Pop-Culturalist.com

Niko Ceci is one of the industry’s brightest young stars. His credits include feel-good animations such as Clifford the Big Red Dog, Corn & Peg, and Remy & Boo. However, he’s best known for his breakout performance in Netflix’s critically acclaimed series, I Woke Up a Vampire, where he plays Kev.

I Woke Up a Vampire is a supernatural drama series that follows the story of a young girl named Carmie who wakes up one day to discover she has become a vampire. As she navigates her new life, she must balance the challenges of her teenage years with the unique struggles that come with being a vampire.

Now in its second season, Niko brings his innate talent to the character of Kev Gardner, Carmie’s best friend and partner in crime, who embarks on an incredible journey of self-discovery and finding his purpose.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Niko about I Woke Up a Vampire Season 2, how he approached his character’s evolution, and more.

PC: Kev’s journey in Season 2 is about finding his purpose, and you brought so much depth and nuance to that arc. How did the preparation differ heading into Season 2? Did you channel any of your personal experiences when stepping back into this character?
Niko: The preparation was very different for Season 2. Kev has so much more confidence and self-empowerment in the new season. I focused on putting a little more pep into his step rather than the shy aspect and insecurity from the first season. Luckily, I have always surrounded myself with supportive friends and family, so I have always been able to be myself.

PC: Octavia Rhodes is such a role model to your character. Who were the people in your own life who have inspired your journey as a storyteller and artist?
Niko: One of my biggest inspirations is my parents. My mom and dad have always been my biggest supporters and advocates. In the acting industry, I have always looked up to Tim Burton. The way he tells stories is moving. The attention to detail in his TV series and movies is unbeatable, and the cinematography and character development shown throughout his work amaze me.

PC: When you’re working on a show like this, there’s so much that gets added in post. Has there been a scene or episode where the final result surprised you compared to what you filmed?
Niko: The episode where I got blown off the roof was the most drastic change from start to finish. I truly could not have begun to prepare myself for what it was like to see the finished product.

PC: You’ve also done a lot of animated series. How different is that filming experience when you’re in the live-action realm? How have your experiences in animation prepared you for this moment?
Niko: The filming experience is very different between animation and live-action. When you are recording animation, you only get to do the character’s voice rather than experience what it is like to be that character. When you are filming a live-action series, you get to be in wardrobe and hair and actually interact with fellow characters and castmates. If I could sum it up, I would say that you get the full experience by doing live-action.

PC: This is your first role as a series lead. Congratulations, by the way! What has been the most surprising part of this experience? What has been your biggest takeaway?
Niko: The most surprising part of this amazing experience has been seeing how quickly a TV show can take off. I never imagined in a million years that I would have kids looking up to me the way I looked up to so many actors. It’s incredible that one show could impact so many different people! I would say there have been no downsides—my experience has been nothing but enjoyable, and I will always remember this as where I started.

PC: I Woke Up a Vampire has been such a hit on Netflix. What do you think is resonating most with audiences? What do you hope they take away from it?
Niko: I feel like the experience of not fitting in and discovering who you are during your middle and high school years is very relatable for the audience. Additionally, the theme of having a vivid imagination and not growing up too fast resonates with viewers. Nowadays, kids often want to grow up quickly, but I think it’s important to cherish your youth. I hope viewers take away one simple lesson: nobody gets to decide what makes you happy, and surrounding yourself with good friends and people who care about you is key to taking on the world.

PC: If we’re lucky enough to get a third season, where would you like to see your character’s arc go?
Niko: I would love to see Kev continue to be a successful graphic novelist and inspire many different people with his work. I would also like to see Kev become a mythic. You never know—the possibilities in the I Woke Up a Vampire world are endless!

To keep up with Niko, follow him on Instagram. Watch I Woke Up a Vampire on Netflix today.

Photo Credit: Vita Cooper