The Epic Evolution of Jack and Ace: Unveiling the Thrilling Adventure in Heels Season 2

Summary

Jack (Stephen Amell) comes to a profound understanding of the significance of the DWL's newest female sensation, Crystal Tyler, and the crucial importance of treating her as a bona fide wrestler.

Both Jack and Ace (played by Alexander Ludwig) confront the profound influence their father had on their lives, ultimately gaining a clearer comprehension of their choices and hardships. Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig reprise their roles as feuding siblings Jack and Ace Spade in the highly-anticipated second season of Heels. Jack, the proprietor of the Duffy Wrestling League, has inherited it from their deceased father, Tom Spade (portrayed by David James Elliott). Meanwhile, Ace, Jack's troubled younger brother, harbors a deep resentment towards Jack's attempts to govern both his personal life and wrestling aspirations.

In Heels season 2, the Spade family's buried trauma is explored in greater depth. The DWL is facing a threat from Charlie Gully, the flamboyant promoter of rival wrestling company Florida Wrestling Dystopia, who aims to put the DWL out of business. However, Jack can only save the DWL with Ace's assistance.

Screen Rant had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable interview with Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig, where they discussed the upcoming journeys of Jack and Ace, the emergence of Crystal Tyler as the DWL's female star, and the underlying themes of Heels season 2. Please note that this interview was conducted prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike, and the show being discussed here would not exist without the contributions of writers and actors who are members of WGA and SAG-AFTRA.

Stephen Amell & Alexander Lugwig Talk Heels Season 2

Stephen, your past experience in wrestling has sparked a newfound interest in returning to the ring. Are you open to the idea of stepping back into the world of wrestling?

Stephen Amell: Absolutely, I would definitely consider the possibility of getting back into the ring. It would be exciting to promote the second season of our show on a wrestling program. I've been working on making that happen. It's interesting because I took a different approach by engaging in professional wrestling matches before fully training in the field. Now, I'm feeling that urge to step back into the ring again. Additionally, seeing celebrities like Bad Bunny and Logan Paul making significant appearances in wrestling has ignited my competitive spirit. I feel compelled to make a comeback. That's the essence of the story.

Alexander, are you open to considering this possibility?

Alexander Ludwig: Definitely. I would be interested in such an opportunity. It would be a fantastic experience, particularly if it contributes to the overall show.

Screen Rant: Season 1 of Heels concluded with Crystal being crowned the DWL champion, and naturally, we needed to address this situation in season 2. Could you discuss the process of navigating this in the real world versus the way Jack handles it as the booker?

Stephen Amell: I believe that Jack grasps the significance of what occurred, recognizing that it wasn't merely a clever twist that energized the audience. No, this crowd genuinely connects with Crystal as a performer. It's not merely about her role as Bunny Bombshell, the valet, as Gully tries to portray it. Gully's attempt to undermine the achievement backfires because people genuinely find Crystal Tyler to be an intriguing character. At the beginning of the second season, we establish that she doesn't have to be Bunny Bombshell anymore - she is just Crystal Tyler. I find it enjoyable that everything from her promos and ring attire to her overall persona emphasizes her message: "This is not just a gimmick. I belong. So make space."

Alexander Ludwig believes that in the second season, it becomes evident that the women are just as talented as the men, if not more. He finds the entire storyline incredibly exciting, as it showcases the shift in power dynamics. For Ace, witnessing this shift is a breaking point, as it challenges his perception of himself. This journey becomes about discovering who he truly is meant to be. Moreover, this season explores the potential of this promotion not only in terms of relationships and family but also as a business opportunity. As an actor, Ludwig is thrilled about the possibilities and where this can lead. He believes that Jack and Ace finally have a moment of realization about the enormous potential of this venture.

In season 1, Jack's character displayed a relentless desire for success, willing to go to any lengths to achieve it. However, in season 2, we can expect to see him take a step back and experience occasional feelings of regret for the extreme choices he has made. At the end of the first episode, Jack realizes that despite what he considered to be a major triumph, he returns home to find an empty house. His brother, wife, son, mother, father, and even his colleagues from the DWL are absent. This realization leaves him questioning the significance of his achievements as he finds himself with nothing.

At the end of the day, if he doesn't have a loving wife, a child who cares for him, a respectful brother, a mother who wants to communicate with him, and wrestlers who respect him as a boss, what does he truly possess? So, he finds himself pondering, "Alright, regardless of how I've been handling things, it's evident that I've been mistaken." Experiencing this sudden shift and separation right from the beginning was genuinely thrilling for the character. It's like witnessing this individual's determination to turn his life around. That's the only option he has, otherwise, this is his reality.

Alexander, your character undergoes a remarkable and profound transformation. Did you draw inspiration from certain wrestling figures? As a wrestling enthusiast myself, I am aware that Sting went through a similar kind of transformation. Was Sting the source of inspiration for your character?

Alexander Ludwig believes that art imitates reality and life, suggesting that there may have been influences from the wrestling world that have influenced the writers' thoughts. However, he finds the transition to be exciting, especially when Ace finally becomes the person he knows he should be. This transformation, both in and out of the ring, is akin to seeing the potential and success that could be achieved. As Jack begins to understand how to navigate this industry, a path to nationwide recognition is created for the first time, and the desire is to showcase all of this.

In season 2 of the show, Jack and Ace find themselves grappling with the haunting presence of their father, Tom Spade, each in their own unique manner. Could you both shed some light on how this narrative unfolds and evolves for both Jack and Ace?

Alexander Ludwig: The audience truly gets to immerse themselves in the same experiences as the characters. It offers a fresh perspective on who they are as individuals. Their actions are not excused, but rather understood. What I admire about Ace is that it's easy to pass judgment at first glance. However, this serves as a powerful metaphor for life, as you eventually learn that they have endured deeply traumatic events that have profoundly shaped their character. Now, they are striving to rebuild themselves on an unstable foundation, hoping that their entire structure doesn't crumble.

As a result, the audience gains a deeper understanding of these characters and begins to empathize with them. Ace undergoes a transformative journey in confronting their trauma. The show delves into more than just wrestling; it explores mental health, personal identity within and outside the ring, familial relationships, and the genuine struggles of real people within this chaotic world. That's what resonates with me whenever I read these scripts.

Stephen Amell: It's interesting to revisit the first season and observe the actions of these characters which initially seemed perplexing. We question why a person would behave in such a way. However, in the first episode of season 2, we witness the immediate and profound impact of their father's experiences, which provides an understanding of their actions. Despite being grown, these individuals still possess the emotional maturity of children at this point in time. It doesn't excuse their behavior, but it does offer an explanation, which is fascinating.

Alexander, Ace is typically accompanied by an adjective or descriptor such as the quarterback or The Face. Do you believe that these labels contributed to his feelings of being undervalued in certain situations?

Alexander Ludwig acknowledges the need to be cautious about being idolized or placing oneself on a pedestal. He critiques the tendency to label individuals solely based on their public image or accomplishments, without considering the struggles they face privately. In the context of the show's focus on identity, he highlights the protagonist's challenge of balancing his hometown hero persona with the challenges in his personal life. This balancing act ultimately proves impossible as one cannot fulfill others' expectations and maintain their own authenticity simultaneously. However, when the protagonist embraces his true self, disregarding others' opinions, he is able to fulfill his potential and even find the validation he had always sought. Ludwig believes this concept holds true in real life as well. When one ceases to be influenced by others' pedestals and expectations, and instead lives for their own happiness, beautiful outcomes unfold. This idea resonates deeply in the show's second season, as Jack and Ace strive to accept their true identities and explore their potential as a unit.

About Heels Season 2

Other interviews with the cast of Heels season 2 can be found on our website.

Chris Bauer

Alison Luff

Robby Ramos, Allen Maldonado, Trey Tucker

Mary McCormack

Heels season 2 premieres July 28 on STARZ.