In this week’s additional episode of Bingeworthy, our TV and streaming podcast host Mike DeAngelo makes sure not to step over “the line” while discussing “Teacup.” The Peacock series follows a group of neighbors who must put aside their differences and unite in the face of a mysterious and deadly threat. The horrific mystery series stars Yvonne Strahovski, Scott Speedman, Rob Morgan, Chaske Spencer, Boris McGiver, and more.
Joining Bingeworthy to discuss the thrilling genre-hopper is star Yvonne Strahovski (“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Dexter,” “The Tomorrow War”). Strahovski talked about loving the multiple-genre approach, but a key element at the center of it drew her to “Teacup” specifically.
“You feel its [multiple] genres,” Strahovski said. “And I think that its big strength is that it really embeds itself in a foundation of family drama, which means the characters are really solid. They’re fleshed out. We have strong relationships and issues from the get-go. It’s not a pretty setup to begin with, which is a little risky, but I like it. And that gave us something to really sink right into. And then it so happens to be a genre piece. So I think the fact that James Wan and Atomic Monster were doing was obviously a selling point because they’re amazing at what they do.”
Strahovski also joined the series as an executive producer, a first in the actress’ long career. She’s been craving this change for some time now due to the creative input it allows.
“Producing is more of a safeguard to your creative input, knowing that you have a voice, and being a collaborator. And that’s something that I really enjoyed on this—is that when we had those discussions off of set about the scripts and creating this, making sure that that ending really paid off, it was lovely to sit down with [showrunner] Ian [McCulloch] and the director, Kevin [Tancharoen], and just sort of flesh it all out. And what wonderful collaborators. I mean, it was such a beautiful experience that I’m sure not often is the case. We have a great vibe on set, and this was certainly that.”
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The series has some horrifyingly gory moments that will surely unsettle squeamish viewers. One of its strengths is that these elements were created practically on-set, which was a totally new experience for Strahovski.
“I remember reading the ‘Teacup’ scripts and thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, someone turns inside out,” Strahovski said. “But the description was so amazing that I thought, ‘Well, how on earth are they going to do this?’ I was genuinely blown away by the—I’m going to call it a sculpture because it’s a sculpture; whoever made it is an artist. We had those on set, and I genuinely had a sick feeling reaction. I’ve seen a lot of prosthetics, and I’ve seen a lot of gore on the set, and this was another level.”
During the chat, the conversation turned to Strahovski’s other hit series, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which is currently filming its final season now. Strahovski talked about the journey of inhabiting the often challenging character, Serena Joy Waterford.
“Initially, it was new territory for me. I found it really hard at times to justify her position in life and just in the scenes in general, and I spent a lot of time sitting with that,” Strahovski admitted. “And, you know, obviously, as the years went by, it got easier and easier, and now I know her so well that it’s just sort of an automatic process. But, yeah, it’s definitely bittersweet [to say goodbye]. I think it’s definitely time to say goodbye, and I’m excited to put her away, make space for the new things that are around the corner, and just energetically, maybe let go of Serena.
“I’m never sitting in her space, but you inevitably—you’re carrying a character, so you’re visiting that space often,” Strahovski continued. “So I think that will feel very liberating and lovely and like a new beginning. But obviously, it will be very emotional for me to say goodbye to her also because it feels like a breakup with a friend.”
The Playlist Presents – Yvonne Strahovski’s Film/TV Recommendation Playlist:
1.) “Selling Sunset” (2019-Present) – Created By Adam DiVello
2.) “Vanderpump Rules” (2013-Present) – Created By Alex Baskin & Lisa Vanderpump
3.) “Paranormal Activity” (2007) – Written and Directed By Oren Peli
4.) “The Blair Witch Project” (1999) – Written and Directed By Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sanchez
5.) “28 Days Later” (2002) – Directed By Danny Boyle
6. ) “District 9” (2009) – Written and Directed By Neill Blomkamp
7.) “Dancer in the Dark” (2000) – Written and Directed By Lars von Trier
“Teacup” premieres two new episodes weekly through Halloween, only on Peacock. Listen to the full interview below:
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