Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Daybreak’s Cody Kearsley

Cody Kearsley first burst onto the scene in the 2016 comedic short, Borealis, which he wrote, produced, and starred in. Since then, he’s landed coveted roles in blockbuster films and hit television programs including Power Rangers and iZombie, but he’s best known for playing Moose on The CW’s Riverdale, based on the Archie comics. This fall, he solidifies his place as one of Hollywood’s most exciting young actors with his commanding performance as Turbo Bro Jock in the post-apocalyptic drama, Daybreak. Pop Culturalist caught up with Cody in between filming an exciting new project to chat all things Daybreak.

Daybreak

PC: Tell us about Daybreak, your character, and what attracted you to this project.
Cody: Daybreak is a dark comedy about how the students of Glendale High form tribes based off their social clique after the apocalypse. My character, Turbo Bro Jock, was the star quarterback and now subsequently the leader of the jock tribe. Turbo rules with an iron fist and runs the most dominant tribe of Glendale.

The most exciting thing about this project for me is that we (both the cast and the characters themselves) have the opportunity to create an entirely new world. There are no more rules. We can do as we see fit as long as we find a way to survive.

PC: Throughout the series, we get to see how the apocalypse changes each character. How would you describe Turbo’s transformation?
Cody: The biggest sore spot for Turbo is his relationship with his father. Before the apocalypse, his father was his idol; he was a literal hero, traveling across the world protecting kids in every country. The only kid he didn’t seem to have time for was Turbo. Now that he’s alone, he feels the need to fill his father’s shoes as best he can while dealing with all of the resentment, abandonment, and confusion that was left in the place of their relationship. Also, because of his severe burns he isn’t attractive anymore nor is he able to speak without having the burns on the inside of his throat open up and bleed. He feels like he’s become a monster, but is still trying to do his best to protect the children.

PC: After the apocalypse, Turbo expresses himself less through his words and more through his physicality. How challenging was that to tackle as an actor? How did you prepare?
Cody: I actually loved this aspect—it’s very freeing as an actor. I’ve done mask work before and it actually makes you connect with the character on a deeper level. You can find where different emotions sit in your body. Your physicality changes depending on your emotional state or circumstances and it was fun to dissect the different shifts within his body.

I also explored a bit of animal work. In my opinion, Turbo seemed to turn more animalistic after the apocalypse, so I explored using the characteristics of a lion for his body and an eagle for his head. Turbo became somewhat of a Gryphon to me.

*Spoiler Alert Ahead*

PC: There’s an unexpected relationship that we learn about mid-way through the season revolving your character. How did you approach that dynamic?
Cody: It’s another thing that adds to Turbo’s abandonment issues. Wesley, like his father, left him. This just adds to his rage. It’s always in the back of his mind because he truly loves Wesley. So, when Wesley joins Turbo’s opposing team, it’s a tough relationship to navigate. On one hand, he wants to get Wesley back, but on the other he has to eliminate or capture that team. His love is getting in the way of his purpose.

PC: You’re best known for your role as Moose on Riverdale. What was the biggest lesson you learned from that experience that you brought over to the Daybreak set?
Cody: I mean that’s where I learned what it was like to be on set—how the whole thing worked. I had much more confidence walking on set after spending so much time on Riverdale.

PC: Besides Daybreak, do you have any other upcoming projects you can chat about at this time?
Cody: I just filmed an indie sci-fi film with Bruce Willis. I’m also producing a couple plays in Vancouver with my theatre company, Vagrant Players Theatre Society.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Cody: Brooklyn Nine-Nine

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Cody: Who Framed Roger Rabbit

PC: Favorite book?
Cody: The Sword of Truth series

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Cody: Pillowman

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Cody: Marilyn Manson

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Cody: Daybreak

PC: Hidden talent?
Cody: Piano

To keep up with Cody, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Binge-watch the first season of Daybreak on Netflix today.