The Knockturnal was on the scene of the New York City screening of Showtime’s newest sci-fi series The Man Who FellΒ Earth.
The cast was on the red carpet this week for the screening at the Museum of Modern Art where Episode 1 was shown to a thrilled crowd.
We spoke to actors Clarke Peters, Kate Mulgrew, Naomie Harris, Sonya Cassidy and Joana Ribeiro who told us about their characters…without giving too much away.
Academy Award nominee Naomie Harris told us, “I was just really blown away with how well it’s written and how well rounded the characters are. And also that it’s sci-fi, but it’s sci-fi with heart and soul and a tremendous amount of humor as well.”
Clarke Peters plays Harris’ father in the show and said, “You know pretty much every character that an actor plays or inhabits, there’s something about that character that is resonating in that actor. In this instance, I hope it’s his genius.”
Kate Mulgrew spoke of her character Drew Finch, “It’s very hard to talk about Drew Finch, who is the head of science and technology at the CIA, without talking about the edge on which she walks. This is a woman who is angles, all angles, there’s very little softness. While not deliberately or openly provocative she is dangerously ready to do whatever she needs to do to not only survive but to win. Drew Finch wins. Even when she loves. ”
The Man Who Fell To Earth is the sequel to the 1976 film starring David Bowie, and the cast told us there was some pressure following in the footsteps of an icon.
Rubiera said, ” I’m such a huge fan of Bowie and of the film and when I got the part I was like ‘oh my god I can’t believe this is happening.’ I come from Portugal and these things don’t happen usually! But I think we’re moving toward a more global world and it’s easier for people from all around the world to fit in different places. It was overwhelming to have this experience but it’s amazing.”
Sonya Cassidy said she doesn’t share many similarities to her character. “As an actor, you always have to find that hook, that something with whoever you’re playing, and I found that eventually. But more than any other role, she was quite a challenge. And I loved that. We are from completely different worlds. I’m from a loving family. I do not live in a mansion. I can ride a horse. But I loved to delve into her. She’s a very lonely, tough woman.” I hope I share some of her resilience but I hope I go about it in a different way.”
The Man Who Fell To Earth premieres April 24 on Showtime.
