EXCLUSIVE: STARS TALK "REALITY"
With Reality set to premiere
tomorrow, VSGuide was able to sit down with the two leads of the show, Shane West and Anna Kendrick, to talk about the upcoming science fiction, adventure series. West plays Adam Dashner, a criminal with the guilt of his crimes lingering over him, while Kendrick plays Lily Langley, a sociopath who shows no remorse for her actions.
VSGUIDE: Well, it's finally here. Reality has been a long time in the making, hasn't it?
SHANE: Definitely. I mean, Anna [Kendrick] and I have been attached to the project for almost two years. A lot of waiting has gone into this, but hopefully the wait was worth it and everyone who is eager to take a jab at this will enjoy the first three, action-packed episodes.
VSGUIDE: I know the premiere hasn't even happened yet, but how long do you see this series going for? Do you have an ending in mind?
ANNA: I think there are endless possibilities for this series. It could literally go forever and there'd still be more story to tell. I think for right now we're just trying to get past season one! But I have heard some rumors that a season two storyline has been planned, but like I said, getting through this next five episodes are the main priority right now. All I know is that some of the dimensions they're gonna have us going to are
wild.
VSGUIDE: Will the Adam and Lily duo ever become a trio? Will other criminals be given the opportunity to gain freedom for their service?
SHANE: This is another tricky question! I think, starting off, it's just going to be Adam and Lily. An audience connection really needs to be made with these two characters, because they're criminals. They've done things the readers are going to have never done, and that's the challenge—breaking through that very obvious barrier. You're gonna see Adam and Lily screw up; you're gonna see them do horrible things to survive and get the freedom they crave so badly, and that's what, I feel, makes the series so interesting. The protagonists aren't good; they're not nice. They're sick, twisted criminals who have been locked up for a reason. I don't see the President giving anyone else that opportunity anytime soon.
ANNA: I would love to have a trio, though. Maybe have a threesome buddy.
VSGUIDE: How long are Adam and Lily really going to cooperate with the government? Are they already planning to betray them or are they, for the most part, completely on board with the mission?
ANNA: Like Shane said, these two characters are really craving freedom. They've been locked up for years and are desperately trying to get back out. So, for now at least, they're mind is set on doing whatever the government tells them to do so that they can eventually be free. A huge question surrounding the series is: What would you do for freedom? And for these characters—these criminals—that's obeying and biting their tongues. "On board" might be a bit of a stretch, but they're complying, and I think that's what matters right now.
VSGUIDE: How does the crew come up with the different realities you showcase on the show? Do they have a process?
SHANE: Honestly, I just think they throw out as many cool ideas as they can and just see which ones would work and mold into an episode. I know these first three episodes really have a deeper meaning behind the realities they go to. Especially in the third episode, "Always Watching" based off of 1984, has a really big theme of governmental control. So, if they can throw a theme in there that's an added bonus, but it's mainly what would be entertaining and organic.
ANNA: I heard there's a sex dimension. That's gonna be wild.
VSGUIDE: Do you think following a group of convicted criminals make for a more interesting story? What is it about portraying villains or anti-heroes that excites you?
ANNA: I'm gonna fly back onto what Shane said earlier. Following two criminals that have committed horrendous crimes and think in sickening ways is really exciting to people. It's always fun to have a "what if" scenario in your mind of putting yourself in these situations. I think that's what makes it more interesting. This isn't an everyday occurrence for most people. Adam and Lily aren't good people, and they have to do horrible things to survive within these different realities. A lot of the time, stories follow good characters. Heroes. And I just think following criminals is something fascinating.
SHANE: Everyone wants to do bad things!
ANNA: Exactly.
VSGUIDE: Thank you both for answering these questions! One last thing for the viewers, we were able to get an exclusive quote from series creator Brady Brown after we asked him this question: What has been your favorite aspect of writing the series so far? The characters? Creating these new worlds? Or something else?
BROWN: My favorite aspect is definitely putting myself into the minds of these characters. It's not easy to structure and create such sadistic and cruel characters, so that's been a really fun challenge for me. I also love throwing questions in the series, making people think about certain things. I hope I accomplished that. And of course creating the new worlds are fun! Who wouldn't want a brand new premise for a show in each episode? One thing I want people to walk away with after these first three episodes is that everyone has a story to tell; everyone has skeletons in their closest; and get ready for one wild ride!
There you have it! Set a reminder, because the long awaited premiere of "Reality" is coming tomorrow! Don't forget to tune in for all three episodes, and check back soon for more spoilers regarding the first season!
Besides the adventure aspect between Adam and Lily, I'm really looking forward to the dynamic between Emilia and Det. Robertson. Already sounds interesting! Bring on Reality! It's been a long time coming but it's almost here! 
Besides the adventure aspect between Adam and Lily, I'm really looking forward to the dynamic between Emilia and Det. Robertson. Already sounds interesting! Bring on Reality! It's been a long time coming but it's almost here! 
