Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Swan Song’s Dax Rey

Dax Rey is a rising young star to keep your eye on. This December, he’s sharing the screen with Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris in the sci-fi drama Swan Song.

In the near future, a terminally ill man explores a heart-wrenching, emotionally complex solution to save his wife and son from grief by duplicating himself without them knowing.

Pop Culturalist sat down with Dax to chat about his breakout role in Swan Song.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Dax: I like it because it’s fun and I get to play different characters. I watched my dad do it and I wanted to do it too because it looked fun.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success in your young career. Is there a moment that stands out?
Dax: I had this audition once for Odd Squad and it was really difficult. When I was done, I felt like I could do anything, even though I didn’t end up booking it.

PC: Who has been your favorite character to play and why?
Dax: My favorite character to play was this possessed kid in They Whisper because I was able to do things I hadn’t done on screen yet!

Swan Song

PC: Tell us about Swan Song, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Dax: It had two really big actors that I’m a huge fan of, and I just liked the storyline. The storyline was amazing—and I felt like I got to play myself basically.

PC: You’re sharing the screen with Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris. Did either of them share any words of advice with you?
Dax: Miss Naomie taught me to stay cool and not get stressed. Mahershala taught me that being sensitive is okay sometimes and that it’s my gift.

PC: What scene are you most excited for audiences to see?
Dax: The part where my dad woke me up because he couldn’t sleep and we had a moment. We bonded and ate edamame and drank fake beer. [laughs]

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite TV show?
Dax: Arcane: League of Legends.

PC: Favorite movie?
Dax: Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse.

PC: Favorite book?
Dax: Dog Man.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Dax: Moana.

PC: Dream role?
Dax: Live-action Miles Morales (Spider-Man).

To keep up with Dax, follow him on Instagram. Watch Swan Song in theaters and on Apple TV+.

Photo Credit: Emily Sandifer