With the second season of the Stephen King adaptation arriving, HeyUGuys caught up with stars Ben Barnes and Joe Freeman to discuss what lies ahead for their characters, the changing dynamics of the group and the author’s involvement in bringing the new episodes to life.
Following the explosive events of the first season finale, there is plenty at stake for both Luke and Tim as the story continues. For Joe Freeman, Luke is heading down a particularly dark path. Driven by what Freeman describes as hatred, his character’s actions threaten to disrupt the lives of those around him. However, Luke remains convinced that everything he is doing is ultimately for the greater good.
Ben Barnes, meanwhile, sees Tim facing a rather different set of challenges. Having spent much of the first season trying to find some peace for himself while investigating the injustices taking place in the town, Tim has become increasingly attached to the group around him.
As Barnes explains, that newfound connection makes his character’s position considerably more complicated. Tim wants to fight back against those in power, but he also feels a responsibility to protect his newfound family and keep them safe. At the same time, he wants to empower them rather than simply shield them from danger.
Barnes describes the situation as a particularly high-stakes version of parenting, with Tim effectively navigating a daily existence in which the consequences of getting things wrong could be life-threatening.
With King serving as a producer on the series, we asked whether either actor had worked closely with the legendary author while developing their characters for the second season. Their answer came with a healthy dose of humour. Despite joking that they were best friends with King and enjoyed weekly coffee dates, the actors explained that his involvement was relatively hands-off.
Rather than working directly with the cast, King was understood to be receiving cuts of the episodes as production progressed and giving his approval along the way.There was, however, one particular request from the author that did make its way into the new season.
According to Freeman and Barnes, King was especially keen to see the youngsters use their telepathic abilities to get money out of an ATM. It was apparently the one thing he was determined to see happen in Season 2. It’s a wonderfully specific request, and one that should delight fans familiar with King’s original vision.
With Luke seemingly embracing a darker side and Tim struggling to protect the people who have become so important to him, the second season looks set to raise the stakes considerably. And if Stephen King’s enthusiasm for that particular ATM scene is anything to go by, there are still a few surprises in store.
