Few characters have captivated audiences in the world of animated epic fantasy, like Seraphim from Netflix’s Blood of Zeus. As the series enters its second season, the complex anti-hero continues to evolve. At the heart of this compelling character transformation is the talented voice actor Elias Toufexis, whose nuanced performance brings depth and humanity to the formerly villainous demigod.
Toufexis opened up about his approach to portraying Seraphim in the show’s latest installment. The actor’s insights reveal a dedication to his craft that goes far beyond simply reading lines in a recording booth.
Connecting with the Villain in Blood of Zeus
In an interview by Butwhytho?, Toufexis stressed the significance of finding common ground with the characters he portrays, even when they are antagonists. An actor must not only understand their character’s motivations but also find ways to justify their actions, no matter how morally questionable they may be.
He explained:
If you don’t connect with them, you’re not going to connect with the audience. You have to connect with your character, and you have to justify what they’re doing.
For the second season of Blood of Zeus, Toufexis found it easier to forge this connection with Seraphim. The character’s expanded storyline and redemption arc provided more depth and complexity, allowing the actor to explore new facets of Seraphim’s personality. He aimed to evoke more empathy from the audience this time around, a goal that was supported by the show’s writing and character development. He noted:
I wanted to get a little more empathy out of the audience this time around. But that also is in writing. The way that the character is presented, the choices he makes, and what he’s put through, you kind of start empathizing with him a little.
By finding ways to relate to and understand Seraphim, he has been able to bring new layers to the character. He demonstrated his commitment to crafting and connecting even with a character with a dark past.
Redemption Without Losing Edge
While Seraphim undergoes a redemption arc in the second season, Elias Toufexis is keen on maintaining the character’s essence. His portrayal of Seraphim in the new season showcases a delicate balance between growth and maintaining the character’s core traits. The actor’s interpretation of Seraphim’s Redemption arc is particularly intriguing. Rather than pursuing a traditional path to salvation, his journey is more complex and self-serving.
He highlighted:
I just want these people I’ve harmed to be okay in the afterlife. I want them to forget about me and forget about what I did to them. And that’s what I’m going after [as an actor]. It’s a redemption [arc], but not really. It’s a redemption of his soul but he’s not trying to buy his freedom and buy his afterlife. He is trying to fix his wrongs.
His commitment is evident in how he describes the character’s motivations. He emphasizes that while Seraphim seeks to right his wrongs, his method and reasoning remain true to his established personality.
The psychological depth in the series not only enhances the viewing experience but also contributes to the overall richness of the Blood of Zeus narrative. As the series progresses, Toufexis’s performance promises to keep audiences engaged with Seraphim’s ongoing journey.
Blood of Zeus Season 2 is available to watch on Netflix.
