AIDAN LAPRETE ON ASIAN REPRESENTATION IN AMAZON’S ‘THE WILDS,’ MUSIC, ACTING AND MORE
BY IRVIN RIVERA
Hawaii-born singer, musician, producer and actor AIDAN LAPRETE plays Henry Tanaka in the second season of Amazon Prime Video’s THE WILDS. Laprete’s relatable portrayal of Henry as a complex, nuanced character in an island with a diverse group of boys is a commendable and memorable performance.
PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA, FASHION STYLING: TABITHA SANCHEZ, GROOMING: LOUISE MOON, PHOTO ASST: JESSE ZAPATERO
The young star on the rise has been in front of the camera since he was 18 months old doing commercials and supporting roles in various shows like "Hawaii Five-0", "Under the Blood Red Sun", "Everything's Gonna Be Okay" and Kevin on "Chad."
In this exclusive interview, Aidan on the joys of playing Henry, the challenges and highs he experienced while filming, his dream project, things that keeps him busy, his music, and more.
Hi Aidan, how are you?
I’m very well, thank you for having me.
How would you describe “THE WILDS” from Amazon Prime Video?
The show is about a group of girls that find themselves on a deserted island, following a plane crash that was supposed to be going to a retreat in Hawaii. You quickly realize in the first season that the whole thing is actually a social experiment, and the girls are unaware that they are being watched. In the second season, you also meet a group of boys that find themselves on a different island, in the same situation.
What's unique about the show?
The Wilds is very genre bending. It discusses and deals with a lot of important topics and portrays them in a very raw and authentic way. I remember watching the first season for the first time and I was just so blown away by how incredible the girls are and how accurate and real their performances feel. Every character is unique in their own way and always becomes more than what you originally think they are. I feel like The Wilds is a very important show right now.
What's the best part about playing Henry?
Just being able to step in Henry’s shoes and getting into the mindset of this emo reclusive boy scout. Henry is quite different from myself in real life, so just being able to be someone else is very fun.
What drew you to your character?
I just think he’s a very complex and interesting character, that is also relatable. I think we have all had that phase as a teenager, where you feel like you need to shut everyone out and be on your own. Henry does it to a more extreme level, but I also think everyone has known a kid like Henry in high school. Being a part of the Asian representation on the show is very special to me as well.
Talk about the challenges and the highs that you experienced during filming?
This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to develop with a character and being able to do that with a character like Henry was definitely a high in itself. We were shooting on North Stradbroke Island in Queensland, Australia for all the beach scenes, that was a high. There were quite a few emotional scenes, so that was definitely challenging but at the same time, I felt very creatively fulfilled. Any time we got to do stunts was a challenge, but it also was some of the best times.
How did you manage to rise above the challenges?
Being a part of an ensemble cast is really great because we have each other for support. Having your friend be there with you when you have an emotional scene is really nice. We had an amazing crew who really looked out for us. For the stunts, our stunt coordinator Jimmy was always there making sure we were safe, not stressed, as well as making sure what we were doing looked real and authentic.
What's the most memorable moment for you throughout the whole process of making the series?
I would say the drowning scene in 203, due to the intensity and it was one of my audition scenes so seeing that come to life was very cool. As well as yelling “Welcome To The Black Parade” in 205. Overall, getting to make new friends with the cast and crew and just being away in Australia for 6 months was incredible. Going to this bakery called Paddock every other day. Going to this town called Byron Bay with my friends and exploring. Some of the best times I’ve had.
What is your proudest moment ever from acting so far?
The Wilds, definitely. Being able to be a part of this important show and telling these stories.
Everyone's process is different, and each has their unique approach to things. Can you walk us through your creative process whenever you go and film a scene?
We got to read the scripts usually two weeks before we would go film an episode, so I’d use the time to study lines and learn what’s going on in scenes. When I go there and film, it’s usually just being in the moment. For emotional scenes, I usually like to be by myself and put on music. I have a pretty emotional scene in episode 206 with Miles, who plays Ivan, and I remember sitting with him and he told me to put on “jesse” by Dijon. I listened to that song probably 3 times and started bawling.
How did acting start for you? Was it something that you've always wanted from a young age?
Yeah, I think. My parents worked in the film and TV industry in Hawaii when I was a kid, so I was around that environment from a very young age. I always knew I wanted to do something in entertainment, whether it was acting or behind the scenes. I was focused on music for a while and had the opportunity to tour around the world and play shows. Once I moved to LA, there were more opportunities out here and I got to do a few guest stars and co-stars. I would say when I turned 16, I really started getting into it and found a passion for it.
Who and what inspires you?
Bjork. Rosalia. Jai Paul. Dijon. Donald Glover. Wes Anderson. Robert Pattinson. Black Mirror. Japan. Food.
What scares you?
Loneliness. Heights. My anxiety.
What's your dream project?
A Black Mirror episode or something directed by the Safdie Brothers or Alex Garland.
Out of all the roles that you've played, is there any role/character that resonated with you the most and why?
Henry, for sure. It’s the first time I’ve been able to fully understand this person I was playing since it is 8 episodes and there’s time to see how this person is actually feeling. Even though we are different, there are a lot of things where I relate, especially when I was a teenager. Not feeling included. The need to block everyone out and live in your own world.
Aside from acting, what else keeps you busy?
I’m a singer-songwriter and music producer. I produce for other artists and release my own music under the name Laprete. It’s a good time. I also like to take pictures of my friends and architecture.
What are you most excited about in the near future/this year?
Hopefully going to work on season 3 of The Wilds if it gets picked up. Maybe go work on something else too? We’ll see. Releasing more music. Traveling.
What's a valuable lesson that you've learned that you always carry with you?
Develop self-awareness and walk your own path.
If you were a book, what book would you be and why?
My best friend Chosen put me on “The Alchemist”. I would say that’s a very relatable book. Another one would be “Josephline’s Journal of Life and Consequences at A Local Restaurant”. I made this one up.
