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The new Roku series The Spiderwick Chronicles brings a fresh take to the beloved fantasy world. In this interview, Mychala Lee (Mallory Grace), Lyon Daniels (Jared Grace), and Noah Cottrell (Simon Grace) cast member discuss their characters and the show’s surprising depth.
Diving into a Darker Spiderwick: The Cast Interview
A new Roku series, The Spiderwick Chronicles, brings the beloved book series to life again. The Grace family – mom Helen, twins Jared and Simon, and older daughter Mallory – move from Brooklyn to their Michigan family home, the Spiderwick Estate. There, Jared stumbles upon a boggart, proof of a magical world. Only his great-aunt Lucinda believes him. She pleads with Jared to find her father’s hidden field guide on magical creatures – to protect them from the evil ogre, Mulgarath.
This interview offers a glimpse into the world of the new “Spiderwick Chronicles” series, hinting at a darker, more complex take on the classic fantasy tale.
Mychala Lee on Stepping into Beloved Shoes
Mychala acknowledges the pressure of portraying the well-established character of Mallory, the warrior of the group. She credits the writers, the original authors, and her own acting for bringing a fresh interpretation to the role.
“It’s a little intimidating, bringing this already beloved character from the books and then from the movie, bringing it back and reimagining her,” says Mychala. ” But I had the help of our amazing writers, the original authors of the books, and, you know, of course, all the work that I did as an actress.”
Lyon Daniels on the Moral Compass and the Angsty Teen
Lyon delves into the complexities of Jared, the troubled teenager. He highlights how Jared is often blamed by his family, but the character is ultimately human and relatable. Lyon emphasizes the importance of portraying mental health issues with respect.
A Darker, Modern Take
The interview reveals a surprising twist: the show takes a darker approach than anticipated. The cast hints at a more mature adaptation that stays true to the core of the original story while adding a modern twist.
Noah Cottrell, who portrays a Simon Grace in the new series, says, “People are going to see the [darker tone], the [deeper themes], and because it’s an aged-up modern take on the original Spiderwick books and movie.” He goes on to explain that the new series “takes the original content and just sort of adds a twist to it. And people are definitely going to see that and they’re going to respect it. And there’s a lot of twists and turns for the audience to enjoy.”
Excited for the Audience to See
The cast expressed their enthusiasm for specific aspects of the show. Lyon is particularly excited for viewers to witness the portrayal of the antagonist, Mulgarath (Christina Slater), who is described as a cunning and conniving foe, and the “Peter Pan and Hook” dynamic between Mulgarath and Jared.
The Spiderwick Chronicles lands on The Roku Channel, the free streaming app, on April 19th, 2024.
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