Jovan Adepo on ‘Welcome to Derry’ ‘The Odyssey’ and ‘3 Body Problem’

This unique aspect of Leroy’s character adds an intriguing layer to his portrayal on screen. Adepo’s ability to convey a wide range of emotions while still maintaining a sense of steadiness and assertiveness is truly impressive. Leroy’s role in the military’s mission to tackle the dark curse of Derry showcases Adepo’s talent and versatility as an actor.

As the first season of “Welcome to Derry” approaches its finale, fans are eagerly anticipating the resolution of the Hanlon family’s story. Leroy’s presence in the town of Derry, as one of the few Black residents in the 1960s, adds a compelling dynamic to the narrative. His relationships with his wife, Charlotte, and his son, Will, further deepen his character and provide insight into his motivations and struggles.

In a recent interview with Variety, Jovan Adepo shared insights into his experience portraying Leroy on the show. From landing the role to diving into the source material, Adepo’s dedication to honoring the Hanlon legacy in the “It” franchise is evident. His collaboration with director Andy Muschietti and the rest of the creative team has allowed him to bring Leroy to life in a way that stays true to the character’s roots while adding new dimensions to his story.

Tell us how you landed the role of Leroy on “Welcome to Derry.”

Adepo’s journey to securing the role of Leroy involved a serendipitous encounter with director Andy Muschietti and a seamless audition process. His previous work with Muschietti on “Babylon” paved the way for their collaboration on “Welcome to Derry,” showcasing the power of industry relationships and mutual respect. Adepo’s ability to embody the complex character of Leroy, particularly in scenes with his son, impressed Muschietti and ultimately led to his casting in the role.

Were you a fan of Andy Muschietti’s two “It” films? Had you read the book by Stephen King?

Adepo’s familiarity with the “It” franchise, both in its film adaptations and the original source material by Stephen King, informed his approach to portraying Leroy. While he had not read the book prior to landing the role, Adepo’s appreciation for Andy Muschietti’s work and the opportunity to delve into the prequel version of the character excited him. Adepo’s dedication to understanding the world of “It” and the Hanlon family added depth to his performance as Leroy.

The Hanlon family is really present in the novel, and an older version of Leroy is briefly introduced in Andy’s first film, played by actor Stephen Williams. Did you study any of this source material to better understand the family and character?

After being cast as Leroy, Adepo immersed himself in the source material, including the original novel and previous film adaptations, to gain a deeper understanding of the Hanlon family and Leroy’s character. Director Andy Muschietti’s knowledge and expertise in the “It” universe served as a valuable resource for Adepo, allowing him to honor the Hanlon legacy while bringing his own interpretation to the role. Adepo’s collaboration with the creative team and his dedication to portraying Leroy authentically have contributed to the success of his performance in “Welcome to Derry.”

Was Leroy then mostly an invention of Andy’s, based on the details from the book?

Adepo credits a collaborative effort between director Andy Muschietti, executive producer Barbara Muschietti, showrunners Jason Fuchs and Bradley Caleb Kane, and writer Cord Jefferson for bringing Leroy to life on screen. Cord Jefferson’s involvement in shaping Leroy’s character added an exciting dimension to Adepo’s portrayal, given their previous work together on “Watchmen.” The combination of creative minds and a deep understanding of the source material resulted in a compelling and nuanced depiction of Leroy in “Welcome to Derry.”

Leroy is definitely an interesting character, having this amygdala damage that prevents him from feeling fear.

Leroy’s amygdala damage sets him apart as a character and adds complexity to his experiences in Derry. Adepo’s portrayal of Leroy’s unique condition showcases his talent as an actor, as he navigates the character’s emotional journey while maintaining a sense of strength and resolve. Leroy’s role in the military’s mission and his interactions with the dark forces of Derry highlight Adepo’s ability to embody a character with depth and nuance.

As Jovan Adepo continues to captivate audiences with his performances in projects like “Welcome to Derry” and “The Odyssey,” his talent and versatility as an actor shine through. His portrayal of Leroy Hanlon in the “It” universe demonstrates his ability to bring complex characters to life with authenticity and depth. With a promising career ahead of him, Adepo is sure to make a lasting impact in the world of film and television.

Filming “Welcome to Derry” was a seamless transition for me after finishing Season 1 of “The Odyssey.” The timing worked out perfectly, as we started filming “Derry” right after wrapping up the first season of “3 Body Problem.” There was a brief hiatus due to a strike, but once we resumed filming, everything fell into place.

It was a relief to have a smooth schedule that allowed me to fully immerse myself in both projects without any conflicts. Playing Leroy in “Derry” and my character in “The Odyssey” required different mindsets and emotions, but I was able to switch between them effortlessly. The break between seasons gave me time to reset and prepare for the new role, ensuring that I could give my best performance in both projects.

Overall, filming “Welcome to Derry” was a rewarding experience that allowed me to explore different facets of my acting abilities. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of both projects and to bring these characters to life on screen. After completing production on the film “Derry,” I embarked on a whirlwind journey filming “The Odyssey.” The filming locations spanned across Morocco, Greece, Italy, L.A., Iceland, Scotland, and back to L.A. It was a hectic schedule, with only a few days of pickup shoots for “Derry” in between. Upon wrapping up “The Odyssey,” I dove straight into filming “3 Body Problem” Season 2. Despite the challenges of coordinating schedules post-actor strike, we managed to make it work.

I am unable to disclose my role in “The Odyssey” as everything is shrouded in secrecy. Working with Christopher Nolan has been a dream come true, as he is a master in the industry. The experience of collaborating with him and Andy has been truly remarkable.

As for “3 Body Problem” Season 2, it has been a season of evolution for my character, Saul. As one of the three Wallfacers, Saul finds himself in a position he never sought after. The upcoming season explores how he navigates this responsibility, and whether he rises to the occasion or not. The addition of new cast members has brought fresh energy to the show, making it an exciting journey for both the actors and the audience.

The scale of “3 Body Problem” may seem daunting, with a global threat looming 400 years in the future. However, Season 2 delves into more personal and immediate conflicts, making the storyline more relatable. The characters’ decisions now have direct consequences on each other, intensifying the drama and allowing viewers to connect on a deeper level.

Overall, the upcoming season promises to be a thrilling ride for fans of the show. With a blend of science fiction, personal drama, and global stakes, “3 Body Problem” Season 2 is set to captivate audiences and deliver a unique viewing experience.

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