Skyler Samuels, Evan Roderick, Marilu Henner star in “Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New,” a new original premiering Friday, June 9 (9 p.m. ET/PT), on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. We at Survived The Shows had the great pleasure of chatting with Madison Smith, discuss his role in the movie and what can fans expect from it. Check out the full interview below!
How did you prepare for your role as Matt Walker in Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New?
MADISON SMITH: I watched a ton of my favourite movies from the 2000’s! Our Aurora takes place in 2008 so I wanted to get myself back into the mindset of those days. I forgot how much I love a good Matthew McConaughey Rom Com. It was an amazing excuse to watch.
What drew you to this role?
I was lucky enough to work on a Hallmark Mystery last year called “Nikki & Nora: Sister Sleuths” and loved every second, so when the opportunity came up to join this one I jumped at the chance. Plus it has a great script, a great cast, and I’ve been a big fan of our director, Jessica Harmon, for years so I was really excited to work with her.
Without giving away any spoilers, how does Matt fit into the story of Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New?
Matt is the fiancé of Sally, played by Kayla Heller, and the film follows the days leading up to our wedding. When drama starts at our welcome party, a dead body is later found at Matt’s apartment. At first everyone thinks the body is Matt, but when it turns out to be someone else, Matt becomes suspect number one.
What was your favorite scene to film as Matt Walker, and why?
We have a scene early in the film with almost the entire cast in it. We had such great people on this film that having the group all together made it such a fun day on set. It’s also a scene filmed all in one shot, so it was really cool to be a part of creatively. Keep your eyes open for it!
What do you think sets this movie apart from other romantic mystery comedy movies, and how does Matt contribute to that?
I love a good “whodunnit”. But a good whodunnit needs enough characters, and enough secrets, to keep the audience guessing. We have both! And Matt might just have more secrets than anyone…
What do you think sets Matt apart from other characters you’ve portrayed in the past?
Matt is definitely a guy who only tells part of the truth. It was really fun to play with the levels of what he knows vs. what he tells people.
If you had to describe Matt using only emojis, which ones would you choose?
If you could switch roles with any character in “Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New” who would it be and why?
That’s a tough question because I loved playing Matt. But it’s hard to not say Evan’s character Arthur. But he does a great job at the role so I think we both landed where we were supposed to.
What’s the funniest thing that happened on set while filming “Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New”?
I can’t give away what the scene was, but it’s a pretty serious one between me and Kayla Heller that gets interrupted by Aurora (Skyler Samuels). Every time Skyler would walk in we could hear her boots on the hardwood floor. Every time she was trying to take lighter and lighter steps but we could still hear her coming every time and every time it made us laugh. I think we got one good take without me cracking at least a smile.
What have been some of the most memorable projects you have worked on throughout your career, and why?
I’ve been lucky to work on some amazing projects over the years but it’s hard not to still look back at my role on the series finale of “Psych” on USA Network as a stand out. It was already my favourite show and to be in its last episode was such an amazing experience!
What is your favourite memory about your time on the set of When Calls the Heart?
I loved getting immersed in that time period. As an actor, jumping into another generation feels so cool. The sets, the wardrobe, everything. And I’m really happy with the character I got to play. Roy had a great storyline and I would love to see what’s up with him all these years later.
Which is the role of your entire career you’re most fond of?
I played a character named Orbin on a show called “The Order” on Netflix. There was a ton I loved about that project. Playing a character with supernatural abilities and working so closely with my real life friend Sarah Grey was a blast. Sometimes coming into a show in the second season can feel isolating but this one was far from it. The cast and crew pulled me in like I’d been there from the beginning. That show will have a special place in my heart for my whole career.
What can you share about your next projects?
I have a couple of Rom-Coms coming up called “Ms. Match” which will air on E!, and “The Perfect Man(icure)” produced by ReelOne. I got to work with great people on both and the ensemble on Ms. Match is stacked so I’m proud to be a part of it. Look for it this summer!
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Chiara
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