Charles Melton, the star known best for his roles as Reggie Mantle in the CW series Riverdale and the 2019 movie The Sun Is Also a Star, has discussed his new film May December in a recent interview.
A tantalising psychodrama, May December turned several heads back in May when it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Since then, worldwide audiences have lauded the title, which appears ready to scoop some prestigious awards in the new year.
“I think it would be an actor’s dream for every script they get sent to feel this immediate connection to the character and the story,” Melton told i-D of the movie. “I don’t think it’s like that most of the time, but when I got Samy [Burch] ‘s script, I felt that.”
Continuing, Melton revealed that he put his all into his audition tape, cutting his hair short and even cancelling on a family reunion. “Maybe this is kind of a heady thing to say, but [from that point on] it was up to me to paint in the colours of [Samy’s] map,” he said.
Just before May December arrived, Melton endured an emotional goodbye to Reggie Mantle, his affable character from the hit series Riverdale. He had played the part for seven fruitful and foundational years.
“Obviously, it frees up more time for projects like May December, but I learned so much being there,” he said, addressing his mixed emotions. “I formed relationships that I will have until the end of my days.
“It really helped me refine this work ethic. Riverdale truly was my Juilliard – I was learning and growing and playing and taking risks. I was allowed to do that. We just had our final season, so you know, it’s… It’s bittersweet. But I’m so happy it brought joy to so many people.”
Watch the trailer for May December below.
