Pop-Culturalist.com

Troy Mundle is an award-winning storyteller who has captivated audiences with the narratives and characters he’s brought to life in front of and behind the camera. His past credits include The Stand, Trigger Me, and Peacemaker.

This year, he starred in the critically-acclaimed Prey. An all-new entry in the Predator franchise, set 300 years ago, Prey tells the story of a young Comanche woman, a fierce and highly skilled warrior, who stalks, and ultimately confronts, a highly evolved alien predator with a technically advanced arsenal.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Troy about his multifaceted career, Prey, and more!

PC: How did you discover your passion for storytelling and the arts?
Troy: It’s always been there. Growing up, we were always putting together some form of a skit or another. Unlike today, where everyone has a camera in their pockets, personal cameras were very scarce then. Luckily for us, our elementary school had one and my uncle, who taught there, would book it out for us once in a while. So, our first filmed endeavor might have been in grade 6 or 7?

Being originally from a village in eastern Québec and growing up in that part of Canada during those times, hockey was a primary focus with little or no aspirations for film, as it was just too far away and out of reach. It wasn’t until my early 20’s when all my friends had left for school or careers elsewhere that I found myself on the couch one night with no sense of purpose or direction, doing what I had always done, which was imitating the actors in films and on TV. The notion popped into my head that maybe I should try acting. I saved up some money, bought a train ticket, and headed to Toronto to try acting.

My first day on set cemented the deal. I can still remember how exciting and exhilarating it was to be on set, to be part of a team to help tell a story.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Troy: Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to study with many great teachers who have helped guide me along the way. Both Bruce Clayton and John Riven in Toronto played major roles in getting me to the next step. When I moved to Vancouver, I started to study with Nancy Sivak, who would guide me over the next several years.

The biggest change would have come in late 2017 when I started working with Ben Immanuel. Ben takes a vested interest in all his students and he, his style, and the sense of community he has created at his studio really resonated with me. I was so involved at the studio that he eventually offered me a job as the Studio Coordinator, and for the first time, I felt like I belonged somewhere. He also introduced me to the teachings of Patsy Rodenburg, with whom I studied this past March and will continue to study with. Ben, however, has been the biggest influence to get me to where I am today.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Troy: The one that comes to mind happened while on the set of Prey. We were filming the scene where I’m atop a hill overlooking the glade with my telescope, keeping an eye on Naru (Amber Midthunder) and Taabe (Dakota Beavers), waiting to spring our trap on the Predator. Dan [Trachtenberg] and Jeff [Cutter] were waiting for very specific lighting, that golden hour at the end of the day before dusk. We had rehearsed and blocked the scene and were waiting for that moment of perfect light. During this time Rambert (Stephan Schroeder) and I stayed in our positions, and I had the chance to look out over the “glade” set: the sun was setting with the majestic Rocky Mountains in the background, crew buzzed about making final preparations… I just took a deep breath and thought, “Remember this moment.”

PC: In addition to acting, you’ve also written, produced, and directed. How has your experience behind the camera impacted the way you approach your work on screen and vice versa?
Troy: It’s changed my views in several ways, but just to name an example: the casting processes—it was so interesting to be on the other side. I was legitimately so excited when actors came in for auditions as I was eager to see what their interpretations were for the various parts. It also was never clearer that the audition starts even before you enter the door and only finishes once you exit; it’s not just the takes that are being done during the audition. It was a real eye opener.

PC: You’re one of the stars of Prey, and the film has been incredibly well received. What do you think is resonating most with audiences? When did you and the rest of the cast and crew realize you were creating something special?
Troy: Dan has taken Prey in such a new and exciting direction. Dan Trachtenberg and Patrick Aison take us back in time 300 years to the pristine and beautiful Great Plains of North America in 1719. It’s not the person/Predator who can get the biggest weapon first that wins; it’s how they can be more resourceful and outsmart their opponent. This comes in the form of a very determined and capable Naru, played by Amber Midthunder. It’s exciting to watch how she figures out how to beat her opponent.

When we were filming Prey, we all knew that we were part of something special, but I don’t think any of us could have imagined how successful it would be. The response has been surreal and I’m very excited that it has been so well received.

PC: This is such a refreshing addition to the Predator franchise. What has it meant to you to be part of this legacy?
Troy: It was very refreshing and overdue to see First Nations being authentically represented. Producer Jhane Myers was able to bring her culture and knowledge to the production so that Indigenous peoples were accurately portrayed. This representation is very important. There’s now an entire generation that can be inspired by Amber Midthunder, Dakota Beavers, and the rest of the cast. I think all of this spoke to and was able to connect to a broad audience. I feel very fortunate to have been part of the team to help tell this story.

PC: In addition to Prey, you’re going to be starring in An Amish Sin. Is there anything you can tease about that project and what else you have in the works?
Troy: An Amish Sin is a heartbreaking film about an Amish teen, Rachel (Dylan Ratzlaff), who is being forced to marry her childhood abuser by her parents. It’s a beautifully written piece by Michael Nankin and Barbara Nance and inspired by Joanna Yoder and other firsthand accounts. It’s a film meant to inspire and give strength to those who have endured abuse, in hopes they too, can speak out and find the help they need.

I play Rachel’s father, Levi. It was a challenging role as I wanted to ensure that I could bring that complexity into playing Levi, because he is a very devout and religious man, and he loves his family deeply but is torn between doing what’s right for his daughter and what he thinks is right based on his belief about ensuring his family lives a proper life in order to reach heaven. It is a very difficult position to be in, and he struggles with doing what he feels is right, so I really wanted to capture all those conflicting emotions.

Next would be Washington Black a great new series to stream on Hulu and Bones of Crows, both to premiere in early 2023.

Bones of Crows tells the story of Cree Matriarch Aline Spears, who survives the residential school system in Canada and later becomes a code talker during WWII. Bones of Crows premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and opened the Vancouver International Film Festival this year. There will also be a more in-depth five-hour miniseries, which I appear in, that will be premiering on CBC in 2023 that will tell a more detailed story of Aline’s family history looking back over the last 100 years.

Lastly, we have our short film that is going through the film festival circuit. It’s the story of a returning Afghan War veteran whose life quickly unravels after returning home as the wounds he sustained in combat lead to drug addiction. He’s now homeless and struggles with his addiction in group therapy in a fight to get his life back.

To keep up with Troy, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Prey on Hulu today.

Photo Credit: Ben Cope // Stylist: Anna Schilling // Grooming: Michelle de Milt

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About Tiffany
Tiffany Yeh is a social media manager, with over 10 years of agency experience developing large scale branded activations, working with influencers across the beauty, health, and wellness spectrum. Tiffany is an entertainment enthusiast, following the latest trends in media and pop culture.