How Peacock’s Teacup Gave Us Realistic Kids Facing Realistic Terror

How Peacock's Teacup Gave Us Realistic Kids Facing Realistic Terror

As a seasoned gamer and horror enthusiast with a soft spot for well-crafted characters, I must say that the new series “Teacup” on Peacock has truly caught my attention. The show’s ability to blend the supernatural with a grounded, relatable ensemble is nothing short of impressive.


The chilling new series “Teacup” (now available on Peacock) is centered around a unique ability to establish a sense of realism amid the eerie supernatural occurrences depicted within the narrative. Similar to many captivating horror productions across both big and small screens, it’s a program that deeply immerses itself in its diverse cast, and in forging authentic relationships between the characters and their personal hardships.

It’s particularly applicable to Meryl (Émilie Bierre) and Arlo (Caleb Dolden), the Chenoweth siblings. At first, they appear as ordinary children simply going about their lives. However, the events of the show abruptly plunge their lives into chaos and fear. Since we’ve come to know them and care for them as real kids, we find ourselves joining them on this harrowing journey.

However, it’s not only the viewers who share this sentiment. In an interview with SYFY WIRE, Bierre expressed that she was captivated by the series for reasons beyond its horror aspects. Rather, she found herself deeply connected to the character Meryl, a teenager grappling with the need to be the resilient, high-achieving child her parents (Yvonne Strahovski and Scott Speedman) expected of her amidst a crisis.

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Creating authentic kid characters in Peacock’s Teacup

How Peacock's Teacup Gave Us Realistic Kids Facing Realistic Terror

Bierre expressed his admiration for authors who write child characters authentically and relatably, saying he felt the same way about the character Meryl. He appreciated how she began as a typical teenage girl, forced to mature rapidly, and endured numerous challenges. This rich backstory provided ample material for character development and storytelling, making him eager to explore more about her and the other characters.

As stated by Bierre, the sensation emanated beyond the page and onto the set, where she collaborated with her fellow actors and showrunner Ian McCulloch to infuse the Chenoweth family’s down-to-earth, everyday conflicts with ample vitality. This was achieved even as the more extraordinary aspects of the series unfolded around them.

She explained, “Our main goal was to make the characters seem authentic and true-to-life as they are portrayed. They aren’t idealized; they each have their imperfections and personal struggles. There’s conflict, there’s drama – it’s all there already. So, we aimed to make them as genuine as possible, which was effortless thanks to Ian and our skillful directors. Plus, working alongside Yvonne was an incredible experience due to her remarkable inner strength. Having her on set was a truly rewarding gift.

One kid, two roles: Caleb Dolden on Teacup

How Peacock's Teacup Gave Us Realistic Kids Facing Realistic Terror

For Dolden, it was particularly difficult to work on the project “Teacup” since the young actor, Arlo, had to portray not just one character but two. Arlo is the inquisitive boy who revels in exploration and detective work, while Harbinger, a mysterious entity within Arlo’s mind, presents as either a helpful influence for his family or a potential threat.

In the process of portraying dual roles, Dolden relied on McCulloch’s interpretation yet also strove to create a unique understanding of the character residing within him.

According to Dolden, when he imagines Harbinger, it’s as if he’s almost an ethereal entity. In his mind, Harbinger appears like a vague silhouette, and the rest is crystal clear for him.

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2024-10-29 22:16