Photo by Carly Dame
Evan Roderick returns as officer-turned-vigilante, Nick Anastas, in season 7 of The CW’s “Arrow.” Nick Anastas is a popular symbol for audiences, both for his strong moral character and his representation as a member of the LGBTQ+ community as a romantic partner of Curtis Holt. Now entering its seventh season of success, fans of “Arrow” are excited over the new season which premiered October 15th!
We were thrilled to interview Evan. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Evan! Thank you for granting the interview. Congrats on your returning role as former Star City police officer Nick Anastas on The CW’s “Arrow”. What should the audience expect to see this season?
Of course. Thanks for having me! Season 7 is going to be very exciting, especially since Oliver is starting the season in prison after being discovered as the Green Arrow. You can expect to see some new styles of storytelling, a couple of new characters, and of course the intense action scenes that Arrow has become renowned for!
How does Nick cope with his and Curtis’ relationship regarding their stances on vigilantism?
I think if Nick had any preconceptions about vigilantism, they were shifted when Curtis took a bullet for him and was discovered as Mr. Terrific. That moment allowed him to see vigilantism in a positive light, and from then on has been more willing to cooperate with vigilantes.
How would you describe Nick’s personality?
If he believes in something, he will dedicate himself wholeheartedly to that cause. He has an unwavering sense of loyalty to Dinah Drake and Curtis Holt and would sacrifice himself for them any day. I’d say, his loyalty, determination, and compassion are his best traits.
What do you enjoy most about playing Nick?
He’s a gunslinger. Anytime we shoot an action scene I know I’m going to be in the thick of it. I really enjoy that.
We know you don’t want Nick to be a stereotype. You’d rather show the best of Nick to support the LGBTQ+ community. How do you make him unique, so he can stand out and represent the community?
To me, It was important to show his masculinity. He’s a younger guy in the SCPD but he prides himself in being able to step in and make a difference when it matters. The qualities that I want to stand out for the community, are his strength and his honesty.
How important is representation?
To be able to play a character like Nick on a big network television is hugely important. My favorite part of this character’s expansion was that he wasn’t going to be a stereotype, he was going to be someone unique and strong, someone, who represented the LGBTQ community, accurately.
What is going to surprise people about Nick in the seventh season that you can share?
All I can say is that there is going to be a lot of action and he and Dinah will be working together once again. Expect lots of action!
What is your favorite part about working on the set of “Arrow?”
Apart from the food… I’d have to say the cast and crew! I’ve never felt more welcome on a set in my career so far.
What would you love to see happen to Nick’s character in the future?
I’d love to see Nick work closer with team Arrow. Most of his efforts have been through Dinah and the SCPD so far but having more responsibility within team Arrow would be an interesting change.
Do you have any upcoming projects you can share?
Most of my focus has been on Arrow this last year, but there a couple of projects that are up in the air right now. I’ll know more in the next month or so leading up to our Season 7 air date!
What do you enjoy most about acting?
My favorite thing about acting is in observing and studying people. When I get a script and get to think about the people in the story and the motives and actions behind what they do, that’s what I enjoy most. The performance (or what you see on screen) is a by-product of that research.
What was the last movie you watched?
‘You Were Never Really Here’…Joaquin Phoenix, plays an ex-military, hit man dealing with PTSD. Very dark movie. I really liked it.
What is your dream role?
I’m not sure that I have a dream role. I’ve always loved the idea of having a catalog of interesting characters over a career… but I can say, now that I’ve played a cop, I think the next role I play has to be a cowboy of some sort. My younger self would be pleased.
What makes acting special to you?
The uncertainty of it. I like not knowing what I’ll be doing next. It also requires a lot of alone time, which I enjoy…especially when I’m prepping an audition or for a role it allows me to get into a weird headspace. It’s a similar feeling of reading a really good book, where you just allow your imagination to go.
If you didn’t choose acting as your career, what would you be doing and why?
I suppose I’d be writing screenplay’s or directing. It would be tough for me to do anything away from the creative arts, especially TV or film.
What’s your favorite quote/affirmation and why?
Marc Bolan of T. Rex once said, “Be strong and follow your convictions. You can’t assume there is a lot of time to do what you like.” A simple quote but has always resonated with me… there just isn’t enough time to do anything else.
Complete this sentence. If I could do anything in this world, it would be. . .
I think one day, closer to the end of my career, I’ll ride across the US on a motorbike. Easy Rider style. I’ve always liked that thought.
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You’re also a music artist. What inspired your upcoming single?
I like to write in a few different genres, but a lot of my songs are a sort of a tongue in cheek take on some of the rock n roll that was coming out of Britain and the US in the 60’s and 70’s.
What is it about your single that is a must-listen?
Well, that’s really for you to decide. It’s blues based rock n roll, probably has more of a throwback quality compared to some of the stuff on the radio these days, so if you’re into that I’m sure you’ll like it.
What has been your biggest takeaway in your music career, thus far?
Biggest takeaway: The way I’ve learned to approach music is to try and be authentic to the sounds that I hear in my head. If I’m hearing one thing and writing another, my art probably won’t come across as authentic and people will be able to sense that when they listen.
Do you have any upcoming music projects/events that we should keep an eye out for?
I’ll be shooting a music video next month for my first single! Not exactly sure of the date but follow my Instagram for updates!
If you had an opportunity to do anything with my music, what would you do?
I’ve always wanted to play the Troubadour in LA, so many of my favorite songwriters started their careers there, including Tom Petty, Jackson Brown, Warren Zevon. I’d love to be able to play my music there one day.
How can people connect with you on social media?
My Instagram handle is @eroderickanderson that’s the best place to connect with me!
Featured Image Credit: Carly Dame.
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