NYCC 2017: A Conversation with the Cast of Freeform’s Siren

Freeform is diving into the fantasy genre with their new series, Siren, and they’re making audiences question everything they know about mermaids and what lies beneath the surface. When a mysterious girl (Eline Powell) appears and begins wreaking havoc upon the quaint village of Bristol Cove, marine biologists Ben (Alex Roe) and Maddie (Fola Evans-Akingbola) must work together to find out who and what drove this mermaid out of her home, and are there more like her out there? We chatted with the cast ahead of their premiere to get all the details.

Eline Powell on the Many Layers of Her Character, Ryn
“She’s never been on land before, so it’s all very intimidating for her. On the other hand, she’s used to being a top-level predator.”

Fola Evans-Akingbola on the Impact Ryn’s Arrival Has on Her Character, Maddie
“She’s trying to find her own independence and what she wants to do in her life, and then Ryn comes into her world, and that turns everything upside down.”

Fola Evans-Akingbola on What Drew Her to This Project
“I was really excited because it’s something that I’ve never seen before. I love the fresh take that the writers have brought to mermaids. With all the scripts, I’m always surprised. They’re always keeping us on our toes.”

Alex Roe on Training to Do Scenes Under Water
“We trained to do these breath holds because you’re acting under water, and you have to get over the fact that you’re freaking out and trying to stay alive. You need to be able to calm yourself, so that you can act under water and do these fight scenes.”

Ian Verdun on Xander’s Take on Mermaids
“Xander’s perspectives on mermaids is very different. He had a very different first experience with them than Ben. For Xander, he’s still figuring things out.”

Check out Our Full Interview Below:

Siren premieres on March 29, 2018 at 8/9c on Freeform.

Photo Credit: Freeform/Lou Rocco