanity brings it upon themselves and then immediately tries to solve it by putting people in internment cabs — it's a mess basically — and it kind of becomes a sign of the times."
Outerbridge says science fiction is only as good as the writers and actors can sell it and considers himself lucky to have been involved in some heavy science fiction shows like 'The Expanse'. He says, "the actors and crew realize that science fiction is a viable way of storytelling, to get across some very powerful messages," adding that science fiction can make statements and philosophical statements that they may not be able to tell otherwise.
Outerbridge believes that the more science fiction is approached as a human story, "the better it becomes, it just becomes fascinating as a whole and adds a whole dimension to the storytelling."
The first season of 'V Wars' is now streaming on Netflix.