Exclusive Interview: Evan Nikolas Fields on The Wayfinders — Identity, Purpose, and Flynn’s Emotional Journey

Evan Nikolas Fields is quickly emerging as one of the industry’s most exciting young storytellers. In Angel Studios’ fantasy adventure series The Wayfinders, he takes on the leading role of Flynn Griffin—a character whose bravery is matched only by his vulnerability, and whose heart quietly anchors the group as the stakes rise.

Created by Jason Faller and Kynan Griffin, The Wayfinders follows a group of teenagers who are thrust into an extraordinary journey—one that forces them to confront who they are, what they stand for, and the kind of courage it takes to move forward before you feel ready. While the series delivers the scale and wonder of epic fantasy, its emotional weight comes from the relationships at its core, where trust is tested, bonds are built, and the most meaningful battles are often internal.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Evan Nikolas Fields about what drew him to The Wayfinders and why the heart of the story immediately resonated with him. In our conversation, he opens up about balancing Flynn’s adventurous spirit with his vulnerability, stepping into his first leading role, and how the cast built a real sense of family—both on set and beyond—that helped bring the series’ relationships to life onscreen.

PC: The Wayfinders is one of the most highly anticipated series of the year. When a project like this comes across your desk, what immediately resonates with you and makes you want to be a part of it?
Evan Nikolas Fields: What immediately resonated with me was the heart of the story. The Wayfinders isn’t just about fantasy or spectacle—it’s about identity, purpose, and finding the courage to move forward before you feel ready.

PC: There are so many nuances to Flynn—he’s adventurous yet vulnerable. How did you approach balancing those sides of him, as well as his evolution throughout the season?
Evan Nikolas Fields: I let both sides of Flynn exist at once. His curiosity and bravery push him forward, while his vulnerability keeps him grounded. As he grows, his confidence builds naturally—without losing that sense of vulnerability.

PC: Flynn serves as the emotional compass of the group. What role do you play in your own friend group, and did that make it easier or more challenging to connect with Flynn?
Evan Nikolas Fields: I tend to be the listener in my friend group—the one people come to when they need perspective. That made it easier to connect with Flynn, since he leads with empathy more than confidence. Playing him felt natural—just with higher stakes.

PC: While the series lives in a fantasy world, it’s ultimately grounded by these very real relationships. Why do you think the genre is such a powerful vessel for telling human stories?
Evan Nikolas Fields: Fantasy allows you to tell deeply human stories with greater clarity. When the world is larger than life, real emotions and relationships stand out even more.

PC: There’s such an organic chemistry that comes across on screen between all of the characters. How were you able to build those bonds?
Evan Nikolas Fields: The bonds came from spending so much time together on and off set. Long days and challenging scenes built trust quickly. After filming, Vince Mattis and I even took a Euro trip and met up with Tamara Smart, Sam Buchanan, Issy Knopfler, and Filipe Cates. Once you travel together, you’re basically family.

PC: This is your first leading role. What was the most surprising part of the experience? Is there a particular scene you’re most excited for audiences to see?
Evan Nikolas Fields: The most surprising part was realizing how much you grow alongside the character over the course of a full season. It truly becomes a journey. There’s a moment later on when Flynn makes a clear choice for himself, and I’m excited for people to see that.

PC: Flynn’s journey throughout the series is about learning to trust himself. With this being your first leading role, what did you learn about yourself—both personally and professionally?
Evan Nikolas Fields: Playing Flynn taught me to trust my own abilities on a personal level. Professionally, it showed me the importance of using every experience as a learning opportunity to keep growing and mastering my craft.

To keep up with Evan Nikolas Fields, follow him on Instagram. Stream The Wayfinders on Angel Studios today.

Photo Credit: Matt Kallish