Back for its second season, the hit CW series The Outpost already boasts a loyal and definitely devoted fanbase.
One of the reasons for the success of the series is its star, Australian born actor Jessica Green. Jessica plays the role of Talon, who is the last of her face known as The Blackbloods. Now, Talon is on the hunt for the individuals that killed her family.
We had the chance to sit down with Jessica to talk about some of the important events in Season 1, working with CGI, how she filmed her fight sequences and what fans can look forward to with Season 2 of The Outpost.
Pop Culture Principle – How did you feel once you heard about the season 2 renewal and the fact that the network had enough faith in the series for another season?
Jessica Green – We were over the moon. I have to say a lot of it goes to the fans supporting the show because if it weren’t’ for them, we wouldn’t be here for a second season. We were very lucky. I think heading into our second season, our production value and everything has tripled in size moving the show to Serbia, so I think the fans will not be disappointed that they got behind our first season.
Pop Culture Principle – Now that you have a season of The Outpost under your belt, do you feel like you really know who Talon is and are more comfortable in her skin?
Jessica Green – Yes, 100 percent. I feel that there is definitely a part of Talon in me. As soon as I went back to filming season two, it felt like putting on a second pair of shoes and it was easy to slip back into the character of Talon.
Pop Culture Principle – Looking back on the first season of The Outpost, is there a moment or moments where you feel Talon truly became Talon?
Jessica Green – I really liked when she first comes to The Outpost and realizes that she’s not so much of an outsider herself. The Outpost is full of all these strange characters and for once in her life, she feels at home. So, I feel that was a nice little moment for her. I also think when she killed all the Bone and she realizes that was all she ever wanted and it still didn’t really fill that gap that she was hoping to fill.
Pop Culture Principle – The first season of The Outpost was shot in Utah. Season two was shot in Serbia. Can you talk about the big difference in filming locations and did filming in Serbia present any challenges for you and the cast and crew?
Jessica Green – It was amazing! I mean, Utah was really cool and we shot in Provo, Utah which is a strange little place in itself and is a very small town. We moved to Belgrade, Serbia, which is this huge city and it was amazing. It was very cold, but I mean, Utah was cold as well. I loved shooting there and the crews were so talented and professional. Their way of life in Serbia is great too! I actually got to travel a lot as well while I was there, so that was an added bonus.
Pop Culture Principle – One thing the series is known for is the physicality and action. How have you enjoyed that aspect of working on The Outpost?
Jessica Green – I love it and the action genre is something I really want to dive more into. I’ve been doing MMA for the last few years and growing up with an older brother, we were very competitive and sporty. I absolutely love that aspect of the show and I like a challenge. Learning the fight choreography and learning how to play with weapons is great and I really enjoy it.
Pop Culture Principle – There were times when you learned fight sequences right before you shot them. Can you talk a bit about that?
Jessica Green – Yes! We are a small budget show, so we don’t have the time or budget like these much bigger shows where we can choreograph things weeks in advance and practice. I was shooting five days a week, twelve-hour days, so I didn’t really have the time to go and practice these fight scenes. So, a lot of the time, I was learning these counts of eight sequences right before we filmed. Literally, before I would shoot these sequences, our stunt coordinator would come on set and teach me it, I’d learn it and then we’d film it quickly and move on to the next count of eight! Honestly, I felt like it was a really good way to do it and I like being chucked into the deep end. 😊
Pop Culture Principle – What’s great about this series is that it definitely has action, it has drama, romance and also its own spin on humor. Would you agree with that?
Jessica Green – Yes, I would. We have a lot of really great quirky characters like Janzo and Munt and I feel like they give the show a bit of comedy, which I think is nice and breaks things up a bit. You can’t have drama and seriousness all of the time.
Pop Culture Principle – We now know that Lady Gwynn is the Queen. She projects power on the outside, but do you think she may have a little self-doubt?
Jessica Green – Yes, 100 percent. This is what she has been trained to do her entire life and now it’s time for her to take charge. I know she questions herself and wonders if she is actually ready. You will see in the second season that she really steps up to the bar and becomes a good Queen.
Pop Culture Principle – We finally find out who the Dragman is in the finale, but we still don’t know where she came from. Will we learn more about her and her story in the second season?
Jessica Green – Yes! Season two you will learn a lot more about her and a lot more about my people, the Blackbloods. They definitely dive into the history of them a lot more. It explains everything a lot more in the second season.
Pop Culture Principle – We are seeing a lot of series with strong female leads. Do you think the networks are finally getting it right or is there still work that needs to be done when it comes to more strong females leads in television series?
Jessica Green – I think it was definitely needed and I can see it in plenty of film and television series now with a lot of stronger female leads. I feel like the industry is evolving and you are seeing a lot more female-driven stories and also stories involving the LGBTQ community. The industry is bringing everything in that used to be missing and I think that is fantastic.
Pop Culture Principle – The series has its share of CGI effect. Was that something that you had to get used to or was it an easy transition for you?
Jessica Green – I am definitely a lot more comfortable with CGI compared to the first time I did it. They put a tennis ball on the end of a pool stick and there’s your monster! I kind of expect that now and you really have to use your imagination. I think it’s quite fun!
Pop Culture Principle – The series already boasts a very loyal and vocal fanbase. What would you like to say to the fans of The Outpost?
Jessica Green – Thank you so much for your support. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the fans. It is as simple as that. 😊
Pop Culture Principle – What can fans look forward to with the second season of The Outpost?
Jessica Green – So, the second season, you will see a plot twist right from the beginning. There are more characters coming in and more great storylines to look forward to. We’ll find out more about my people, the Prime Order and we go to the capital. There is a lot that happens in the second season and it’s going to be great! I hope the fans enjoy the ride.
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We would like to thank Jessica Green for taking the time to talk with us. You can catch brand new episodes of The Outpost every Thursday night at 9/8c, only on the CW.
**All photos courtesy of Aleksander Letic/NBCU International — © 2019 Outpost TV LLC. Courtesy of Electric Entertainment**