Pop-Culturalist.com

Asher Angel is a versatile storyteller, shining as one of the industry’s most captivating leading men. His charming and memorable performances have brought joy to audiences in beloved projects such as Shazam!, Andi Mack, and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.

This May, he astounds audiences with his portrayal in the dystopian thriller, Lazareth, showcasing the breadth of his talent as he steps into a role unlike any he’s played before.

Following the death of their parents, Lee (Ashley Judd) adopts her nieces, Imogen (Katie Douglas) and Maeve (Sarah Pidgeon), and raises them in a remote cabin as a deadly pandemic rages on around them. For over ten years, the girls are raised to never leave the woods, avoid any and all interaction with outsiders, and ultimately rely on Lee as their only connection to the outside world. Lee has convinced the girls this is the key to survival in what is now an infectious and violent world. But when Imogen and Maeve discover an injured man, Owen (Asher Angel), in the nearby woods, Lee’s absolute control begins to disintegrate as their faith in her, and everything they’ve ever known, begins to unravel.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of catching up with Asher to discuss Lazareth, how the role pushed him both creatively and personally, his new single “Love Drunk,” and more.

PC: This is a much more mature role than we’ve seen you do in the past. How much does that play a factor in what you want to be attached to? What was it about Alec Tibaldi’s script that resonated with you?
Asher: When I received this script, I was immediately intrigued by it because Owen is a character that I hadn’t played before. Like you said, I’ve mostly played light-hearted characters, I’d say for the most part. But having that initial conversation with Alec, talking about the creative and his vision for Lazareth, I was so fascinated by it. It was an instant yes. How could I not want to play this character and be a part of this project? It was a no-brainer for me. I love the script. I really enjoyed my meeting with Alec. Also, I’ve been a big fan of Ashley Judd. Who isn’t? So it was a no-brainer. I wanted to do something that was different from anything I’ve done before.

PC: You’re fantastic in this. There’s such an empathetic quality that you bring to your characters, especially Owen, who hasn’t been dealt the best cards in life, and you make audiences feel for him immediately. As an actor, how do you create the space for yourself to delve into that journey and tackle that vulnerable space that he’s in?
Asher: There was something about this project. I could ask Alec anything. He was always open to having calls. When I got on set, he created the space for me to be vocal about our characters. He gave us so much room to play. That’s what I loved so much about working on this project. I feel like I improved so much as an actor and a person. You learn something new from every set that you’re on, but I learned a lot on this one because I was able to branch out and play a character that was so different.

PC: Your fans are going to love this. Lazareth is a sanctuary for these characters where it has this escapism quality. Where is the place that you need to go to channel your own creativity?
Asher: [laughs] I’m a homebody. When I’m home, I feel the most creative. I love being home. I get super creative. I love practicing at home. That’s why quarantine was so nice for me. I know it was very scary for the world and a lot was happening, but I really took that time to hone in on my craft and get better. That’s really helped me in the long run, especially where I’m at now.

PC: You’re also a multifaceted talent. How much does music play a role in the way that you prepare for a project or scene?
Asher: It’s extremely important to me, even if I’m just listening to music before I start a scene. It helps me calm down. It’s part of my process. A lot of people ask what my process is, and that’s just putting my earbuds in and listening to music, getting in the zone, and trying to feel the character. I love it. Music is so amazing. It’s a universal language.

PC: Owen has this immediate connection with Imogen in the film. It’s through her that he sees life in a different way. What was it like working with Katie [Douglas] and building that dynamic between your two characters?
Asher: Katie’s great. I had a great time with Katie and Sarah [Pidgeon]. I showed up to set two weeks after they did. They welcomed me with open arms, and they were so nice and genuine. It clicked right away when I got there. We laughed a lot and had a good time. We had that chemistry from the start, especially Katie and I. That was super important for our characters because there’s a lot of tension between them. They have this very intimate, raw relationship. It’s cool getting to dial that in when I got there and make sure we got settled in for our scenes.

PC: Life imitating art where it feels very similar to how your character shows up in the film. In a project where everything is so high stakes and amplified, your character also brings a lot of much-needed levity. How much of that was originally in the script? Was that something you brought to the role after being cast?
Asher: I feel like I got an essence of that from the script, but I wanted to take it to the next level with Alec and show that vulnerability that he has because it’s super important. We don’t really talk too much about Owen’s backstory. He’s thrown into this environment and it’s crazy. You see Imogen change him as a person and really open up his world. She helps him see the world in a different view which is very spectacular and changed his life because he’s never had anyone he could trust in his life. He didn’t have parents. They’re gone. He’s gone through all this trauma. He’s not perfect, and he knows that. But he’s trying to survive. It’s a hard world out there, and he has no guidance. Once he meets Imogen, it’s like he’s got a purpose now.

PC: You touched upon this already, but Alec wrote and directed this. How different is that experience when the person who’s created these characters and universe is also at the helm directing? What was that collaboration like?
Asher: This is my favorite project that I’ve ever done in terms of collaborating with the actors and with Alec. It was so easy to talk about our characters with him, and even ideas that we had. Sometimes directors don’t always listen to actors, but Alec really cared about what we thought and always wanted us to use our intuition.

PC: That allows you to bring the performances that we see on screen. You’ve also worked on projects of all sizes. What is it about independent filmmaking that excites you as a creative and a storyteller?
Asher: It’s really where you get to hone in on your abilities. It’s where you get to act your butt off. That’s why I love indies because I feel like I’m given the opportunity to try things and put myself in uncomfortable situations. To be honest with you, I don’t always want to be comfortable. I want to scare myself and try things, even if it doesn’t work. It’s all part of the process. It was really cool getting to dial that in with Alec and with my character and try stuff.

PC: It definitely did. You’ve never been better. With this being such a different role than the ones you’ve played in the past, is there a scene you’re really excited for audiences and fans to see?
Asher: Everything. [laughs] It’s so hard. I think it’s all the relationship dynamics between all the different characters, especially when Owen arrives. There’s such an interesting dynamic between Aunt Lee, Maeve, and Imogen already. Maeve is super fierce and will stand her ground and is very mature. Then you have Imogen who’s very similar to that but she’s also in awe of the world and takes it in. She’s this light. She’s special. It’s an interesting dynamic between all of that, especially when Owen gets in the mix. It makes it crazier.

PC: Perfect segue to this next question. But one of the central themes in this film is chosen family. Who are the people in your own life who’ve shaped the artist and storyteller that you are today?
Asher: My family. They’ve been supporting me since I started in this industry. I wouldn’t be where I am without them, so I’m forever thankful for that and them. They support me every day. I can’t believe I get to do this as my job. I’m so blessed and fortunate because I know there are millions of kids dying to be in the position that I’m in. I want to make them and everyone supporting me proud.

PC: May 10th is shaping up to be such a big day for you. Not only do you have this movie coming out, but “Love Drunk” is also dropping. Can you tell us about the song? Are we working towards maybe an album or tour in the future?
Asher: We definitely can expect an album in the future and a tour. It’s just the start of my music journey, so I’m very excited. “Love Drunk” comes out tomorrow. I think it’s the summer smash that we need. It’s fun, vibe-y, and relatable. We’ve all been love drunk. I’m excited about that as well. For that to fall on the same day as the movie is very exciting as well. It’s a two for one.

To keep up with Asher, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Catch Lazareth in select theaters and digitally today. Listen to “Love Drunk” today.

Photo Credit: King Lawrence