IN CONVERSATION WITH DORIAN MISSICK

interview by JANA LETONJA
photography by ROWAN DALY

Dorian Missick steps into striking new territory with ‘56 Days’, Amazon’s upcoming erotic psychological thriller premiering on 18th February. Starring opposite Karla Souza and Dove Cameron, the series adapts Catherine Ryan Howard’s international bestseller into a tense exploration of intimacy, deception, and violence, where a fleeting romance collides with a brutal murder investigation. Known for his commanding presence and emotional intelligence across film and television, from ‘Southland’ and ‘For Life’ to ‘Shirley’ and ‘The Burial’, Dorian continues to build a career defined by complexity, restraint, and quiet power. With ‘56 Days’, he brings a magnetic intensity to a story that asks how well we ever truly know the people we desire.

‘56 Days’ sits at the intersection of crime, erotic thriller, and psychological drama. What immediately drew you to this story?

I'm a sucker for a good crime drama. Whether it's scripted or documentary, I'm here for it. And I felt like the script was a fresh approach to a genre I love.

The series explores intimacy under extreme circumstances. How did you approach portraying desire alongside suspicion and danger?

I kind of see intimacy as a bit dangerous sometimes. One puts one's heart at risk in intimate settings. I can also see how extreme circumstances can be attractive to some. There are those who get off on the pursuit of the forbidden. I find it interesting to study human behavior in that way. My character Karl finds that intriguing on a certain level and it was fun to examine that. I let the story really guide me in my approach. 

‘56 Days’ asks how quickly people can form bonds—and how little we may actually know about one another. Do you find that theme particularly resonant today?

Most definitely. With social media, you can be whoever you want. People are having entire relationships and never meeting in person. These days, we have so many guardrails up. I think the concept of being "intimate strangers" will really hit home for a lot of the audience.

The show is told through both romance and investigation. Which side of the story did you personally connect with more?

I found something to connect with on both sides, actually. Being a fan of the mystery element, I really connected with watching the investigation unfold. However, I have also had my fair share of toxic relationships in the past. Thankfully, there were no bodies involved, but it did bring back some nightmares. It certainly made me appreciate my wife even more.

After working on socially significant films like ‘Shirley’ and ‘The Burial’, what does genre storytelling allow you to explore differently?

Although I love the challenge and responsibility of playing real life people, there is a certain freedom that comes with creating a character completely from your imagination. This instance was particularly fun because whenever I read a new book, I can't help but imagine what each character looks like and how they walk and move through space. Bringing Karl to life was a joy. 

Your career spans romantic comedies, political dramas, crime series, and now erotic thrillers. What guides your choices at this stage?

My number one rule has always been to follow a good story and characters. This has both in abundance.

How has your understanding of masculinity evolved through the characters you’ve played over the years?

My understanding of masculinity has evolved as I have evolved as a man. I believe my characters have reflected that evolution.

As an actor, how do you protect your own emotional space when working on material that’s this intense?

I'm big on rituals or habitual behavior that I establish to help me get in and out of character. I'm super connected to music, so they always have a musical element. Anyone who has ever worked with me and had the misfortune of being in a trailer near mine can probably attest to this as well.

What do you hope audiences feel when they finish watching ‘56 Days’?

I hope they feel the need to tell all of their friends and then beg for more seasons.

Style and presence are integral to storytelling. How much does physicality and visual language factor into how you build a character?

Quite a bit. Humans communicate more with body language than with words. That is a gift when one is exploring a new character.

Looking ahead, what kinds of stories, or risks, are you excited to take on next?

I would relish the challenge and opportunity to play Richard Pryor.