In a recent and fun conversation with actors Joe Tippett and Elisa Lasowski, the duo offered an in-depth look at their experiences and characters in their latest show, the Apple TV hit Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Their insights revealed the intricacies of character development and the chemistry that defines and definitely shows in their on-screen presence.
Tim, played by Tippett, is an idealist who still sees the good in everyone, as well as in Monarch - an organization that has strayed from its original and founding purpose. Lasowski's Duvall, Tim's partner and friend, is an expert operative with an excellent sense of humor. Together, these two make a really good pair with indispensable skills and not enough screen time for their antics.
The uniquely fun Tim-Duval dynamic
While discussing the evolution of their characters, I mentioned how Tim was definitely not my favorite in the beginning but eventually found his place in my heart. Tippett admitted, "Tim kind of had to grow on me a little bit... but he's up there now." This evolution highlights the layered complexity of his role.
Lasowski added, "Both have a bit of light and dark about them," emphasizing the distinct and layered portrayal of their characters that we get in Monarch: LoM, which puts them beyond conventional archetypes.
When asked about their favorite thing about filming Monarch, Tippett fondly recalled the filming process, stating, "I absolutely loved every day with Elisa on the set. We always had a good time." He continued to praise Lasowski's acting skills and her influence in creating a vibrant set atmosphere.
Lasowski also praised her co-star, stating "We started to do press yesterday and I walked away from it and I thought, you know what, I did not praise enough how amazing it is to work with you, because everything you do is truthful, everything you do is energized. It's just you're amazing."
By the time Tippett replied with a "Thanks, buddy," my heart was already a puddle on the floor and Tim and Duvall took on a whole new meaning for me.
And their favorite MonsterVerse Titan is...
Tippett and Lasowski both shared their favorite aspects of the show, with a light-hearted debate on their preferred monsters.
Tippett immediately stated that Lasowski copied him as she gave me her answer. "Godzilla is King," she declared, aligning her choice with the iconic monster. I, of course, agree wholeheartedly as I am a huge Godzilla fan.
The playful banter got exponentially funnier as I mentioned that both Kurt and Wyatt Russell picked Kong as their favorite during our chat. Tippett went on to make a funny suggestion about making a Godzilla vs. King Kong movie, to which he jokingly realized, "I'm being told that already exists."
My quick yet cherished chat with Joe Tippett and Elisa Lasowski provided a rich tapestry of insights into their artistic process, the depth of their characters, and the collaborative nature of their work. Their dedication to their roles and the evident chemistry between them have not only made their performances stand out but also created a deep connection with their audience.
And here I am again, just for good measure, reminding you that Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is a phenomenal show on AppleTV and you are absolutely missing out if you haven't watched it yet.