IN CONVERSATION WITH JASON DIAZ

interview by JANA LETONJA

Jason Diaz will be starring in Amazon’s upcoming Stephen King thriller ‘The Institute’, releasing on 13th July. A former MMA fighter turned actor, Jason has built an impressive resume with recurring roles on ‘Vampire Academy’, ‘The 100’, ‘Charmed’, and ‘The Bold Type’. Off-screen, Jason’s commitment to fitness, family, and craft keeps him grounded.

'The Institute' is one of Stephen King’s darkest and most gripping stories. What drew you to the role of Tony, and what was your first reaction to reading the script?

It was the incredible opportunity to portray a villain in a Stephen King adaptation that first drew me to this character, truly a dream. The challenge of bringing a character like Tony, with such a questionable moral compass, to life and finding a way to authentically portray his enjoyment in those dark moments was exciting. What I love about this story is that it has the trademark Stephen King atmosphere, but the fear and intensity doesn’t come from monsters or the supernatural. It’s all about real people doing monstrous things, which I think adds a primal, truly terrifying layer to the story. I was hooked after the first episode, and I couldn’t wait to see what Ben Cavell and the rest of his incredible team had planned for Tony.

Tony is described as cold, calculating, and quietly terrifying. How did you prepare to step into such a sinister and emotionally intense character?

Tony is definitely the darkest and cruelest character that I’ve had the pleasure to play thus far in my career. My approach was to get myself into the mindset of a bully who loves wielding his power over others. He’s a guy who makes himself feel tough by asserting his dominance over Luke and the rest of the defenceless kids at The Institute. I was very intentional about using my physical presence to support the dialogue in an attempt to intimidate and help communicate a constant sense of threat.

What was the most challenging part of portraying someone who exists on the darker side of morality?

The most challenging part of bringing Tony to life was navigating the delicate balance between his cruelty and malice with a twisted, dark sense of humor and enjoyment that he finds in the overall experience. It was all about maintaining that balance throughout the season, even in the midst of Tony’s most malicious and heinous acts that presented the toughest challenge.

Without giving too much away, what moment in ‘The Institute’ do you think will shock or stay with viewers the most?

What I’m most excited about is actually discovering the answer to this question for myself in real time, along with the audience. There are so many moments throughout this season where I think the audience will have a visceral reaction to Tony’s cruelty, and I remember feeling so excited about that while we were filming. There’s one scene in particular, involving Luke Ellis, that I believe will leave the audience feeling a real sense of unease and claustrophobia, in the way that only a great Stephen King moment can.

You made the jump from MMA fighter to actor at 21. What inspired the change, and what was the turning point?

While I never competed professionally, pursuing a career in mixed martial arts was my path for a long time. I loved acquiring the skills and building the confidence that came with it, but I realized I wasn’t truly passionate about competing. It’s a unique kind of stress and anxiety that I knew I didn’t want to maintain long-term. Eventually, my passion for film and television, and my dream of becoming an actor, won out. I began my pursuit of an acting career at 21 years old, and from the very first time I stepped on the mark, with the cameras rolling and performing a scene, I knew this was my true passion and my calling and I never looked back.

Do you find that your training in combat sports informs the way you approach acting, especially intense or physical roles like this one?

Absolutely. I think having a strong comfort with and command of my physicality is a huge advantage. When it comes to stunt work and physical scenes, it makes it much easier to perform authentically and deliver believable physicality for the audience. I’d also really love to break into the action and superhero genres, and I think my martial arts background would help me excel in that space.

Both fighting and acting require discipline under pressure. How do you balance the mental and physical demands of both worlds?

I believe navigating the psychological aspect of this industry and the mental side of being a performer is an ever-evolving process. Right when you think you have it figured out, it changes slightly, and you have to constantly adapt. But for me, it ultimately comes down to trust. As a performer, I need to be able to trust myself and my ability, find a way to remain calm and focused, and commit to what my character needs. If I can stay focused on the things I can control, which is ultimately just my performance, it really helps me block out the noise so I can stay present and confident enough to do what I have to do.

Are there certain types of roles you’re especially drawn to now that your range has widened?

I’m especially drawn to complex, layered characters with clear, beautiful story arcs, and I love exploring the emotional depth of darker, more dramatic roles. I had always wanted the opportunity to play a villain, and recently, having had the good fortune to do so, I found it was a lot of fun. It’s definitely something I’d like to continue exploring as I move forward in my career. I am also a huge fan of the comic book and action genres, so it would be a dream come true to have the opportunity to play in those worlds.

As a first-generation Canadian of Portuguese descent, how has your cultural background shaped your perspective or choices in the industry?

I’m incredibly proud of my Portuguese heritage and deeply grateful for the lessons my family instilled in me, the value of hard work and discipline. I am in the position I am today, enjoying the immense pleasure and good fortune of living this life, because of the immeasurable sacrifices my parents have made to give me the opportunity to even think of pursuing this career. Now that I have the privilege of working as a professional actor, I approach it with immense gratitude. I always strive to bring a sense of excitement and positivity to every project, and I’m committed to having as much fun as possible with everyone I work with.

‘The Institute’ feels like a major turning point in your career. What excites you most about what comes next?

'The Institute' was an incredible experience, and it is a performance that I am very proud of, and certainly represents a milestone in my career. That said, I’ve been in this industry long enough to know that placing expectations on the future can be a gamble. The truth is, I am genuinely excited to take each new project as it comes, approaching it with the same enthusiasm, dedication and passion I’ve brought to every role so far. I can only hope that the future holds many more exciting opportunities, and I’m eager to keep growing and reaching new heights in my career.

CREDITS

photography JSQUARED

styling ESTELLE APORONGAO