Joseph Chiu on 'Every Year After' Season 1 Reception and Hopes for Season 2
Joseph Chiu, the lead actor in Prime Video's romantic drama series 'Every Year After', recently shared his excitement and insights regarding the show's successful first season and its subsequent renewal. Chiu delved into the process of portraying his character, Jordie Lin, discussing the challenges and creative liberties he took due to the character's limited presence in the source material. He also outlined his vision for Jordie's character arc in the highly anticipated second season, including potential romantic developments and deeper exploration of his past.
During the interview, Chiu reflected on his journey into acting, which began after a major change in his college studies. He also touched upon his past experience as a K-pop trainee, highlighting his unexpected path to a leading role in a major television production. The conversation further explored the filming experience on Bowen Island, its serene atmosphere, and the actor's personal connection to the location. Chiu also expressed his thoughts on the growing recognition of the Canadian film and television industry and his commitment to supporting his fellow Canadian artists.
Joseph Chiu's Journey to 'Every Year After' and Character Development
Joseph Chiu, the breakout star of Prime Video's acclaimed romance series 'Every Year After', recently shared the exhilarating moment he learned about the show's second season renewal. The 24-year-old Canadian actor, who portrays Jordie Lin in the adaptation of Carley Fortune's novel 'Every Summer After', expressed his deep commitment to developing his character, especially given Jordie's relatively minor role in the original book. This afforded Chiu a unique opportunity to shape Jordie's personality and backstory, drawing inspiration from memorable best-friend characters like Stiles from 'Teen Wolf'. His acting journey itself is unconventional, having pivoted to drama after changing his college major and even experiencing a brief stint as a K-pop trainee.
Chiu's reflection on his casting and the initial season underscores a sense of gratitude and dedication. Fresh out of college, he was not expecting such a significant role, having previously worked on smaller projects. He described pouring himself into Jordie, a vulnerable process that involved navigating his own identity as a young actor. The shooting experience on the picturesque Bowen Island provided a serene backdrop, despite his personal struggles with allergies. He found a sense of peace and safety in the island's tranquility, likening it to his grandmother's home in New Zealand. This immersive environment allowed him to focus on the moment-to-moment interactions with his co-stars, Sadie and Aurora, shaping Jordie's portrayal with a blend of earnestness and spontaneity.
Anticipating Jordie's Future and the Canadian Spotlight
Looking ahead to the second season of 'Every Year After', Joseph Chiu enthusiastically shared his creative aspirations for Jordie's character, playfully taking on the role of a writer. He expressed a strong desire to see Jordie and Chantal in a developed relationship, highlighting the compelling comedic and serious chemistry he shares with Aurora. Furthermore, Chiu hopes to delve deeper into Jordie's unspoken feelings for Delilah, exploring the history of unrequited love and potentially a poignant confrontation. He envisions scenes that reveal Jordie's past jealousy and eventual acceptance, possibly culminating in a dramatic "rain confession" that would add significant emotional depth to his character.
Chiu also touched upon the increasing prominence of the Canadian film and television industry, a development he finds incredibly exciting as a young actor. While acknowledging that he and Alicia are the sole Canadian actors in the cast, he emphasized the supportive and celebratory environment within the Canadian acting community when one of their own achieves success on a global stage. Chiu views his platform as an opportunity to champion his friends and peers who are also pursuing acting careers, striving to uplift their talents and provide them with the recognition they deserve. He recognizes the comparatively limited access and spotlight available to Canadian artists and is committed to using his current success to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment within the industry.
