CW fans have been buzzing about midseason pickup The 100 for months now. We talked to cast member Devon Bostick to see what he can share about the new drama before the series premiere this Wednesday, March 19th.
Bostick grew a loyal fan base as the older brother Rodrick in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid trilogy. Next month you'll see him on the big screen in Small Time, the directorial debut for 24 creator, Joel Surnow. The film tells the story of a son's relationship with his father (Chris Meloni, Law & Order). The 22-year-old actor also recently produced Seasick Sailor, an award-winning short centered on a young hitman's life.
The role of Jasper (pictured front right) in The 100 falls in a darker thematic territory Bostick's been exploring as of late. Don't worry, there's still comedic relief from Jasper and Christopher Larkin's character, Monty. You can also expect "very intense sci-fi drama sexiness," according to Bostick.
The show is set in a post-apocalyptic time when the only remaining humans exist in space, until one group is shipped to earth. Among the 100 is a cast too long to list, including Eliza Taylor (Neighbours), Thomas McDonell (Prom), Henry Ian Cusick (Lost), Isaiah Washington (Grey's Anatomy), Bob Morley (Neighbours) and Marie Avgeropoulos (Cult).
Kass Morgan's novel The 100 inspired the television series developed by Jason Rothenberg. Here, Bostick shares more about the story and what filming was like for the cast.
What can you tell us about The 100? Who do you play? How is it different than any other part you've had?
DB: A century after a nuclear war, survivors of earth made it onto a space station called The Ark to preserve the human race. Now, one century later, The Ark is dying. A decision is made, a hundred of The Ark's juvenile delinquents will be sent down to earth to see if it's once again inhabitable.
I am Jasper, one of the hundred. Jasper is a kind-hearted nerd who constantly throws himself into danger for the girl he loves.
DB: Playing Jasper has been different, as I've got to find the balance between his quirkiness and the darkness of the show.
The cast is really good looking. Is this a prerequisite for the show/CW?
DB: I always wondered that for CW, but I'm living proof that they don't always need really good-looking people on their shows. And that's pretty cool. However I'm surrounded by extremely attractive people and don't see any problem with that if they can act, which they can. This cast is brilliant. I think the CW is bringing something really different, dark and edgy to the table with The 100. I'm really happy I could be apart of it.
Most challenging part of the season?
DB: I couldn't tell ya that!
Craziest thing that's happened -- on or off set?
DB: An array of hijinks at The Sutton hotel.
What was the coolest thing about shooting in Vancouver?
DB: It's in Canada. The most beautiful country in the world.
Any prediction for how audiences will react?
DB: I think they're going to be shocked. It has darker components than you could imagine. Lord of the Flies meets Battlestar Galactica. I can't express how excited I am for people to see it.
You can see The 100 at 9pm/8pm Central next Wednesday. Watch a series preview here:
Follow show updates on twitter @cwthe100.