SNOWPIERCER S2
HOW SNOWPIERCER S2 BECAME A GAME OF ZONES…
A first-class conversation with sci-fi stars Daveed Diggs and Sean Bean.
The fast, frenetic and frosty first season of Snowpiercer reached a dramatic destination with the surprise appearance of Sean Bean as the titular train’s enigmatic creator, Mr. Wilford. Here, Bean and co-star Daveed Diggs discuss Covid-secure shooting, snowy memories and sci-fi controversies…
What can we expect from Season 2?
DAVEED DIGGS [ANDRE LAYTON]: There’s a lot going on; it’s a really big season. There are new characters to meet and new train cars to explore, as well as a lot of action and some super-unexpected alliances. It’s going to be wild.
SEAN BEAN [MR. WILFORD]: Things are beefed up quite a bit in Season 2. The story is meaty, fleshed-out and hardhitting – and a lot of it’s because of the introduction of my character.
What drew you to the show, Sean? SB:
I feel like I’m good at playing ego geniuses like this! I really enjoy it, too. Wilford is very British, very posh, very educated and very charming. He’s a bit like Hugh Grant, but nastier. It’s been a lot of fun for me.
Did you finish filming pre-Covid? DD:
We were mid-filming when the pandemic hit. Production was closed down and we were all sent home. When we came back, it was very different. It felt very safe, which was great. We were tested regularly and separated in logical ways. There were all these different
zoned areas that were strictly enforced. Everyone took it very seriously.
Did it feel apocalyptic to be shooting mid-pandemic?
SB: It was interesting because you’d focus on what you’re doing in a scene, but at the same time also thinking about safety and rules. I guess it was quite awkward and would slow down the day – but I tried not to let it overshadow my performance. It was different, for sure.
What’s the most fun thing about doing sci-fi?
SB:
I really love the way sci-fi takes you to different places. I’m not necessarily interested in going to fancy new worlds, but I’m really attracted to apocalyptic stories. I love the way sci-fi stories can be out-of-this-world and make-believe, but there are lots of elements of truth to them. They often involve really thought-provoking and controversial subjects and themes. I like that.
DD: I agree. I love it, too.
Although it’s funny how you can tune into the news right now and it feels like you’re watching sci-fi, but it’s actually real...
The world is frozen in Snowpiercer.
How are you with low temperatures? DD:
I do not do well in the cold. I never experienced snow until I went to college. I remember the first time I saw it. A good friend of mine came running to my room and woke me up. We made snow angels and it was totally beautiful for seven and a half minutes, but then I asked, “When is this going to stop?!” It didn’t stop for four months. That was the last time I really enjoyed snow.
What has been your standout train experience?
SB:
For me, it’s probably working on Snowpiercer. Wilford’s carriage is very comfortable and luxuriously furnished. DD: The best sleep I ever got in my life was on board a train in Russia. Me and my band [Clipping] were playing in Moscow. We finished the gig, partied until 5am and then got on a train to St. Petersburg. I have never had a more restful nine hours in my life. It was wonderful. Adam Tanswell
SNOWPIERCER S2 STREAMS THIS MONTH ON NETFLIX.