Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with We Can Be Heroes’ Nathan Blair

Nathan Blair is an up-and-coming talent and triple threat who has quickly caught Hollywood’s attention. Like the filmmakers who inspired him, Nathan is creating his own legacy in the industry and can currently be seen in his biggest role to date in Netflix’s We Can Be Heroes. We caught up with Nathan to learn more about him, We Can Be Heroes, and the biggest lesson he learned on set.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting
Nathan: I discovered my passion for acting a while back when I attended a make-a-movie summer camp. We made a new short film each week. I remember the very first one we did. It was made to be like a reality show where each character has solo confessionals like The Office. I really embraced my character and brought in my own props. I remember coming away from that experience thinking, “Wow, I can do this, and I really like doing this.” I have been taking acting classes and actively pursuing this career ever since.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Nathan: I think my career so far has been largely influenced by movies from the ’80s and the people who made them: George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and John Hughes. I don’t know—something about the worlds and the characters these guys created really resonates with me. I sometimes think I was born in the wrong decade. I hope to be part of a new generation of actors/filmmakers that rise to the level of these giants.

We Can Be Heroes

PC: Tell us about We Can Be Heroes, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Nathan: We Can Be Heroes is about a group of kids who have superpowers and need to team up to save their parents and the world.

In the movie, I play Wild Card. He is the leader of the group until Missy comes along. He essentially has every superpower but is unable to control them.

I was drawn to this project because I loved the character. I always wanted to play a superhero, and I could see right away how I could really bring this character to life. Also, I knew from the audition specs that this was a Robert Rodriguez film, and of course, I wanted the opportunity to work with him. Oh, and I remember thinking early on how cool it would be to act alongside a bunch of other kids.

PC: Over the course of the film, Wild Card must learn to harness his powers and has an interesting dynamic with Missy. How did you prepare to tackle his arc in the film?
Nathan: Wild Card has an interesting arc. To prepare for that, I had to really feel what he was feeling in the moments when he was unable to activate a certain ability. I had to feel like I actually was failing over and over again.

As for the interactions with Missy, I hung out with YaYa [Gosselin] off and on set a lot. We ended up having a natural brother-sister relationship that was similar to Wild Card and Missy’s. I think the dynamics of our real-life relationship come through in the movie.

PC: If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Nathan: I would love the superpower to either time travel or teleport. I feel time travel would be such an interesting power to be able to use to go back and see what it was like with dinosaurs or go into the future and maybe be able to ride around on a hoverboard—I love Back to the Future, by the way. I also feel like teleportation would be a very useful ability. If I was in a situation where I needed to get out or I had to be somewhere in a few minutes and I was an hour away, I could be there instantly.

PC: This is a breakout role for you. Did anything surprise you about the experience? What was the biggest takeaway?
Nathan: I was surprised how much the script changes even while we are shooting. It makes sense because once a director sees their characters really come to life, new ideas start flowing, and that is all part of the process. At least that seems to be part of Robert’s process. As an actor, it’s great because we get to add more to the project.

I guess the biggest takeaway I got was how important it is to stay focused on set and to go to set every day with a positive attitude. It takes a lot of people to make a movie. I think there were like two hundred people in the crew. As an actor, I think it is important to make sure they know how much you respect and appreciate them. I always want the crew to be happy to see me come on set.

PC: With the film out now, what do you hope audiences take away?
Nathan: In a year like this, I feel that this movie has a great message for everyone. I really think there is something in the movie for adults as well as kids. It should inspire hope and teamwork. The timing of this film’s release is kind of surreal when you think about it, and I am honored to be part of it.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite show?
Nathan: The Mandalorian.

PC: Favorite movie?
Nathan: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

PC: Favorite book?
Nathan: Ready Player One. Fun fact: Ernest Cline came to set one day and signed my book.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Nathan: Romeo and Juliet.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Nathan: Waylon Jennings and Jim Croce.

PC: Hidden talent?
Nathan: I believe I am a good artist and love drawing all things from portraits to dinosaurs. And editing video, especially with After Effects.

To keep up with Nathan, follow him on Instagram. Watch We Can Be Heroes today.