Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray. Michael Tompkins/Fremantle
Sullivan’s Crossing has already captured our hearts with the undeniable onscreen chemistry between Morgan Kohan and Chad Michael Murray, making us cheer for Maggie and Cal’s romance.
In an exclusive interview with We, Kohan, 29, shared her experience of collaborating with the 42-year-old Murray to bring their fictional love story to life.
"It was an amazing experience. Chad is genuinely kind and humble," the actress expressed. "I owe a huge gratitude to my parents for restricting my TV time during my childhood. As a result, I didn't go crazy when I first met Chad. It was truly mesmerizing."
Kohan further added, "It felt like encountering another talented actor with a rich background and immense wisdom. The prospect of learning from both Chad and Scott Patterson made me truly thrilled. It was an exhilarating and captivating experience."
Sullivan’s Crossing, inspired by Robyn Carr's book series, portrays the story of Maggie (Kohan), a neurosurgeon compelled to return to her rural hometown in Nova Scotia. As she reunites with her estranged father Sully (Patterson), Maggie forms a close relationship with Sully's coworker, Cal (Murray).
Despite a challenging beginning, there are hints that Maggie and Cal will continue to experience various obstacles and successes in their journey together.
"That's what attracts me to them, it's impossible not to think, 'Pull yourselves together, guys!' Clearly, something is happening here. There's chemistry present, whether it's tense or not, whether it's a friendship or something romantic. It permeates through it all," she conveyed. "So we really have to witness how that journey unfolds – and it won't be easy. But, I mean... Chad is part of our cast, so we know it's leading somewhere."
Besides navigating her growing connection with Cal, Maggie also needs to confront her complicated past with Sully. The father-daughter pair must work on rebuilding their relationship, which suffered after Maggie relocated from Canada to Boston.
"The remarkable aspect of these two individuals is the presence of a supportive community that sincerely wishes for their happiness. The community desires for them to resolve their differences and rekindle their once beautiful relationship from Maggie's youth, when he was an exceptional father," Kohan acknowledged. "Hence, everyone is aware of the potential for reconciliation."
According to the Hallmark star, Season 1 will delve into the journey of Maggie and Cal as they endeavor to forge a new path. "However, they struggle with effective communication. Resolving a relationship like theirs cannot happen overnight, so they must put in the effort and work on it consistently throughout the season," Kohan hinted. "Therefore, we have the opportunity to witness the progression, stumbling blocks, and gradual development of their relationship."
Michael Tompkins/Fremantle
Kohan praised Patterson, 65, for the energy he brought to set — on and off screen.
Scott is known for his humor and love for fun, making it effortless to develop a bond with him. This was particularly advantageous since we were portraying a relationship of estrangement and unfamiliarity. We could approach our characters with a sense of curiosity, asking, "Who are you? What role do you play in my life?" This allowed us to bring authenticity to our performances, while also incorporating the complexities of our shared history and the tension it brought. In addition to these personal dynamics, Maggie also grapples with numerous challenges in her professional life.
In the first season, Maggie finds herself at a crossroads, torn between the life she has carefully built and the past version of herself that she has ignored for a long time. Kohan explained that she is trying to figure out if both parts of her can coexist or if she needs to decide who she truly is and wants to be. It's a challenging journey that may seem clear from the outside but is difficult to navigate from within.
The series has already gained a following after its release on Canada's CTV earlier this year. Kohan is eager to see more people fall in love with Sullivan's Crossing as it begins airing on The CW in the United States.
Photographer – Trevor Godinho @trevorgodinho
"It feels like the beginning of a long journey. We're currently in the midst of filming season 2, so there's a lot happening. I'm genuinely excited to witness the origins of it all and see what lies ahead for those dedicated enough to stick around until the end. Trust me, it's worth it," she shared with Us while dropping a subtle hint about her desires. "Personally, I'm really hoping for a more developed relationship between Maggie and Sly. I want to see her surrounded by individuals who truly grasp her essence and, in turn, enable her to see their genuine selves."
Kohan expressed her desire to continue doing scenes with Murray, Patterson, and the other cast members, showing her enthusiasm towards it. Don't miss the premiere of Sullivan's Crossing on The CW on Wednesday, October 4th at 8 p.m. ET.