Have You Spotted Stranger Things' Joseph Quinn in HBO's Catherine the Great?
The Stranger Things fan base has taken a particular liking to Eddie Munson since his debut in season 4. Portrayed by Joseph Quinn, it's easy to see why the high-spirited and headbanging character has become a fan favorite.
But did you know one of Joseph's other roles is like night and day when compared to that of Eddie Munson? That's right, we're talking about his role as Tsarevich Pavel in Catherine the Great! Upon being invited to and swiftly auditioning for the role, Joseph was immediately offered the part by the show's casting director. From then it was business as usual (for an actor, at least), learning lines and building chemistry with fellow castmates. Most notably, Helen Mirren, who plays Catherine, otherwise known as Tsarevich's mother.
In any mother–son relationship, there are many aspects that contribute to its strength. In an HBO drama, that is no exception. Quinn and Mirren delved deep into the regal, and quite politically fuelled environment, to portray the stormy relationship between Catherine and her son. However, despite what history depicts, Quinn described his off-screen relationship with Mirren as a delight and expressed the joy he was brought when acting alongside her.
Having worked on historical dramas in the past, Quinn was well equipped to assume the role, which he said was not an internal factor when auditioning. He says it came down to being at a stage in his career where one should take what they've been offered. He also noted that he makes a conscious effort to ensure none of his works appear too similar to another. Quinn believes that aside from being set in various periods throughout history, he has made his characters unique enough that there is not much overlap. Regardless, he has expressed his gratitude for the good representation he has behind him to assist in the curation of his career.
The Message Being Conveyed
The show is a beautiful exhibit of the representation, as well as misrepresentation, of power throughout history. Quinn has drawn inspiration from that when observing how Catherine was portrayed in the history books compared to who she was in real life. Her depiction as a ruthless megalomaniac is one that Quinn refutes entirely. He argues that she was a determined individual that was trying her best within the political landscape of Russia at the time.
The main reason the matter remains so significant to Quinn is that he views it as a parallel to the modern day. A parallel to the entertainment industry and the effects on the status quo when a woman gathers the courage to stand up for herself. With that comparison in mind, Joseph Quinn has shed light on an ongoing issue the industry has grappled with for far too long – that the link between vulnerability and aggression is much more complex than a heartless and power-hungry individual. In fact, it is a sign shown by those most isolated, and should not be discredited.