Simon Kassianidessays it’s a “huge privilege” to carry onSuits’ legacy withPearson.
The British actor, set to star in the upcomingSuitsspin-off, spoke to PEOPLE about his role inPearsonas the “conflicted” cop Nick D’Amato.
“We are very aware of the fanbase and are very excited to show who the true Jessica Pearson is,” the 39-year-old told PEOPLE. “It’s exciting and humbling that we’re part of the mantle and it’s exciting because we’re doing something different too.”
As for his own character, the Southwest London-born actor says his role is quite nuanced. While Kassianides says he’s used to playing a “bad guy” and that he tries to add a “3D quality” to every character (as he did in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) — this role is quite different.
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“It’s the most dense role I’ve had to play in a long time,” he said of the D’Amato, the lead cop of the city mayor’s security detail. “I always try to create empathy around any character I bring.”
“No two roles or situations are the same — the characters you play in your career might be similar on the page, but the director or the production is always different,” he added.
In the upcoming series, Pearson and D’Amato collide after Kassianides’ character becomes very distrusting of Pearson’s presence.
“He’s very loyal and has a strong moral code but he is shouldering a huge secret in this season that affects himself and everybody,” Kassianides described his character. “[Pearson] is aware of a big secret that surrounds us and the two of us side each other up.”
WhilePearsonis anticipated to wow fans with this new approach on Torres’ character, the star actress said she originally “had absolutely no desire to revisit the character.”
Simon Kassianides and Gina Torres.Steve Granitz/WireImage; VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty
And for Kassianides, working with Torres on this show has been one of the most “wonderful” experiences, calling the actress a friend.
“Gina is such a class act,” he gushed. “She created this energy on set with a lot of respect. You want to deliver the best work you can.”
Along with the respect-filled nature on set, Kassianides recalls some silly moments on set — especially on the makeup chair.
“A lot of funny stuff happens when you’re in a makeup chair,” he said. “You might have a scene where someone is getting a certain amount of makeup on them — I don’t want to give any spoilers away — but you might be getting made up a certain way that’s hilarious and compromising in certain situations.”
“You meet someone you’ve never met before and you’re like ‘hi hi, yep this is me,’” he added.
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The show approaches issues related to politics in a “very mature and responsible way,” said Kassianides. “At the same time though, it’s entertainment and I think that’s first and foremost the object of a show.”
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Now,Pearsonwill create a world of its own post-Suitsand Kassianides is stoked to be a part of it after having watched all of the original show himself.
“I’m really excited to hear what they think of my character because he is quite mysterious,” he said. “You get to know him as the show unfolds. The [Suits] fans are so loyal and they really create what we as actors dream of having in terms of an audience.”
Pearsonpremieres on July 17 at 10 p.m. ET on USA Network.
source: people.com
