Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Claws’ Juan Riedinger

Juan Riedinger is no stranger to the TNT family. In 2017, he joined the cast of the crime-drama, Good Behavior. It was there that he first heard the buzz surrounding the network’s newest breakout hit, Claws. Fast forward to 2019, and Juan is now guest-starring in the series as Joe Dupree, the handsome, charming, and dangerous general manager of the largest Native American casino on Florida’s Gulf coast. Pop Culturalist caught up with Juan to chat about what’s in store for his character and how he sank his “claws” into the role.

Claws Questions

PC: How familiar were you with Claws prior to joining the series?
Juan: While I was working on another TNT show, Good Behavior, I would always hear about Claws. I saw the odd clip here and there, but I didn’t get a chance to properly watch the show until I got cast. Once I got the role in Claws, I binged the first two seasons. Now I’m a fan, and I’d be watching it even if I weren’t involved.

PC: What should audiences know about your character, Joe? What can you tease about his arc for the remainder of the season?
Juan: A big question is whether Joe is playing Polly or truly has feelings for her, and vice versa. Joe and Polly have a complicated relationship, and after killing the governor, they’re treading some really dangerous territory. I can’t spoil anything, but the remainder of the season will continue to show how they navigate that as well as each other.

PC: Joe finds himself in a lot of ridiculous and crazy situations. As an actor, how do you prepare for scenes like that?
Juan: Most of those crazy situations involved Polly, played by Carrie Preston. I was incredibly lucky that Carrie is the consummate professional she is, and we tried to meet up whenever we could to discuss our scenes and relationship, which is not a luxury you always get as an actor. I found it extremely helpful in our prep for the wild situations the show’s writers were throwing us into. We were also lucky to have directors who let us play with the material and bring our own suggestions.

PC: You’re best known for your roles in Narcos and Good Behavior. How did those experiences prepare you for Claws?
Juan: Narcos and Good Behavior had me working away from home, which I hadn’t done a lot up to that point. On Narcos, I spent two months filming all over Colombia. For Good Behavior, I was in Wilmington, North Carolina for four months. Working on shows away from home lends an immersion to the process where you can really hunker down and focus on the work, but it can also be lonely working away from family and friends. When Claws came about (which had me in New Orleans for four months), I knew what I was getting into. It’s all about frequent Skype sessions and either flying home as much as possible or bringing my family to me. That made the separation much more manageable.

PC: If the series is picked up for a fourth season, where would you like to see your character’s story arc head?
Juan: That would imply that Joe survives season three…which has yet to be determined. No spoilers! That’s a hard one for me to answer. Regardless of whether I’d be in it or not, I would love to see the show return for a fourth season.

Career Questions

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Juan: I was about twenty-two when I first tried acting by randomly taking a spring theatre class in university for fun; it seemed like an easy credit. I was majoring in Biology and English at the time, and I had no idea how that class would shift my life’s path. The instructor really encouraged me and gave me the confidence I needed to pursue acting as a career. I don’t know if I would have taken the plunge without that push. So, I guess as far as influences go, I’ve gotta go with her. Thank you Gail Hanrahan!

PC: You’re an actor, writer, director, and editor. How did you discover your passion for each? Is there one that you naturally gravitate towards?
Juan: Acting has always been my main focus. My passion for directing and editing came more gradually through just being on various productions and eventually deciding to explore the other side of the camera. For me, what I gravitate to is visual storytelling, and I enjoy doing it no matter which side of the camera I’m on. Also, experiencing both has broadened my perspective on the many elements involved in bringing a screenplay to life.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Juan: Survivor

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Juan: Jackass: The Movie

PC: Favorite book?
Juan: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Juan: Kaur, a one-woman show by Agam Darshi. I might be biased since she’s my wife, but it actually is really, really good.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Juan: Maybe Sia. Is that surprising? I don’t know. I do love her stuff.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Juan: Ozark

PC: Hidden talent?
Juan: I can climb any tree.

To keep up with Juan, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and catch Claws every Sunday on 9/8c.

Photo Credit: Leslie Alejandro