Sadie Stanley and Lexi Underwood recently shared their experience of making a statement with their debut in Cruel Summer. They also gave insights into the conversations that took place between them and the cast of season 1. Underwood, who portrays Isabella LaRue, expressed her gratitude towards the team of season 1 for understanding the formula and structure of the show, which involves navigating and portraying three different versions of their character across three different timelines.
The Maryland native expressed her excitement in being in touch with the actors from the first season of the show. She mentioned that their guidance has taken the pressure off of feeling like they have to surpass or live up to certain standards. The season 1 cast has been incredibly supportive and loving towards them, which has been immensely helpful.
Sadie Stanley and Lexi Underwood Freeform/Frank Ockenfels (2)
Stanley, 21, for her part, praised Chiara Aurelia and Olivia Holt for passing on their wisdom after their time on Cruel Summer.
The singer, who portrays Megan Landry on the show, expressed her gratitude towards Chiara and Olivia for their unwavering support. She had the pleasure of meeting Chiara on a few occasions and described her as a delightful person. Similarly, Olivia impressed her when she visited the set during filming in Vancouver. The series, which premiered in April 2021, captivated audiences with its innovative approach to storytelling, showcasing events from three different timelines. The first season revolved around the kidnapping and rescue of Kate Wallis (Holt) and the accusation against Jeanette Turner (Aurelia) for having information about the missing girl.
In light of its popularity, Freeform has announced that season 2 of the show will explore a fresh cast of characters. The season's central storyline revolves around the complicated relationship between Megan and Isabella, which ultimately culminates in a murder that shakes their small town to its core.
The cast was kept in the dark about the show's major mysteries, as Stanley revealed. They learned about their character's role in the death of Luke and the events leading up to it as they received the scripts. "We didn't know all of it," she said. The focus was on getting to know their characters, their personalities, and their motivations.
As an actor, it is crucial to be the keeper of our character. Isabella, in particular, is a complex person and it was challenging not knowing her ultimate fate or where her story would lead. However, by truly understanding and embodying our character, we are able to adapt to any situation that arises on screen.
Throughout the series, viewers will learn more about the eventual falling out between Megan and Isabella. Stanley has suggested that the show will leave viewers with more questions than answers, as each episode introduces new suspicions and information to consider. The Goldbergs alum cautions viewers not to trust any of the characters, as the mystery is not simply about who is responsible, but rather about the events that led up to the rift. Not everyone is as they appear to be.
Throughout the season, Cruel Summer promises to surprise viewers with its direction, according to Underwood. One of the biggest mysteries, similar to Luke's death, is who each character truly is at their core. Each character wears a mask to hide their internal struggles in the three different timelines. It's important to keep an eye out and understand that everyone is trying to take control of their own destiny, which can lead to messy and selfish behavior.
Cruel Summer airs on Freeform Mondays at 10 p.m.