Stephan James Interview: Surface
Apple TV+'s Surface explores themes of trauma, truth, and identity across its eight captivating episodes. Created by Veronica West, the limited series stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Sophie, who has lost her memories following what others have told her was a suicide attempt. In Surface's mysterious narrative, Stephan James plays Thomas Baden, an undercover investigator bent on revealing to Sophie the truth of her incident. At the same time, his adoration for her induces some intriguing developments given the presence of Sophie's husband James (Oliver Jackson-Cohen).
Stephan James has previously starred in a variety of films and has played American track legend Jesse Owens in 2016's Race, as well as civil rights activist John Lewis in 2014's Selma. Among the actor's other noteworthy appearances are 2018's If Beale Street Could Talk and 2019's 21 Bridges. James earned a 2019 Golden Globe nomination for his role in the Prime Video series Homecoming.
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Stephan James spoke with Screen Rant about diving into his character in Surface and how he perceives Baden's motivations.
Screen Rant: You’ve played so many different characters before. How did you take on the role of an undercover investigator?
Stephan James: When Veronica called me and pitched this show to me, I will say I was excited right off the bat. For one, to be receiving a call from Veronica West, I just think she's amazing and I think she's so talented. She had described this world in a really vivid way and I totally understood the vision she was trying to execute.
When she pitched Baden to me, it was very exciting because there's a level of mystery and aloofness that I feel like I have in my own life. So, I was able
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