Bella Shepard opens up about “Wolf Pack”, what drew her to the project and more. (Exclusive)
Photo: Steve Dietl/Paramount+ © 2022 MTVE All Rights Reserved.
Written by: Gracie Lowes
If you’re a fan of “Teen Wolf”, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” or just the supernatural genre in general, then you’ll love the new Paramount+ TV series “Wolf Pack.”
The series follows “a teenage boy and girl whose lives are changed forever when a California wildfire awakens a terrifying supernatural creature and drives it to attack a highway traffic jam beneath the burning hills. Wounded in the chaos, the boy and girl are inexplicably drawn to each other and to two other teenagers who were adopted sixteen years earlier by a park ranger after another mysterious wildfire. As the full moon rises, all four teens come together to unravel the secret that connects them – the bite and blood of a werewolf.”
I had the chance to sit down (virtually) with actress Bella Shepard who plays “Blake Navarro” in the series, to talk to her about her time on set, her hopes for a possible season two, future projects, and more.
You can read the full interview below.
Gracie Lowes: By the time this interview is out “Wolf Pack” will be out so congratulations! How has this release and the days building up to the release been for you?
Bella Shepard: “I’m so full of gratitude. It has been incredibly exciting. To make a show like this takes so much work. We worked non-stop for almost 6 months, living and breathing for the show, so to finally see it come to life is the biggest reward. Our post-production team should get so much credit. They did a beautiful job.”
Gracie: Obviously this show is from Jeff Davis who was the executive producer of teen wolf. What can fans of not only that show but also supernatural stories in general expect from “Wolf Pack”?
Bella: “There are all the things you’d hope for in a supernatural show with werewolf lore, scares, special effects, but it’s super grounded and realistic as opposed to campy or stereotypical. This show is also a little different in the fact that it takes a lot of problems that young adults are dealing with like anxiety, family issues, feelings of isolation and loneliness and weaves them all into a really good story that people can relate to.”
Gracie: Could you tell us a little bit about your character “Blake Navarro” and what it was like bringing her to life?
Bella: “Blake is strong, smart, and loyal. She’s going through a lot with her family, so she has chosen to cut herself off from her peers. She has a phone and keeps to herself. This is a defence mechanism to keep her from being hurt. She feels that most people her age can’t relate to her struggles. Through the series she is able to lean on people again, and she finds that by learning to trust it can have a profound positive impact on the problems you think you are facing alone. I loved playing Blake. I find such a joy in crafting a character. Taking someone’s written words and putting them into a living, breathing person is one of the things I love about the art of acting.”
Photo: Curtis Bonds Baker/Paramount+ © 2022 MTVE All Rights Reserved.
Gracie: What drew you to want to be a part of this project, was it the script or your character, or fellow actors on set?
Bella: “From the moment I read the sides I was really intrigued with the character. My first audition was very short, but it was a very easy read because all the words felt like things I would say. I had no idea at the time that it was a Jeff Davis project or anything. He’s such a gifted storyteller, so when I realized it, that made me really excited. He’s able to create memorable characters that people really like, he’s a master at that. I’d say the script and character of Blake are what drew me in first. Once I met the cast, that just solidified my instinct that this was the right project for me. Funny side note, I was pretty far into the casting process last year and stopped at a red light wondering if this would go for me. I was worried, but as an actor we understand that you have to audition and then let go. If it comes back, it’s meant for you, if not, on to the next. But it’s really hard to experience that over and over. So, I’m sitting there just thinking and hoping. All of a sudden, a motorcycle pulls up next to me and the guy looks at me. He slowly takes off and his jacket says, “Wolf Pack.” True story! I was kind of stunned and like, ok, I have to trust.”
Gracie: If you could describe this season in three words what would they be and why?
Bella: “Scary, because there are jump scares and some gore, and werewolves of course.
Relatable, because of the issues we are facing from physical issues like wildfires to emotional issues like being overwhelmed, anxiety and loneliness.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, because I’m like oh my gosh, how did we all end up getting to work with her! She’s been an incredible mentor to all of us.”
Photo: Steve Dietl/Paramount+ © 2022 MTVE All Rights Reserved.
Gracie: This show is action packed and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats but I want to know if you have either a favorite scene or moment/ memory from filming?
Bella: “I have a couple things that really stand out. One is that I was able to shoot the very first scene of the entire series. It’s the scene in episode one where I’m in the bathroom. I was so grateful, so full of excitement, and it was such a gift to be the first on set. I’ll never forget it.
Another great memory was filming with our teeth, which were custom made for all of us. It was just surreal to fully give in to such a crazy moment of baring my teeth and being covered in blood.
Lastly, every first day with a new director was very impactful for me. I respect the art of this business so much. That’s first and foremost the most important thing to me, so being able to learn from each director was incredible. As an actor, there’s nothing quite like feeling the synergy between myself and a director.”
Gracie: Have you and the cast talked about what you would want to see or want the storyline to be for a possible season two, could we have some hints?
Bella: “Oh, I can’t even tell you! We all have ideas of what we think might happen, but Jeff keeps his ideas pretty close to the vest. I actually like that because it keeps the illusion of the first time when we don’t know too far in advance. As an actor, I like to be as free as possible and if I over rehearse or read too far in advance then the end can sometimes guide your choices. I try hard to make my choices moment to moment as if it’s happening to me in the now. Also, we don’t know if there will be a season two yet. I’m cautiously optimistic, but we all know, nothing is guaranteed. (Cue guy on a motorcycle wearing a Wolf Pack jacket, haha)”
Gracie: Do you have any future projects you could hint at or talk about?
Bella: “Nothing that I can speak about just yet. Right now, I’m enjoying this show and the journey. If I’m manifesting though, I’m working on an incredible drama with A24 or Neon, and my peers respect my work. Love to all my fellow actors out there continuing to pursue their art!”
