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Behind the Scenes of Apple TV+’s Time Bandits: Insights from Kal-El Tuck

Time Bandits, originally a cult classic film released in 1981, has been given a new life in its recent television adaptation, thanks to the creative flair of comedy duo Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. The series has been rolling out episodes weekly on Apple TV+, with the first season concluding with two final episodes on August 21.

The narrative centers around Kevin Haddock, portrayed by Kal-El Tuck, a preteen with a keen interest in history who embarks on wild adventures through time alongside a group of unconventional thieves known as the Time Bandits. This motley crew, led by the character Penelope (played by Lisa Kudrow), is pursued by their former employer, the Supreme Being (played by Waititi), and his nemesis, Wrongness (voiced by Clement). As they traverse time through various portals, Kevin, acting as their history expert, helps them navigate distinct historical eras, allowing him to experience firsthand the places he previously only encountered in textbooks—from ancient Troy to 1990s London.

With the season finale approaching, Tuck shared his experiences from the set, teasing what fans can look forward to in the remaining episodes.

Filming Adventures and Fun Experiences

Time Bandits recently ventured to the Ice Age. What was it like shooting in the “snow” surrounded by “woolly mammoths”?

Kal-El Tuck: Filming in the snow was a blast! Although we couldn’t use real snow, the crew used salt to create the effect on the ground, which felt immersive. It was great to step into a different environment and bring that era to life.

Exploring Personal Connections

The recent episode featured a moment reminiscent of Back to the Future, where Kevin meets a younger version of his dad, leading to deeper understanding. Did filming this episode impact how you view your own life?

That episode felt quite unique for me; my mother recalls a lot from her past, and I often find it hard to relate to those experiences. Visiting a set that mirrored her earlier life was like traveling back in time—it was fascinating to view a world where people I know existed in a different era.

Working with Comedy Legends

You have significant scenes alongside Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. What was it like to act with such skilled improvisers? Did you get to join in on the improv?

Absolutely, there was a lot of improvisation. When I worked with Taika, his spontaneity often took the scene in unanticipated directions. The need to adapt and improvise on the spot was both exciting and challenging. Jemaine was similarly unpredictable, which led to humorous moments. For instance, during a scene on Madame Chung’s ship, I accidentally added “parrots” to my line about “Chinese pirates.” Everyone found it hilarious, and they decided to include it in the final cut!

Wisdom from Lisa Kudrow

Having a comedy icon like Lisa Kudrow on set must have been incredible. Did she share any memorable advice with you?

She taught me the importance of embracing mistakes as part of the learning process. No one gets it right the first time, and it’s crucial to view errors as opportunities to improve for next time.

Stunt Work and Thrilling Experiences

You attended “stunt school.” What was a standout lesson or experience for you?

One thrilling moment was when I performed a stunt jumping off Madame Chung’s ship. They designed a big ship for the scene, and I wore a harness under my costume. I jumped off, and it felt like a free fall until the very last second when they caught me. Another exciting stunt involved being dragged into Stonehenge, which was a unique and entertaining experience despite its challenges.

Personal Touches on Set

Are there any Easter eggs or personal references in Kevin’s bedroom?

Yes! There’s a picture of me with my real dad in the bedroom set, which I think is a cool touch. It was placed discreetly on the headboard inside a cupboard.

Did you take anything memorable from the set?

I didn’t take much, but I did manage to get Kevin’s hat from one of the directors, Iain Morris. It has a spot on my shelf, and I love waking up to see it—such a nice keepsake.

Imagining Historical Interactions

If you could bring a historical figure to the present, who would it be?

Perhaps Albert Einstein or Picasso—someone with remarkable intellect or creativity who could share their perspectives with modern society.

Favorite Costumes and Future Exploration

What costume from the series do you wish could be part of your everyday wardrobe?

My favorite costume was a fur coat I wore in Harlem. I genuinely enjoyed wearing it and couldn’t help but smile while filming—it felt so luxurious.

Looking ahead to Season 2, are there specific character dynamics or historical settings you hope to explore?

I would love to see how the Bandits obtained their unique outfits. For instance, Penelope’s navy costume could have a backstory, and exploring places that influenced Alto’s Italian or French style would be fascinating.

Are there any specific interactions you want to see more of, or new characters you hope to work with in Season 2?

The entire cast has been fantastic, creating a strong sense of camaraderie both on and off set. While I don’t have someone particular in mind to add, I understand there will be new characters introduced in Season 2.

Can you give us a hint about Episodes 9 and 10? What should fans look forward to in the season finale?

We might meet new characters and potentially see a familiar face return, so there’s plenty to look forward to!

Time Bandits airs Wednesdays on Apple TV+

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