With the seventh episode of Spike's The Mist TV series premiering this Thursday, August 3rd, we recently had the chance to catch up with one of the series' co-stars, Luke Cosgrove, for our latest Q&A feature to discuss playing Jay Heisel on the show, getting Stephen King's blessing for the series, and much more.

Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for us, Luke, and congratulations on your role in the new Spike TV series The Mist. What can you tell us about your character, Jay Heisel?

Luke Cosgrove: Jay is first seen as that kid that has everything going for him: the popularity, being the star quarterback as well as the sheriff's son. He basically has the whole town on his side. That trust soon turns sour when he finds himself heavily involved in a rape allegation. Along with redemption, Jay spends a lot of the series trying to follow a path of righteousness. A path that will hopefully bring him closer to his dad.

What was the audition process like for Jay?

Luke Cosgrove: I self-taped from Brisbane, Australia. It took about a month to get a call back, when that finally came through, I had to send another tape over to New York. I was then placed on hold for a few days which is like this limbo phase where you just wait by the phone in anticipation. Finally a call came through to say I had the role, which was an incredible feeling.

The Mist is a reimagining of Stephen King’s beloved novella, which was also turned into a feature film by Frank Darabont in 2007. Were you a fan of King’s story or the movie prior to coming onto this project, or was this a completely new world for you to explore?

Luke Cosgrove: For the most part, it was all new to me. I was familiar with Stephen King's work from some of the books I read during school, but I don't think I really understood the true gravity of his storytelling until I stepped onto that set. It was a real eye-opening experience.

Based on what we've seen so far, it looks like people are the ones to be feared just as much as the monsters that lurk in the mist. Are human relationships a key factor of this series?

Luke Cosgrove: One hundred percent. It's all about the people. It's about people becoming controlled by fear, which is a result of the mist. It tests the human character in every sense. It shines a light on who is able to remain true to themselves and those that become consumed by fear.

What types of horror can fans look forward to experiencing when they watch the show?

Luke Cosgrove: Well, so far we've already seen a beheaded dog, a woman's jaw ripped off, a flying skinless man thrown through a window, an 11-year-old girl turned to ash, so I think it's safe to say the possibilities are endless. Honestly, expect anything with this show. It surprises me just about all the time and I was there filming!

Looking back at your time on set, is there a favorite or funny moment in particular that stands out?

Luke Cosgrove: There was a scene in the third episode where the cameras are outside in the mist filming back at the bookstore. There was about fifteen of us cramped into this little room and Isiah started talking with a lisp. The second he opened his mouth all of us were in stitches. The laughing continued while the cameras were rolling, but lucky for us we were out of shot, so we got away with it.

Stephen King himself has given The Mist TV series his blessing. How important is it for you and the entire cast and crew to have that seal of approval from King?

Luke Cosgrove: I had a lot of faith in the show before King gave his nod of approval, but to hear that from the man himself is just the ultimate reassurance, especially when you know he will say if he likes it or not.

With The Mist being your first big TV series, have you learned a lot from working with the cast and crew and seeing how they approach the craft?

Luke Cosgrove: Absolutely. The things I learned on that set were remarkably invaluable. They really shaped me into a better actor and I will bring those tools to the next project.

With The Mist premiering June 22nd on Spike, do you have any other projects on deck that you can tease? Where can our readers find you online?

Luke Cosgrove: Nothing I can tease right now, unfortunately. You can find me on Instagram: @lukecosgrove_ or Twitter @LCosgrove_

  • Derek Anderson
    About the Author - Derek Anderson

    Raised on a steady diet of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps books and Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Derek has been fascinated with fear since he first saw ForeverWare being used on an episode of Eerie, Indiana.

    When he’s not writing about horror as the Senior News Reporter for Daily Dead, Derek can be found daydreaming about the Santa Carla Boardwalk from The Lost Boys or reading Stephen King and Brian Keene novels.