AMC’s newest drama Preacher is definitely one of the strangest new shows of summer 2016. The series follows Jesse Custer, a preacher who gains the power to make anyone do anything he says after a supernatural event takes place at his church. In the series, young actor Thomas Barbusca plays Chris Schenck, a boy who comes to Jesse asking him to hurt his abusive father. Barbusca recently spoke with BuddyTV about his character Chris, what his motives are and why he’s a little misunderstood.
What do you think is the most intriguing thing about your character Chris?
“He’s not your typical kid. I mean, kids don’t ask their church preacher to hurt one of their parents.”
That’s very true, but on the other hand, not many kids have a church preacher who is as twisted as Jesse Custer.
What do people not understand about him?
“That Chris really does love his dad. He feels bad about asking Preacher to hurt him, but in that moment when he did, he thought it was the right thing to do because he also loves his mom.”
Chris definitely has a lot of issues, but at the root of them are undoubtedly his parents. You can’t exactly blame him for thinking this was the best course of action, because in the end, it comes down to his desire to protect himself and those he loves.
What’s been the most enjoyable part of Preacher for you?
“Working with this cast was really exciting. I enjoyed talking with Joseph Gilgun on the car rides to set, and Dominic Cooper was pretty cool. I loved working with Derek Wilson too. Knowing Seth Rogen was directing was pretty epic for me.”
Not many children get the chance to say they were even allowed to see a Seth Rogen project, let alone be directed by him on one.
Were you a fan of the comic books before getting involved in the series or have you gotten a chance to read them since?
“I had never read them, but my uncle knew about the comic books and he told me all about them.”
You’ve gotten the chance to work with some pretty great directors recently (Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, David Wain). What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from them?
“To make every role my own and just own what I do.”
We’ve seen Barbusca do just that. Whether it’s playing the bully on Wet, Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, Jimmy on American Horror Story or even Peter Pan in the GEICO commercials, no matter the range of characters he portrays, there’s a certain similar style to them all which is rooted in his own persona.
Can you give us any teasers about what to expect in Preacher throughout the rest of the season?
(Laughs) I can’t, but I can tell you that with every episode, it will leave you wanting more.
Preacher airs Sundays at 9pm on AMC.
(Image courtesy of WENN)
Contributing Writer, BuddyTV
