Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Legend of 5 Mile Cave’s Jet Jurgensmeyer

Jet Jurgensmeyer is an exciting young actor who’s brought dynamic characters to life in both film and television. He’ll next be seen in the action-adventure-western, The Legend of 5 Mile Cave. It centers around Jet’s character, Tommy, and is the perfect film to enjoy with the entire family.

Tommy is a young boy who’s suffered great loss in his life and finds an escape through tales from the Old West. But can one mystery help save their family farm? Pop Culturalist spoke with Jet ahead of the film’s premiere.

PC: Tell us about The Legend of 5 Mile Cave, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Jet: The Legend of 5 Mile Cave is an action-adventure-family film. It is set in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Tommy is now the man of the house due to the loss of his father, and he wants to help protect his mom. He loves to read and learn about the Wild West. I’ve always wanted to do a western-period piece. Who doesn’t love a good western? This film was just perfect for me! I love films about family and ones that the family can watch together because it’s something that I enjoy doing with my family. I am so proud to be part of this project.

PC: You’ve had tons of success already in your career. Which of your previous roles helped prepare you the most for The Legend of 5 Mile Cave?
Jet: Wow! That’s a tough question. I guess I look at it as all of my previous roles have helped me prepare to play Tommy. I mean, I am always working hard to try to become a better actor and improve at what I do—I really couldn’t just pick one. I was also able to draw on my Midwest roots to get the feel of my character. I mean everyone on this set was so amazing and encouraging that we all just wanted to make this film stand out on its own.

PC: The Legend of 5 Mile Cave is a western set in the past. What research did you do for this project?
Jet: When this role came up, I jumped at the opportunity. I was also excited to work with Brent Christy. I had worked with him on another project and he is such a cool, creative guy. I studied this script and would try to take time with each scene and really see myself as the character of Tommy. I am very comfortable on a farm and around horses since my family has a farm, so that was pretty easy for me. I did go to INSP and watch some of the shows on there to get a feel for how they like to do things, but I tried to make the role my own.

PC: Tommy copes with the loss of his father by diving into tales from the Old West. Why does he connect with these stories? What do they represent for him?
Jet: Tommy has an adventurous spirit and he can see himself in these stories. They help take him away from the stress on the farm and the loss of his dad. When he is reading these books, he doesn’t have to worry about all of that stuff; he can just drift off into the characters that he’s reading about.

PC: What can you tease about the friendship that’s formed between Tommy and Sam Barnes. How does it changes over the course of the film?
Jet: In the beginning, Tommy is a little skeptical of Sam, but as time goes on, he begins to think he’s a good guy. When Tommy realizes that Sam is a really good storyteller, it helps bring them together. Also, Sam encourages Susan, Tommy’s mom, to let him grow up and realize that he’s turning into a young man. He comes into Tommy’s life at an important time.

PC: What do you hope audiences take away from seeing the film?
Jet: I hope the audience loves that this is an action-adventure film, but I also hope that they see it as very much a family movie. It also shows that you shouldn’t judge someone when you meet them. Sometimes, that person can turn out to be one of the greatest gifts you could ever ask for.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jet: Last Man Standing, of course!

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jet: Major Payne

PC: Favorite book?
Jet: Right now, I am really into the Shatter Me series.

PC: Favorite play or music?
Jet: School of Rock

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jet: George Strait

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Jet: Trollhunters

PC: Hidden talent?
Jet: I can juggle!

To keep up with Jet, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and catch The Legend of 5 Mile Cave tonight at 8pm ET on INSP.