Pop-Culturalist.com

The future of Hollywood looks bright with actor Aedin Mincks leading the charge. Best known for his breakout roles in Ted and A.N.T. Farm, Aedin can currently be seen kicking some major butt in a little show you may have heard of called Cobra Kai.

We caught up with Aedin recently to chat about the series’ epic third season and where he’d like to see his character’s storyline head.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Aedin: My brother and I got into Lord of the Rings. We were huge fans of it—we were obsessed with it. We had the extended editions and everything. We watched those all the way through. We saw there was behind-the-scenes stuff, so we started watching that. That’s when we realized that was what acting is. We also realized trolls and dragons aren’t real, sadly. [laughs]

My brother was more vocal about it. He’s the one who said, “Oh, I want to be an actor.” In the back of my head, I thought it was a group thing that we were both doing it. So, I didn’t bother saying anything about it.

My brother got to go to an interview for an agent, and I tagged along with him and my mom. We were seven and thirteen at the time; we were both young. We went into the audition. They were like, “Nice to meet you. Who is that?” They were pointing at me, which was really rude, by the way. [laughs] My mom stepped in and was like, “You don’t want him. He’s a free spirit. You’re lucky he’s wearing pants right now. He doesn’t like to take direction.”

Later on, I talked to my mom. I was like, “Why don’t you think I can do it?” She was like, “You don’t like listening and all that.” But I convinced her, and we got an interview for an agent. I booked the second thing I auditioned for, which was a commercial.

PC: You’ve had a ton of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out to you?
Aedin: I really loved working on Ted. That was a really fun time. I loved being in Boston with all the history that city has. It was really cool. Being on set with Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, and Seth MacFarlane was awesome.

At one point, when we were at Fenway Park, and they were moving the cameras, I got to talk to Mark Wahlberg. We were talking about how my uncle is a Marine and how he taught me a bunch of fighting moves. He started smacking me in the head and was like, “Oh, yeah? You want to show me? You want to try some of those out right now?” We started wrestling in the middle of Fenway Park, which was awesome.

Then, with Seth MacFarlane, he was really nice. I kept telling him how I was such a fan of Family Guy. I make references to it all the time. He would direct me in voices. I would have Quagmire or Stewie Griffin directing me some days on set. It was really funny.

PC: Fans will recognize you for your breakout role in A.N.T. Farm. How did that experience prepare you for Cobra Kai?
Aedin: It was fun. That one is more of a multi-camera Disney comedy, so most of the acting had to be a bit over-the-top. I had a fun time doing both. I’ve been working on stuff ever since I was seven. The more I did, the more I got used to it.

I didn’t even realize that until one of my friends, who’s new to acting, was working on set. He was like, “You’re really professional on set.” I was like, “I’m professional? I’m just a kid. What do you mean?” But then I thought about it. I have been doing this since I was seven, so it’s become more and more familiar.

Cobra Kai

PC: Season 3 of Cobra Kai recently premiered, and the show has become an incredible hit. What do you think is resonating most with audiences?
Aedin: It’s really cool how they keep bringing back more and more references to the older movies while still continuing to build new stories and plots. The writers do a fantastic job mixing the old with the new. It’s really cool how they’ve done that.

PC: Your character has gone through quite the journey throughout this series. What surprised you most about his arc?
Aedin: When Mitch and Chris split up, because I thought they were going to be buddies for life. Also, getting kicked out of Cobra Kai because they didn’t even tell us that was happening! When they finally told us, we were worried. We thought we were getting kicked off the show, but then the new dojo came around.

PC: We know that the series has already been picked up for a fourth season. Where would you like to see Mitch’s storyline head?
Aedin: I want to do more fight scenes with Chris instead of against him, since we’re buddies again. I also want a rematch with Joe for getting me kicked out of Cobra Kai!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Aedin: I used to really be into Sherlock Holmes. I’m not sure if they’re still making new seasons, but I got to Season 3 or 4. Sherlock Holmes with Benedict Cumberbatch was really cool.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Aedin: Definitely Lord of the Ring.

PC: Favorite book?
Aedin: My favorite book growing up was Rangers Apprentice. I got to the sixth book, I think, before I stopped. I was just getting busy with football, school, and acting.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Aedin: Aladdin.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Aedin: My two favorite things to listen to would have to be Mac DeMarco and Creedence Clearwater Revival, because I just like all the Vietnam vibes from them.

To keep up with Aedin, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Binge-watch Cobra Kai on Netflix today.

Photo Credit: Nikki Mincks