Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’s Tyler Cotton

Tyler Cotton is one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars. He can currently be seen reprising his role as the lovable and socially awkward warlock Melvin in Part 3 of Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. While he was only supposed to have a one-episode arc, Tyler quickly became a fan favorite. Pop Culturalist spoke with Tyler about his journey with Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

Career

PC: You’re an actor and musician. How did you discover your passion for the arts? Is there one that you naturally gravitate towards?
Tyler: I think I’ve always had a passion for the arts. I honestly can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t interested in the arts either as a hobby or a career. I love playing music and singing, but I definitely find myself drawn to acting more.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Tyler: My parents. Both my mother and father are constantly supporting and pushing me in my career. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

PC: The new season of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is now streaming on Netflix. What can you tease about Melvin’s arc in Part 3?
Tyler: We left off Part 2 with the coven very weak and little in numbers, so throughout Part 3, we will see Melvin and the rest of the coven dealing with rebuilding.

PC: This is your breakout television role. What has been the biggest takeaway from this experience?
Tyler: I don’t know if I necessarily have a “biggest takeaway.” This whole experience has been such an education. I’ve learned so much from watching everyone on set.

PC: What’s been your favorite on-set and off-set moment?
Tyler: One of my favorite on-set memories would be my first day. I was welcomed into this cast with open and loving arms, and that’s something I’ll never forget. As for off-set memories, I mean I have so many as well—literally anything from a cast get-together at Kiernan’s to watching movies with Lachlan. I have just as much fun off set with the cast as I do on set! I love them all!

PC: You’ve been a part of this cast since Part 2. Has anything surprised you about the experience or Melvin’s arc?
Tyler: I was only supposed to be in the one episode, so honestly this whole experience has been the best surprise I could have ever asked for. I’m so lucky and blessed to be on this amazing show doing what I love!

PC: Which of Melvin’s relationships has been your favorite to explore and why? Has it changed throughout the seasons?
Tyler: One of my favorite relationships that I’d like to explore more is Melvin and Nick. I love the dichotomy between the two. Melvin is much more of an established character this season, so throughout the season, we get to see the two interact more and more.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Tyler: I’m a big comic book fan, so I’d say Titans and The Flash, although I’m not that guilty about it.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Tyler: Perks of Being a Wallflower

PC: Favorite book?
Tyler: Also Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Tyler: My favorite play right now is either Angels in America by Tony Kushner or The Aliens by Annie Baker. And my favorite musical is Newsies by Harvey Fierstein or Dear Evan Hansen by Steven Levenson.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Tyler: I’m a big fan of musicals, so fans would probably be surprised by how many musical soundtracks I have on my playlists.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Tyler: Hmmm, this is a tough one. Let’s say Andrew Garfield!

To keep up with Tyler, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Binge-watch Part 3 of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina on Netflix today.