Exclusive Interview: Josh Zaharia Chats Ghostwriter Season 3, Stepping into His Character’s Shoes, and More

Josh Zaharia is a rising young star who is quickly making a name for himself in the industry. Already in his career, he’s landed coveted roles in projects including Gabby Duran & The Unsittables, The Boys, and Superman & Lois. This fall, he joins the cast of Apple TV+’s Ghostwriter.

When a ghost haunts a neighborhood bookstore and starts releasing fictional characters into the real world, four kids must team up to solve an exciting mystery surrounding the ghost’s unfinished business. Josh shines as Leo El Magnifico, an infamous magician whose brought to life to help this group of friends solve a mystery.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Josh about Ghostwriter Season 3, how he prepared to tackle his character’s emotional arc, and more.

PC: How did you discover your passion for storytelling?
Josh: I’ve loved storytelling my whole life. When I was really young, I would make my own short films with my action figures. I’ve just been the biggest fan of movies and how they’re made. Being able to create movies and be a part of projects that can entertain people has been so humbling and exciting for me.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Josh: It would have to be my parents. They have both supported me every step of the way. Through the good and the bad. They motivate me every day, and I just can’t thank them enough for all the love and support they’ve shown me throughout my acting career and my life in general.

PC: You’ve had so much success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Josh: I think every single experience I’ve had so far in every production has been nothing short of phenomenal. Although I would have to mention the very first time I went on a set. It was a feeling unlike any other. That’s when I realized I wanted to be an actor for the rest of my life.

PC: You’re currently one of the stars of Ghostwriter Season 3. What should audiences know about your character? What was it about this script and character that attracted you to the project?
Josh: The character I play in Ghostwriter Season 3 is Leo El Magnifico. He’s a super famous magician from the book by Pablo Cartaya, but all of a sudden, he’s transported into the real world to help solve a mystery.

What makes Leo so interesting and exciting for me to play is the arc he goes through over the course of the show. At first, we think Leo is just a showman with a huge ego, but we start to figure out how he got to where he is now and we learn about the sacrifices he made to get to where he is and how he may regret his past actions.

PC: As an actor, how did you create the space for yourself to dive into that?
Josh: For everyone in the crew, it was really important to bring this emotionally rich character to life in the best possible way. I worked closely with our director, Luke Matheny, and the author of the book, Pablo Cartaya, to bring the best interpretation of Leo to life, along with taking magic classes and studying the script with the other cast members. I just feel so incredibly thankful that everyone working on the show trusted me with playing this incredible character.

PC: You’re such a dynamic storyteller. As you look ahead to the next five to ten years, is there a dream role that you’d love to bring to life on the screen?
Josh: There are so many things that I want to accomplish in the next five to ten years. As far as dream roles go, I would love to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, DC Extended Universe, or both as one of their superheroes. I also want to delve into things behind the camera and write and direct my own scripts and stories.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Josh: I’m a sucker for reality TV. Love is Blind!

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Josh: Don’t really have one!

PC: Favorite book?
Josh: I love literature. When I was young, Diary of a Wimpy Kid was for sure my favorite book. Currently, I have no particular favorite.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Josh: The Greatest Showman!

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Josh: Music is a big part of my life, and I love to sing. I don’t have a specific artist but would have to say I really like hip-hop!

To keep up with Josh, follow him on Instagram. Watch Ghostwriter Season 3 on Apple TV+ today.

Photo Credit: Shimon Karmel