ETimes sat down for a chat with director Vincenzo Natali and his stars JJ Field and Julian Moore-Cook to take us through ‘The Peripheral’ and share their thoughts on bringing this book adaptation to life, the future of this show and so much more… Excerpts:
Julian Moore-Cook and JJ Field, you have both worked on action franchises before, how different was it going into ‘The Peripheral’?
JJ Field: The books and script material were great. There was action there, but it felt like it came out of an organic place for the characters. It felt like our characters had a real need that lead them to action.
Julian Moore-Cook: I think in some ways it was more theatrical. These are very 3-dimensional characters with goals against a fantastic backdrop and fascinating story. It felt more like a character piece than an action piece.
Vincenzo Natali, you have brought some of the most imaginative worlds to the screen, what were you most excited to create with this web series?
Vincenzo: It is all thanks to Mr William Gibson, whose book this is based on and it was especially exciting because it wasn’t one world, it was two. There was also this alchemy between the two words, almost a romance it seems. Each world desires from the other, a thing it does not possess. The rustic world of the USA and the futuristic world of London are an amazing combination. For someone who is interested in design and creating these unique worlds, it was a whole new experience.
As this series is a book adaptation, did that add any kind of pressure, especially about the way fans would react?
JJ: When I was in New York, Vincenzo had said how much Gibson loved the project. To me, that was the most important thing. If he approves it, if he likes it, then we did the right job. I think the fans will have to follow that lead because it all started with Gibson.
What was the most difficult part about shooting your scenes?
Vincenzo: Mine was trying not to laugh during their take because I find their characters immensely funny. These two add details to their characters that aren’t on the page. So I was there behind the camera, straining myself not to make a sound.
What was it like working with Chloe?
JJ: Chloe is personally and professionally as an actress, a phenomenal human being. She carries the show better than anyone you could imagine. It is one of those castings that you couldn’t imagine anyone else who could play that role.
If you guys could turn into a Sim in another film or video game, which one would you pic?
Vincenzo: I would like to be an Alfred Hitchock sim.
JJ: Just any Jimmy Stewart character. I just want to be able to dance and sing in the rain, I can’t dance though, I’ve got two left feet.
Julian: I am currently playing the Ghost of Tsushima, which is a Samurai video game. I think I would actually like to go there and slash things up.
How does this action-packed series go forward from here?
Vincenzo: This show follows a direct line. What is exciting is the prospect of what will happen in the second or third season. This is really a sea of something that can branch out and grow in any number of directions.
What would you like to explore in the upcoming seasons?
JJ: More of Lev’s costumes, more caviar, I am hoping my character can get out of his mansion and discover worlds physically.
‘The Peripheral’ which also features Gary Carr, Eli Goree, Louis Herthum, T’Nia Miller, Charlotte Riley, Alexandra Billings, Adelind Horan, Alex Hernandez, Katie Leung, Melinda Page Hamilton, Chris Coy and Austin Rising, streams new episodes every Friday.
