INTERVIEW WITH MIKE FERGUSON (BLACKOUT)
You play Atticus Reed, a character described as a “believable badass” who is trying to maintain order while the world collapses. What was the most challenging part of grounding a character in such an extreme, high-stakes scenario?
Creating the world with Atticus and making it grounded, I used real life emotional triggers with people that I have those with.
What would you do just try to save you and your family in the end of everything?How far would you go? I really took some big bumps in this movie so I guess I really put my body out there and I hope it’s received how much I put into this.
The film depicts a nuclear strike on California following rising tensions between the U.S. and China. Given current world events, how did this “disturbingly possible” premise affect your approach to the role?
Man that these could be real world scenarios just made me believe in it that much more and really believe .this is the end.
And no matter what i’m trying to save us , Maya and I.
Much of the tension comes from the psychological survival drama inside the warehouse. How did you and the cast work to build that sense of paranoia and unease during filming?
That feeling of tenseness and claustrophobia that was all real. That was a small spot with a lot of people . Long hours , little sleep , high emotions,
I’m so glad that translated . Look inside that warehouse is where all the emotions let fly.
i had a real life triggering moment in that warehouse between Maya and i
With your extensive background in stunts, how much of your own physicality did you bring to the fight scenes in Blackout?
Like i said before i took a lot of bumps on this so did a lot of others
it’s always challenging
but i fight like i fight in movies
putting 110 percent in
You starred alongside Twana Barnett (of Beast Games fame). Since you were both contestants on Beast Games together, how did that pre-existing competitive energy translate to your on-screen alliance?
yeah man, we had just finished Las Vegas portion of Beast Games season one ,Living in a football stadium is against 2000 people 4 days
and then right to production of this
Twana and i have been in others lives 27 years . That Chemistry is real
That “We gotta make it no matter what” vibe
The plot involves a $12 million crypto heist right in the middle of a nuclear war. How does this “greed vs. survival” element complicate Atticus’s motivations throughout the film?
with Atticus it has nothing to do with greed .
it’s survival for him and his wife are gonna try to get to Mexico where it’s not as crazy as United States that’s in the middle of breaking down .
with that $12 million to live a better life .He’s Scared and in survival mode . trying to protect his family
By the end of the film, the world is in a “nuclear winter.” Without spoilers, what is the main message you hope audiences take away from the film’s exploration of humanity’s breaking point?
Everyone is trying to be the hero of their own story
stop and get to know the people you don’t and help .
never underestimate how much you need others to succeed in negative circumstances
I want to thank you to Mitch and Leeanne
for giving me the sandbox plan I hope everyone enjoys it. Thank you.
