Q&A: Tyler Cotton Discusses Playing Melvin on CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA

As 2020 came to an end, so too did Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, with the final eight episodes of the series premiering on Netflix on New Year's Eve. It's been a real treat to watch this great ensemble throughout these past seasons, including Tyler Cotton's character, Melvin, who really stepped up and became a key member of the coven at the Academy of Unseen Arts as Sabrina and friends went through Hell (literally). It was a great pleasure, then, to catch up with Cotton in our latest Q&A feature to reflect on his time playing Melvin on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and what he'll miss the most about the treasured experience.

Thanks for taking the time to answer questions for us, Tyler, and congratulations on your role as Melvin in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina! It’s been great to watch you bring this character to life over the past few seasons. Going back to the beginning, what was the audition process like for the role of Melvin?

Tyler Cotton: Thank you so much! Thanks for having me! The audition process was quite simple, actually. Melvin was only meant to be on one episode, so they brought me in to audition for the role with two scenes, one of which ended up getting cut from the episode. Then a week later I got the call that I booked it.

Were you a fan of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina or the comic book series before joining the show?

Tyler Cotton: I was! I actually auditioned for Harvey, so I did my research on the comics for that and then became a fan. Later I booked Melvin and I was stoked!

Did you come up with your own backstory for Melvin? Did Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa give you any notes or input about your character’s past?

Tyler Cotton: I didn’t get many notes about Melvin, so it really gave me the freedom to create the character with the help of the amazing writing.

Before she was killed (a second time), you shared a lot of great scenes with Elspeth, played by Emily Haine. What was it like working with Haine to form that great chemistry within the coven?

Tyler Cotton: Poor Elspeth! It was amazing working with Emily! Emily has so much energy that you can't help but be infected by it.

How do you think Melvin changed after Sabrina resurrected him in season 2? It seems like he became an unwavering, true believer in Sabrina over the Dark Lord after she saved him and Elspeth from almost certain death.

Tyler Cotton: Good question! I mean, Melvin is a really shy guy, but I think after his death he started to come out of his shell a bit more and I think he definitely became a believer in Sabrina.

You’re surrounded by an extraordinary cast and crew on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. What has been your biggest takeaway from working with the cast and crew on this series?

Tyler Cotton: So many things! The cast and crew work so incredibly hard, but they also have a lot of fun, I think that’s my biggest takeaway, just have fun!!

Looking back at your time on set these past few years, is there a favorite moment in particular that stands out to you?

Tyler Cotton: So many moments stand out. Our weekend cast parties! Playing games in between takes! Making a secret hand shake with Abbey (Dorcus).

Ultimately, what have you enjoyed the most about playing Melvin?

Tyler Cotton: The bowties hahaha, honestly working with all those incredible people.

Looking at Melvin’s journey in the final season, what are you the most excited for viewers to experience in these last episodes?

Tyler Cotton: I'm excited for fans to see Melvin come out of his shell a bit more.

In addition to Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, do you have any other projects coming up that you’re excited about? Where can our readers go online to keep up with your work?

Tyler Cotton: I've got a few scripts I'm currently writing! I only really use my Instagram @ty_cotton

Thanks again for your time, Tyler, and thank you for helping to make Chilling Adventures of Sabrina such a great viewing experience!

Tyler Cotton: Thank you so much! And thank you to everyone that’s tuned in and helped make the show what it is!

[Photo Credit: Above photo courtesy of The Portrait Sessions.]