How Chace Crawford Became The Deep on The Boys

The Pressure of Comparison in Hollywood 00:04

"There is that 'What have you done for me lately?' type thing and keeping up with the Joneses is what are these guys doing that I'm not."

• The pressure in Hollywood can create feelings of anxiety and competition, where actors constantly compare themselves to their peers. This results in a sense of doom, especially in their early thirties, as they question their career choices and accomplishments.

• For many, being in Los Angeles amplifies this pressure, contrasting with more laid-back environments, like Toronto, where one can feel more relaxed and less aware of the competitive landscape.

The Audition Experience for "The Boys" 01:07

"I read the script of The Boys. I was like, 'What the hell is this? This is amazing.'"

• Chace Crawford was initially skeptical of how the chaotic and edgy script of "The Boys" would translate to screen, given its outrageous concepts. However, he felt an instant connection with the material, leading to a positive audition experience.

• The uniqueness of the script allowed for a sense of liberation, allowing him to audition without the typical pressures he faced, knowing that the show's wild premise could result in something groundbreaking.

Portraying a Flawed Character 03:08

"It's the only way to play that character. The way to go about it is to have no ego."

• Crawford emphasizes the importance of embodying his character without vanity, fully committing to the humor and absurdity of the role. This approach leads to genuine performances that resonate with audiences.

• He highlights how many actors might struggle with ego, wanting to remind viewers that they are 'in on the joke' rather than completely diving into their character's flaws.

Physical Transformation for the Role 04:14

"I got so excited for this role. I'm going to get shredded or jacked... it was bad for six months."

• Crawford reveals the intense physical training he underwent for his role, including a strict keto diet, which he ultimately found unsustainable.

• He notes that while pursuing such a transformation can feel vain, it provided him with a sense of control and allowed him to channel his energy in a structured way during downtime in acting.

Anthony Starr's Performance as Homelander 05:17

"The fact that this guy hasn't won every single Emmy is absolutely insane."

• Crawford expresses his admiration for Anthony Starr's performance as Homelander, considering it outrageous and deserving of recognition.

• He reveals that, despite the show's praise, Starr has yet to receive an Emmy nomination, which feels unjust to many fans and colleagues. The outstanding performances contribute significantly to the show's success and legacy.

The Creative Team Behind "The Boys" 06:41

"He came from Supernatural... it had a long run."

• The conversation touches on Eric Kripke, the creator of "The Boys," who previously worked on the long-running series "Supernatural."

• Crawford details how Kripke's experience and vision brought a fresh and engaging narrative to the superhero genre, showcasing the talent behind the scenes that contributes to the show's quality.

Transition from Supernatural to The Deep 07:49

"They were just like super fans of the show. They just wanted to do what they love."

• Chace Crawford discusses his transition from the show "Supernatural" to his role in "The Boys," mentioning how Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the creators, interacted with him during production. They remained fans of the show and appreciated the input he contributed to his character's lines, demonstrating a collaborative and supportive environment.

The Audition Process and Uncertainty 08:16

"I realized I'm like, I'm the last of the day."

• Crawford reflects on the audition process for "The Boys," noting that he was the last person to audition that day out of 60 candidates. He recalled his anxiety about competing against notable actors and how the pressure could be overwhelming when thinking he wouldn't make the cut amidst so many talented individuals.

Handling Controversial Storylines 10:40

"We're going to talk about it until we can get this thing right."

• Chace shares his perspective on tackling a controversial storyline where his character sexually assaults another character. He expressed his initial nervousness about how audiences would react, particularly given the timing with #MeToo movements, but he emphasized the importance of handling sensitive topics with care and depth, which the show’s creators committed to.

Evolving Comfort with Bold Content 13:06

"After season one, they built confidence with you like these guys can pull off anything."

• By the second season of "The Boys," Crawford felt a newfound freedom to accept outrageous storylines, such as his character's relationship with an octopus. He recounts how he and the creators built confidence over time, allowing them to explore bolder narratives without second-guessing their choices.

Unique Character Relationships and Themes 13:19

"He can't connect with humans. That's like your safe space."

• The conversation touches upon Crawford's character, The Deep, whose complex relationship with an octopus embodies a deep, albeit unconventional, connection. This uniqueness highlights the show's exploration of isolation and the need for companionship, no matter the form it takes, extending the thematic depth of their storytelling.

The Success of "The Boys" 15:39

"Now, I hear that it's the biggest show on Prime. Do you have any sense of how big it is?"

• Chace Crawford reflects on the immense popularity of "The Boys," noting that while Amazon doesn't release specific viewership numbers, it's widely recognized as a significant success.

• He emphasizes the show's global reach and its unexpected ability to resonate internationally through humor, which is often challenging in the current entertainment landscape.

Audience Reception and Global Impact 16:04

"Even in Europe to Brazil, people are crazy about the show."

• The positive reception of "The Boys" extends beyond the United States, with fans from various countries such as Europe and Brazil expressing their enthusiasm for the series.

• Crawford mentions that whenever a new season is released, there’s a noticeable influx of attention as people rush to engage with the show, highlighting its wide-ranging influence and strong viewer engagement.

Breaking the Superhero Genre Mold 16:08

"The superhero genre was saturated with the same formulaic storyline, so it was kind of fun."

• The podcast discusses how "The Boys" breaks away from the conventional superhero narrative, which often follows a predictable and formulaic structure.

• This fresh take on the genre is part of what makes the show appealing to audiences, who appreciate its humor and edgy storytelling.