Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Star vs. the Forces of Evil’s Adam McArthur

Adam McArthur has been a part of Disney XD’s Star vs. the Forces of Evil since the very beginning. He, along with his character, Marco, and the show’s fanbase have gone on wild and crazy adventures and have grown together through it all. This May, the series comes to its thrilling conclusion. We caught up with Adam to chat about the finale and he shared some parting words to Marco and the fans.

PC: What can you tease about the finale?
Adam: The fans have had a lot of expectations leading to the end. We wrap up everything in a completely unexpected way, but it’s very satisfying. I’m really excited for people to see how it all ends.

PC: What was your initial reaction when you read the final script?
Adam: I freaked out! Actually, I pretty much freaked out reading all of the final ten episodes. The story progresses so quickly, and it’s filled with lots of twists and turns. The stakes are incredibly high. I freaked out many, many times.

PC: You’ve been a part of this series since the beginning. When you look back at the experience, what will you remember the most?
Adam: Oh, gosh, so many things. This was my first big series on a network channel, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s such a good show. I mean I’m biased, obviously. [laughs] I’m a huge fan of cartoons, and this show is really fun. I’m proud to be a part of it.

I’m definitely going to remember the fans. We have an amazing fandom. I’m going to remember Daron, who created the show. She’s incredible. I’ll remember all the crew, executives, supervising producers…everyone. I feel like I’m graduating from college all over again. I’m going to cry! I’ll miss all my friends. It’s really such a tight-knit group of people.

PC: That’s a perfect segue. The show has become this massive hit, and it has a very dedicated and huge fan base. Did you have any expectations when you first signed on?
Adam: No, not at all. In the beginning, I saw the potential that the show had to attract a fandom, but I never really had any expectations. I tried to be very interactive from the beginning, even when there were only a few people who knew about the show. I tried to respond when they had questions on social media, interact with posts, and things like that.

Then, it grew exponentially—I mean I could sit in my notifications on Twitter and Instagram, and just scroll, and scroll, and scroll, and not find the end. It was completely unexpected. I love seeing all the fan art, conversations, and fan fiction. It’s been incredible.

PC: What would you say is the biggest lesson that either the series or Marco has taught you?
Adam: That’s a great question. As actors, we’re told, “You’re doing a good job,” but we always want to know it’s not a fluke. This is a crazy dream. It’s hard to make a living or have the opportunity to do what you love. I’ve always believed in myself and had a great support system, but being on this show has given me reassurance, and I’m very grateful for that.

Marco taught me to always be loyal to your friends. Marco and I actually have a lot in common. It’s really funny, but it’s refreshing to see a character who’s really, really loyal to his friends. I appreciate that about him.

PC: If you could share some parting words to Marco, what would they be and why? And then what would you say to the fans?
Adam: Oh, gosh! You’re trying to wreck me. [laughs] If I could share some parting words with Marco, I would say, “Hang in there, little buddy. Keep doing what you’re doing and make sure you take good care of your little sister. Take good care of your friends, family, and loved ones. Keep going on adventures. If you ever get antsy, use those dimensional scissors and go to the Neverzone, fight some monsters, come back, and keep handling business.”

To the fans, it would be a huge helping of gratitude. They’ve supported me in anything that I’ve done and they’ve been so gracious and kind. I’m grateful for it all. I hope that they continue to think about the world and create their own stories so the characters can live on. I hope they always remember the moment they met Star.

PC: Where can fans see you next?
Adam: There are a couple of things that I can’t chat about at this moment, but I can talk about another series! It’s an independently produced series called S.A.L.E.M. It’s by a fantastic creator named Sammy Sawyer, and Randy Abrams and Swampy Marsh are producing it. It’s a bit similar to Star in that you have these other worldly creatures. It follows a girl named Salem, who is a cryptid, but she doesn’t know what kind of cryptid she is. Her step-dad is the boogeyman, and he reveals to her that she’s adopted. She grew up believing she was a boogeyman, but she’s not, so she goes on this adventure to find who she is.

I play a little guy named Oliver on that show. He’s the brains of the operation. He’s always calculating and making sure they stay on track. He has some similarities to Marco, though he’s a little bit more astute and buttoned up. Ultimately, it’s another fun series where friends get to go on an adventure, grow together, and find themselves.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Adam: The Act on Hulu

PC: Favorite film?
Adam: That’s an interesting question. Don’t judge me too harshly, but it’s Three Ninjas. It’s nostalgic and reminds me of my childhood.

PC: A musician that you can listen to on repeat?
Adam: Sia! She’s incredibly talented and there’s just something about her voice. I love it.

PC: If you weren’t an actor, what would you be doing?
Adam: I’d probably be a hip-hop dancer for someone like Rihanna.

PC: What’s a place that you want to go or visit?
Adam: I just got back from Japan and that was always on my bucket list. I’d love to go to Germany or Norway.

PC: Someone you’d like to meet?
Adam: Jackie Chan

To keep up with Adam, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and catch the series finale of Star vs. the Forces of Evil on May 19!

Photo Credit: Ryan West // Grooming: Laura Arango