(Photo credit to Farrah Aviva)
Written by Colleen Bement, Editor
Ian Collins is back as Tristan for the fourth and final season of “Snowpiercer.” The AMC series has been a great ride and he had some fun stories to share.
Let’s get to know Ian first. A fellow sci-fi fan, he grew up loving the Power Rangers. Inspired by “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” acting was definitely in his blood. Out of Vancouver, B.C. this talented actor has appeared in projects such as “Supernatural,” “The 100,” “Arrow,” “The Magicians,” as well as “So Help Me Todd,”“Sight Unseen,” “The Arrangement,” and the list goes on. Along with “Snowpiercer,” he has a new movie out soon called “Return to Sender” and no doubt we will be seeing more and more of him. Ian has this guy-next-door charm, and with a wonderfully diverse resume, this actor and singer has roles on TV, film, and stage. He is also proud to be part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Colleen Bement: Thank you so much for taking time out to chat. “Snowpiercer” is an amazing series and I’ve been enjoying every minute of it. Let’s chat about your experience on the show. What was your reaction when you found out that you were going to play Tristan?
Ian Collins: Back in 2018, when I first auditioned for Tristan, I was thrilled just to get a callback. I’m a fan of the Snowpiercer universe, both the movies and the comics, so landing the role felt surreal. When I officially got the part, it just felt right, like all the pieces were falling into place. I knew from that moment that it was going to be an incredible journey, filled with excitement and a lot of fun.
CB: What was it like on set? Would you happen to have any stories that you can share?
IC: The best way to describe the “Snowpiercer” set is real. The set design team did an incredible job of bringing the train to life. Everything, from the automated doors to the subtle rocking of the train, made it feel like we were actually on board. It was so immersive that sometimes you’d forget you were on a set at all. Every time I stepped on set, it felt like I was truly living in that world.
CB: Were you a fan of the film?
IC: Like many great films, “Snowpiercer” was a bit of a surprise to me. I first watched it out of curiosity, without seeing any trailers or promotions, and I was completely blown away. I fell in love with the attention to detail and the incredible world-building that Bong Joon-ho brought to life. That experience led me to dive deeper, so I ended up buying the graphic novels and totally nerding out over them.
CB: Is there some part of your character, Tristan, that you can identify with?
IC: As an actor, I always try to find parts of myself in every character I play, and Tristan is no exception. He’s a deeply protective person, and his first instinct is to protect himself, which often makes him appear small and unsure. I can definitely relate to those protective instincts. But what I love about Tristan is how he evolves, especially in season four. He starts to shift from just focusing on self-protection to taking on a more responsible, almost older brother role. He begins to think more about protecting the train and the people on board, looking out for others in a way that really shows his growth as a character.
CB: Do you have other projects in the works that you’re allowed to tell us about?
IC: I’m excited to share that I have a new project called “Return to Sender”, which will be airing on October 27th on UPtv. The movie has a lot of heart and joy, and I really hope everyone tunes in. The story revolves around a mysterious love letter that leads the characters on a journey of discovery and connection. It’s a film that’s filled with warmth and a bit of mystery, and I think audiences are really going to enjoy it.
CB: I’ve heard that you’re a big fan of sci-fi. Obviously I am too, (LOL). Was there a sci-fi show or movie that inspired you to become an actor? For me, “Star Wars” inspired me to be a writer.
IC: I’m definitely a fan first. I still remember running around my living room as a kid, shouting ‘It’s morphin’ time!’ “The Power Rangers” really set me on the path to discovering acting. But it was “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” that made me say, ‘I want to do that.’ The show’s mix of the supernatural with real human emotions made me want to be part of a world that was so unlike our own. That’s what really inspired me to pursue acting and my love of the sci-fi genre.
CB: Do you have a cause that is close to your heart?
IC: One cause that’s very close to my heart is mental health awareness. The pressures of the entertainment industry can be intense, and I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have strong support systems and access to mental health resources. I believe in breaking the stigma around mental health and encouraging people to seek help when they need it. It’s something I’m passionate about both in my personal life and in the way I approach my work as an actor.
CB: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
IC: That’s such an amazing question! The first superpower that comes to mind is from an X-Man named Husk. Not sure if you’re familiar with her, but her power allows her to shed a layer of her skin, or ‘husk, revealing a new layer underneath with a different composition. She can transform into metal, stone, or various other substances, depending on what she needs at the moment. I’ve always found that ability fascinating because it’s about adaptability and being able to change yourself to face whatever challenges come your way.
CB: Let’s get to know you even better with a Speed Round:
When it’s time to kick back and relax, what are you wearing?
Pajamas, always pajamas [laughs]
Favorite Gas Station Snack:
Slushes!
Latest TV Show you’ve binge-watched:
Blue Ribbon Baking Championship
Movie you watch over and over:
The Fifth Element; Death Becomes Her; Matilda
Favorite book:
I recently just reread the Lorien Legacies Series by Pittacus Lore. I forgot how much I enjoy them. Ask me again next month, though, and it will be something else. [laughs]
Marvel or DC:
DC comics, Marvel money [laughs]
Favorite country you’ve visited:
New Zealand. I love the land and the people so much. Also it has the best beaches.
Dawn or Dusk?
Dusk
Pie or cake?
Cake
What’s your dream car?
I’m not a car person, but I love the look of the new Rivian trucks.
Camping: Tent or camper?
Camper
Who inspires you?
My mother, Margaret Collins, is my biggest inspiration. Growing up in a single-parent household, I’ve come to realize just how incredible and inspiring single parents are. The constant work, compassion, and unwavering support they provide often go unnoticed, but they truly are everyday heroes. I love you, Mom.
The eagerly anticipated fourth and final season of “Snowpiercer” is on AMC and AMC+ and it has been a great ride! Check out the trailer for the fourth season of “Snowpiercer” on AMC.
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