Pop Culturalist Chats with Westworld’s Patrick Cage

Westworld became one of television’s most talked-about and acclaimed new shows after its premiere in 2016, and fans (us included) have waited over a year for its second season. This Sunday, the sci-fi drama makes its epic return, and that means not only will our favorite characters be back, but we’ll also be introduced to some new ones. And one actor we’re excited to see joining the cast is Patrick Cage. You’ll recognize him for his breathtaking performances in This Is Us, Jane the Virgin, and Stitchers. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Patrick about his mysterious character, how this project is a dream come true, and what world he wants to explore.

PC: Season one of Westworld has been a huge critical and fan success. Did you feel any pressure joining the production for season two?
Patrick: YES! I felt a ton of pressure. I was a huge fan of season one. I was with all the reddit-ers, trying to figure out the secrets of season one, so when I got the role in season two, I just kept telling myself, “Don’t mess up your favorite show.”

PC: Can you tell us a little bit about your character, Phil?
Patrick: Phil is a Body Shop Tech that works at Westworld. That’s about all I can really say at this time. [laughs]

PC: Season one left off at the beginning of a host rebellion—which means there’s going to be a ton more action (and, we’re assuming violence). Did you do any type of training before shooting? Or how did you prepare?
Patrick: No, I didn’t do any training before shooting. And prepare is a funny word because I’m not sure there’s anything you can do to prepare for Westworld. You just gotta read the script, try to understand what you can, and jump in head first.

PC: There’s also hints that there are other themed worlds in the Delos Company, like the samurai one glimpsed at the end of the season. What world would you like to see explored?
Patrick: I would love to see an Egyptian world. Pharaohs, hieroglyphics, etc. I’m sure if anyone could uncover the secrets of Egypt and raise the social consciousness, it would be Lisa and Jonah.

PC: So far in your career, you’ve done a variety of TV and some film work. Is there any specific genre or type of character you would like to work on in the future?
Patrick: I love the mind bending, Inception, Interstellar type of films, so I was honored to be working with Jonah Nolan. I’d love to do more sci-fi. I also enjoy playing darker characters. They’re usually more challenging. I feel like challenges equal growth.

PC: If you could give yourself a piece of advice for when you began working as an actor, what would it be?
Patrick: It sounds so cheesy but BE YOU. Truly. Stop trying to be what you think people want you to be. Study NOW and don’t stop studying.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Patrick: Silicon Valley

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Patrick: Memento

PC: Favorite book?
Patrick: The Power of Now

PC: Band or musician you could listen to on repeat
Patrick: The Weeknd

PC: Favorite place you’ve visited?
Patrick: Paris

PC: Place you want to visit?
Patrick: Egypt

PC: Person you want to meet?
Patrick: Oprah

PC: Hidden talent?
Patrick: I do the Samoan Fire Knife dance.

Make sure to follow Patrick on Twitter and Instagram, and catch him on Westworld every Sunday at 9/8c on HBO.

Photo Credit: The Riker Brothers // Grooming: Andrea Pezzillo // Styling: Laurie Delguidice