Pop-Culturalist.com

Craig Arnold has captivated audiences with his breakout performance as Lucas Boone in the YouTube Premium series Impulse. Since its premiere in June 2018, the sci-fi drama has shattered expectations, with its pilot grossing over 60 million views worldwide. It follows the story of Henrietta “Henry” Coles, a young woman who discovers she has the ability to teleport after almost being sexually assaulted by a fellow classmate. Craig’s character, Lucas, is the brother of the offender and spends the first season seeking the validation of his family. We caught up with Craig to chat about the reprisal of his role in Season 2.

PC: Season 2 picks up in the aftermath of Bill Boone’s death. How will that news impact Lucas and which relationship is affected the most as a result?
Craig: Lucas is obviously sad and hurt by that information. But at the same time, he’s been wronged by his dad and feels so much anger and frustration towards him that I think it gives him a bit of peace as well. In some ways, it gives him permission to go out on his own and separate himself from his family. He’s been seeking ways to understand what he’s done and ways to atone for it. It’s almost a rebirth for him.

PC: That’s the perfect segue. In Season 1, a lot of Lucas’s storyline centers around his relationship with his family, whereas Season 2 is more about finding forgiveness, redemption, and peace. How did that change your approach to Lucas?
Craig: As Season 1 progressed, he was so ridden with guilt and trying to find some way to atone for killing Amos and how he felt about doing that. It was really interesting to see this side of him that’s so vulnerable. He’s trying to seek answers and live a life without being completely consumed by guilt and self-hatred. It was a really nice layer to him that I got to explore that I wasn’t expecting.

PC: In Season 2, we see Lucas develop new relationships and build upon existing ones. Which was your favorite to explore this season and why?
Craig: Definitely the relationship with Esther Miller, played by Tara Rosling. They’re so vulnerable with each other and filling holes in each other’s lives that they both needed. Lucas never had a mother figure. Esther had her son murdered by Lucas. It’s this strange thing where the person who took something from the other is now filling that hole. They’re both in so much pain and trying to figure out ways to move forward. It was wonderful to explore that with Tara.

PC: We spoke with your fellow cast members who sang your praises. They said that there’s so much love on set, which allows you all to be vulnerable in your performances. How did you build that bond?
Craig: Everyone was really, really open and kind. From the start of Season 1, everybody just clicked. There were no egos. Coming into Season 2, we had those relationships built. It felt very freeing. Everyone was able to be so vulnerable and loose with each other. Everybody brings their absolute best to set every day and everyone works so hard. Everyone is committed and so supportive. It’s absolutely the best environment for an actor. I can’t sing their praises enough.

PC: Was there any pressure heading into Season 2, given how successful Season 1 was? The pilot has over 60 million streams and the first season was well-received by critics and fans.
Craig: Yeah, I think it brings pressure. But personally, I have so much faith in our whole team of producers, writers, directors, and actors that I didn’t feel worried about any of that. I know they’re going to put out the best product they possibly can. Of course, I want Season 2 to do as well as the first season did. But I didn’t feel a lot of fear. I know we put out something truthful and something we all believe in, and that’s the most important thing.

PC: Towards the end of the season, Lucas makes a decision that changes his life forever. How early on did you know that’s where Lucas’ storyline was heading? Did it surprise you?
Craig: I didn’t find that out until a few weeks before we shot it because we get the scripts one at a time. I really didn’t know that was going to happen until just before it did, and it did surprise me. It made sense after I saw Lucas develop his religious beliefs and how entrenched he got in those. It made sense, but I was surprised that he took it that far.

PC: If the series is picked up for a third season, where would you like to see Lucas’ story head?
Craig: Oh man! There are so many potential options. He was really supportive of Henry at the end of the season. I think he’s one of the few people who is really on her side now. She’s severed a lot of ties. I would love to see Henry and Lucas work together and help each other in some capacity.

PC: In addition to Impulse, you have a new film out. Tell us about Witches in the Woods?
Craig: Witches in the Woods is a horror film about a group of seven college friends who head out for a snowboarding trip in Massachusetts. On the way, their car gets stuck on the haunted ground where the Staunton Valley Witch Trials took place. As night falls, they realize that they’re not going to get any help, and mysterious things start happening to each person. We’re not exactly sure if there’s a supernatural element to them or not, and craziness ensues.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Craig: I really fell in love with music first. I was playing guitar in bands as a teenager and throughout high school. I had done a couple of plays and did a little bit of acting, but I never thought of it too seriously. Then when I was in the twelfth grade, my drama teacher encouraged me to take on some bigger parts in two plays, and I really loved it. It was such an amazing, creative outlet. I felt like there was so much I could learn, and I felt passionate. I just wanted to keep doing it.

It was at that point that I decided I wanted to give it a shot and try to go after it as a career. That’s what really started it all. Since then, I’ve always felt passionate about it. My relationship with it continues to evolve, and I’m always learning new things. It’s amazing now that that was ten years ago. Time has flown by and I feel as passionate about it as ever.

PC: You’ve had a ton of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Craig: Definitely getting my first professional job. I had a guest spot on a show called Haven. That’s huge when you finally get your first real gig. You feel validated, and you know that you can really do this. After that, getting a series regular role on Degrassi was massive for me. It was incredible to be a part of such a long-running, successful show that had the recognition that it did. It was an amazing learning experience.

PC: Having been a part of this industry for over a decade, what’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Craig: That’s a tough one. You have to love it. There are so many ups and downs. It’s a wild ride, and if you’re not loving what you’re doing, I think the disappointments can take over you. Anytime I’ve felt doubt on this journey, I always go back to the fact that I love what I’m doing. I love being a part of films and TV, and that’s kept me going. Without the passion, it’s very hard to persevere.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Craig: This is probably a generic answer, but any musician, actor, or actress who has the courage to do things their own way. It’s inspiring to see artists bare their soul in an honest way. I’ve always been drawn to that because it’s really hard to be completely truthful and speak your truth without the fear of what other people will say or think. That’s always inspired me, and I’ve always wanted to push towards that, and I’m still trying to do that.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: If you were stuck on a deserted island and could have three things, what would they be and why?
Craig: Books, tacos, and a good mattress.

PC: Who’s the last person you called or texted?
Craig: My girlfriend, Ashley

PC: Favorite on-set snack?
Craig: In the afternoon, they bring out the candies. It’s like being a kid again. They have jujus and gummy bears. It’s kind of silly, but I love those.

PC: A person you’d like to meet dead or alive?
Craig: Barack Obama

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Craig: I would love to say Tom Hardy because he would make me seem a lot cooler than I am.

To keep up with Craig, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Binge-watch Impulse on YouTube Premium today.