Pop-Culturalist.com

Mason Blomberg is a rising young talent who is quickly making a name for himself in Hollywood. Already in his career, he’s landed coveted roles in projects including Shameless, Sydney to the Max, and 9-1-1: Lone Star.

This year, he makes his series regular debut as one of the stars of Apple TV+’s Jane. Jane (Ava Louise Murchison), a nine-year-old budding environmentalist on a quest to save endangered animals. Using her powerful imagination, Jane takes her best friends David (Mason Blomberg) and Greybeard the chimpanzee on epic adventures to help protect wild animals all around the world because, according to her idol Dr. Jane Goodall: “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, can they be saved.”

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Mason about his breakout performance in Jane.

PC: You’re one of the stars of Apple TV+’s Jane. What was it about your character and this script that resonated with you?
Mason: The script immediately resonated with me because it was all about animals and I love all animals! When I learned more about the show, like how it was about actually saving endangered animals and inspired by the teachings of Dr. Jane Goodall, I became even more excited about it! I liked the character of David because he was super funny, always telling animal puns. I love playing funny characters. We related in so many ways. I also really liked David because he is also passionate about saving the environment and its animals, just like I am.

PC: The show really highlights how everyone can make a difference. Who have been the people in your own life who have shaped the storyteller you are today?
Mason: My parents really have helped me become the storyteller I am. My dad is really funny and has a great imagination. He is silly like I am. My mom has helped me a lot with acting and getting into character and finding the right emotions. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them!

PC: You filmed this series all over the world. How did filming at all these incredible locations help you bring about the performance that you delivered?
Mason: I feel so lucky to have filmed in all the cool places that we did! It was so amazing seeing all these different environments and the animals that lived there. It definitely made getting into character and feeling the experience easier than if we were on a green screen. For example, when filming in the snow in Alberta, I was actually very cold. My face was rosy from the cold air. It was very realistic. I think it’s so cool that when kids watch this show they are getting to see actual landscapes from different locations around the world!

PC: This is the longest that you’ve lived with a character. Has anything surprised you about the experience? What have you learned about your craft?
Mason: I had booked many smaller jobs before this one and honestly thought I really knew everything about getting into character. But when I booked David, I learned there’s so much more to acting and that for some jobs it’s a sort of magic…almost like you’re getting into a new you. I feel like the more time I spent playing David, the more I became the character and vice versa. I have learned from this job that acting is truly my calling. I love acting, and this is definitely what I’m going to continue to do for a long time. However, after filming this role as David, I also have a new call to action to protect the environment and inspire other kids to do the same. Acting has made such a big impact on my life in such a positive way.

PC: The show fuses live-action with incredible CGI. Do you remember the first time you saw the finished product? What was that moment like?
Mason: The first time I saw the finished product was when I was doing ADR, and when I saw it, I literally gasped. I couldn’t believe how cool and realistic it looked! If I wasn’t the one on set filming, I would have thought they were real animals! The CGI artists did such an incredible job! And Greybeard turned out so so cute!

PC: This is such an exciting time in your career. As you look ahead, is there a dream role you’d love to bring to life?
Mason: Yes, this is a very exciting time in my career, and I cannot wait to keep acting! In terms of my dream role, I think I’ve already got it in the role of David. Playing the role of David allowed me to act for an entire year, travel the world, meet so many incredible people, meet my idol (Dr. Jane Goodall), and spread the word on conservation! I am really hoping for more seasons. But besides this role, I would love to just continue acting and meeting new cool people in the industry!

To keep up with Mason, follow him on Instagram. Watch Jane on Apple TV+ today.

Photo Credit: Cassandra Blomberg