‘Firefly Lane’ remains #1 on Netflix after a hit release this past weekend and fans of the show are already pushing for a second season.
Based on the novel by New York Bestselling Author, Kristin Hannah, who serves as co-executive producer, ‘Firefly Lane’ is a brilliant example of the love and strength that comes from true friendship.
Nerd Alert News had the pleasure of speaking with some of the cast from Firefly Lane as it premiered on Netflix, including fan-favorite, Brendan Taylor. Taylor has excelled both behind and in front of the camera, including recurring roles on ‘The Magicians,’ ‘Fargo,’ and ‘Supernatural.’
Nerd Alert News: We really appreciate you taking time to talk with us at Nerd Alert News. I am so excited to be able to sit down and watch ‘Firefly Lane’ since it showed up on Netflix. What can you tell us about your character, Mutt?
Brendan Taylor: Thanks for having me! I’m just as excited it’s finally out! So, the story of Tully and Kate is told over 3 timelines/decades. In the 80’s timeline, Mutt is the in-house cameraman for KPOC Tacoma, the small news channel where Tully and Kate start their careers in journalism. Mutt is a big teddy bear, loves his sci-fi and rock bands, loves to party, and is dedicated to his job. He’s very loyal, knows what he wants, and will drop everything at a moment’s notice to get the scoop! He also has eyes for Kate, from the moment they meet.
NAN: Was there anything in particular about the story or this character that drew you to audition for the role?
BT: When I got the audition for Mutt, I giggled my ass off-which is a good sign! Comedic roles are my jam, and I love playing quirky characters with heart. The show leans more on the dramatic side, so I was honored to get a few laughs in. But I actually didn’t know the ultimate character arc for Mutt, so it was a pleasant surprise when I got the scripts for the later episodes.
NAN: You mentioned on your Instagram that you completed your last day on ‘Firefly Lane’ in December before the Covid shutdowns, but you have also been working on some projects with the new regulations that are now in place on film sets. What has this last year been like for you, and does finally seeing this show premiere feel different than some of your other projects because of everything that has changed in the film industry this past year?
BT: Whew! This past year has been a big one for many reasons, both personal and professional. I think the biggest takeaway, like for many people, has been the gratitude and appreciation of things we did in the “before times” when Covid wasn’t a thing. We were all in close proximity and could hug each other and see each other smile every day, and we took it for granted. So yes, seeing Firefly Lane come out and getting to enjoy and share such a cool project has been great; so many great on-set memories came rushing back! I started going back on sets early last summer, with heavy safety protocols in place. The first commercial I did here in Vancouver, myself and my co-star had earbuds in and the director was giving us direction in our ears from his living room in LA, while watching us on Zoom. It was bizarre!
NAN: Speaking of other projects, you have at least two new ones that should be available later this year. Is there anything you can tease about ‘A Whirlwind Wedding’ and ‘Under A Lover’s Moon?’
BT: Yes! Those are two romantic TV Features set to come out later this year. I have a supporting role in each! They are always so fun to make. They’re good wholesome entertainment, and I generally get a lot of freedom to put my own spin on my characters. The supporting characters often get some leeway with comedy, so getting to come up with fun moments on the spot and see them make the final cut is pretty awesome. You can catch them in the coming months!
NAN: You have obviously had a large collection of roles in your career, both behind and in front of the camera. Is there one that stands out as your favorite job or character to portray?
BT: That’s always such a tough question. I’ve been lucky to have had such a variety of roles. Sometimes, it’s the people I get to work with. Other times it’s the character challenge itself. And when it comes to my behind-the-camera roles, it’s about the project as a whole and making it all come together. A couple of years ago I got to Production Design my friend’s Feature Film, so being around other friends and helping his vision come to life was gratifying. In front of the camera, my small role on ‘Fargo’ Season 2 was one of my most memorable; I got to meet the all-star cast and discuss the show, and acting etc. Getting to just chat and shoot the ish with Kirsten Dunst, Ted Danson, and Jesse Plemons, to name a few, is just really inspiring and makes the dream feel possible. And working on an epic show like ‘Supernatural’…working with Jensen, Jared, and Briana, and being welcomed in by the loyal fandom was just such an honor. They are the most supportive and solid group of people I’ve ever known!
NAN: Is there anyone that you would like to work with that you haven’t had the chance to yet?
BT: Um, yes! Absolutely! I’d love to be involved with any project with Tom Hanks, Sarah Paulson, Bryan Cranston. Knowing that they are kind, generous, motivated collaborators who produce the best stuff in the game, I’d be so grateful to share a project with any of them. And Jon Favreau! I’d love to be cast in ‘The Mandalorian,’ or one of the upcoming ‘Star Wars’ series!
NAN: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. It has been such a pleasure visiting with you and we wish you all the best.
BT: Thanks for taking the time to chat!
For more updates, follow Brendan Taylor on Twitter or Instagram.
Be sure to check out Firefly Lane available on Netflix now, and follow along with Nerd Alert News on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest news.
Written by: Melissa Fudge
Lynn Makes
Evan Conroy
Ron Peterson