Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Deadly Class’ Benjamin Wadsworth

There’s a new leading man in Hollywood and his name’s Benjamin Wadsworth. The talented nineteen-year-old is kicking some major butt and taking names in his starring role as Marcus Lopez on SYFY’s Deadly Class. Based on the popular graphic novels by Rick Remender and executively produced by The Russo Brothers, Deadly Class is a coming-of-age tale about a disillusioned teen, Marcus Lopez, who’s recruited into a high school for assassins.

This season, we’ve seen it all. From Marcus’ struggles with his mental health to training in the deadly arts at Kings Dominion to finding a new family there. But sometimes in life, our past comes back to haunt us.

In this two-part interview, we spoke with Benjamin about tonight’s season finale and its aftermath. Click here to read part two (Spoilers ahead)!

PC: Last week’s episode left on a major cliffhanger. Everybody arrives at Chester’s home armed and ready for battle. What can you tease about tonight’s season finale?
Benjamin: We’ll see Marcus do a little ass kicking himself, and the stakes will be even higher.

PC: We saw in last week’s episode that things are getting complicated between Marcus and Maria. Will that play a role in tomorrow night’s confrontation?
Benjamin: Absolutely! We’re going to see if people help each other out, if they betray each other, and if anyone dies because of the confrontation.

PC: The internet loves a good “ship”. Are you Team Saya or Team Maria?
Benjamin: [laughs] I don’t really have a preference, and I’m up-to-date on the comics. Stepping out of Marcus’ shoes, as Benjamin, a fan of the comics, I would probably ship Maria and Marcus.

PC: Marcus has been holding onto a few secrets this season. Now that they’re out in the open, what effect will that have on him moving forward?
Benjamin: Maybe death…or death of a close friend? Either is no bueno.

Photo Credit: Katie Yu/SYFY

PC: Marcus has found a new family with the students at Kings Dominion. Which of his relationships is your favorite to explore and why?
Benjamin: I would say the Marcus and Willie relationship. I really enjoy Luke Tennie, who plays Willie. He’s so consistent and such a pro even though this is one of his first major gigs.

The dynamic between the two of them is so interesting. Marcus wears his emotions on his sleeve, and Willie hides it all. It’s cool to see how these two get along. While they’re opposites, they’re also very similar.

PC: There’s a natural chemistry that comes off the screen between you and the rest of the cast. How did you all build that bond?
Benjamin: From the pilot, we all understood that there wasn’t a lot of time to mess around, so we all hung out all the time. We just naturally became really good friends. We went out, we partied, we danced, but we also stayed inside and had deep conversations.

PC: What initially attracted you to this particular role and how familiar were you with the source material?
Benjamin: I’m into characters that aren’t the cliché boy next door type. I like damaged, interesting characters who are flawed and go through the emotional spectrum. Marcus is mad, sad, happy, and angry.

Before I got the audition, I didn’t know much about Deadly Class. I’m not a huge comic book reader anymore; I used to be when I was younger. I loved Spider-Man, X-Men, but once I got the callback/screen test, that’s when I started reading the comics.

PC: Was there any add pressure given how dedicated this fan base is and how popular this comic book series is?
Benjamin: As a comic book fan myself, it really hits you when adaptations aren’t like the comics or at least close to the comics. So, I realized there was a lot of weight on my shoulders, but I immediately felt comfortable after meeting with Rick [Remender] and hearing his thoughts. He and Miles [Orion Feldsott] were in total control and it made me feel great.

PC: Music plays an important role in both the comics and the television series. We heard each of the cast members was given a playlist to help them get into character. What was on Marcus’ and how has your taste in music changed having been a part of this series?
Benjamin: It’s changed a bit. I wasn’t a huge classic rock guy and actually, neither is Marcus, but since the show is 80s-themed and there’s a lot of music in it, I found myself listening to The Cure, The Smiths (like Marcus), Depeche Mode, and The Dead Milkmen—stuff like that.

PC: How did you kind of discover your passion for acting?
Benjamin: I always loved film when I was young and like every little kid, it was a dream to be on one of my favorite shows, which, for me, was The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. It was around that time that I found out my uncle tried to be an actor in his early 20s. He came out to L.A. and it didn’t work out for him. After I learned that, when I was about ten, I asked him if he could help me get an agent, not really knowing what that meant. So, I was homeschooled, focused on acting, and that’s when I found my obsession and love for film, interesting characters, and stories.

PC: Do you have a dream role? What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Benjamin: My role in Deadly Class is definitely my dream role. Marcus has so many layers to him. What I’ve learned is to stay yourself. I know it’s kind of a cliché thing to say, but it’s so true.

To keep up with Benjamin, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and catch the season finale of Deadly Class tonight at 10/9c.

Photo Credit: SYFY