Teacup Stars Explain What Drew Them to the Series – Spoiler: It Wasn’t the Horror

Teacup Stars Explain What Drew Them to the Series – Spoiler: It Wasn't the Horror

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for both the digital and television realms, I can confidently say that the upcoming series “Teacup” on Peacock has piqued my interest like no other. The people behind this production seem to have an uncanny ability to craft captivating narratives that blend the ordinary with the extraordinary, a trait I appreciate deeply in both games and shows.


Any television show is only as good as the people making it. That’s very much the case, as well, for Peacock’s upcoming series Teacup, from creator/showrunner Ian McCulloch. Earlier this year, when SYFY WIRE attended a set visit alongside other reporters in Atlanta, Georgia, the production team was deep in the middle of filming. McCulloch had endless praise for his cast, but the cast handed credit right back tenfold.

It appears that the participation of McCulloch was a significant factor in attracting the main cast members – Yvonne Strahovski, Scott Speedman, and Chaske Spencer – to the series, as it is produced by James Wan and his Atomic Monster team.

Teacup‘s stars praise series creator and showrunner Ian McCulloch

Teacup Stars Explain What Drew Them to the Series – Spoiler: It Wasn't the Horror

The fundamental concept of the series “Teacup” is largely veiled in enigma, intentionally so. This element of mystery, coupled with McCulloch’s initial pitch, was what attracted Spencer (known for shows like “Blindspot” and “The Twilight Saga”) to join the project.

As a gamer diving into this tale, on the outside it might seem like a blend of sci-fi and horror, but beneath the surface lies a profound human drama. That’s what makes it so captivating because you’re instantly immersed, with characters introduced swiftly, only to uncover their secrets episode by episode.

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Strahovski from shows like “Dexter” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” concurred: the captivating tale was enticing, but collaborating with McCulloch proved to be an irresistible chance that couldn’t be missed.

She shared, chuckling, “I came across the project, then had my initial meeting with Ian after reading around three episodes. We spoke over the phone, and let me tell you, I found Ian quite impressive. His vision for this show was intelligent, sophisticated, and grounded – something that resonated deeply with me. If it weren’t for his exceptional qualities and unique perspective, I might not have been involved in this project.

She mentioned that one reason she was drawn to it was because of its emotional family backstory, which resonated deeply with her and the passion Ian expressed when discussing it. This is what ultimately captured her interest, leading us to this point.

In their collaboration on “Teacup,” Strahovski and Spencer are joining forces with McCulloch for the first time; however, Speedman, known from “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Strangers,” as well as the showrunner, have a long-standing history together.

Speaking truthfully, Speedman shared what drew him to join the project. He’d been familiar with Ian McCulloch’s work for quite some time. About five to seven years ago, he came across an unproduced TV show that McCulloch was sharing. It was one of those scripts that were buzzing among agents, and Speedman found himself captivated by McCulloch’s writing style. He described it as a truly unique find.

The project failed and their joint film venture didn’t materialize either. However, with the advent of “Teacup”, everything fell into place.

Teacup, the “sci-fi Western”: Making a genre series for the first time

Teacup Stars Explain What Drew Them to the Series – Spoiler: It Wasn't the Horror

Speedman expressed his enthusiasm by saying, “I found parts of it intriguing, specifically the genre aspects, and they didn’t exactly match Ian’s usual style, yet that sparked my interest! I envisioned his interpretation as a mix of sci-fi and Western themes, which resonated with me. This got me pumped up. Once I began reading it, I discovered a fascinating amalgamation of family drama – something at which Ian excels – along with skillfully executed genre elements. To me, this combination suggests we’ve got something special here.

He seldom expresses this level of enthusiasm, but he’s genuinely thrilled about it. In fact, it might be the television series that has stirred the most anticipation within him for quite some time. His work is exceptional, and his patience is commendable.

As a devoted fan, I can tell you that “Teacup” marks McCulloch’s debut as the main driver in a series. Before this exciting venture, he served as a Consulting Producer on shows like “Chicago Fire,” “Yellowstone,” and “Deputy.” These roles have undoubtedly honed his skills to deliver that distinctive Western essence that Speedman often spoke of. While “Teacup” may seem like a fresh direction, it’s not entirely unexpected from this talented creator/producer.

In the official production notes, McCulloch expressed that there are instances of tranquility which allow viewers to pause and observe the dynamic between the characters. The story was not intended solely as an action-packed chase or hide-and-seek thriller; rather, it aims to evoke genuine emotions in the audience as they grow attached to these characters.

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2024-10-10 00:16