Welcome Ian Foreman, We Want To See Your Journey
If you’re a fan of Showtime’s Let the Right One In, you won’t have a problem getting to know actor Ian Foreman who plays opposite veteran actress Anika Noni Rose (Disney’s The Princess and the Frog) as Isaiah Cole in a modern vampire story.
The series is an adaptation of Ajvide Lindqvist’s 2004 novel and the 2008 Swedish film by Tomas Alfredson which details the relationship between an active father and his vampire daughter.
Nowhere near the phenom of Twilight or Bram Stoker’s 1992 Dracula, Let the Right One In, details relationships with more humanity and connection minus intense love triangles and damsels in distress. In the words of Sza and Ty Dolla $ign, this show “hit’s different” for all the right reasons.
Foreman’s character is key to the show’s success based on his on-screen relationship with Eleanor (Madison Taylor Baez) and he doesn’t disappoint.
The Alabama native gave an exclusive interview with 360 about how the show has impacted him and how he chooses to make a difference with the character’s reimagining.
He originally auditioned for the show following a Christmas film. Once the preteen got the role, Foreman saw a bit of himself in the socially awkward character who uses magic tricks as an oasis to a level of solace and peace.
The 12-year-old described his own experiences dealing with bullying in school and had other interests outside of a popular collective among kids his age,
“I experienced bullying at my age and I [performed] better with kids with interests in things that not many other people wouldn’t go for.”
He added,
“When I got the audition, it was really a good opportunity to do what I knew how to do.”
Despite his audition over the course of a two-day preparation, it wasn’t until nearly two months later that Foreman’s callback resulted in getting reacquainted with the character to seal the deal,
“I prepared for about two days. And I did the auditions. Maybe a month or two later, I got the call that they want me to do a callback. I had to re-learn the script. I was kind of scared of callbacks.”
Playing alongside veteran actress Anika Noni Rose is probably no easy feat for many. However, Foreman admitted that despite his nervousness, she is “amazing” to work with,
“She is an amazing actress. I love her. She has this motherly instinct when on set that’s very playful and supportive reminding me of my own mom,” he said. “That’s how strong her instincts are. I remember doing a chemistry read with Anika and I was nervous. But the good thing is I connected well with her which shows on screen.”
Given the character of Isaiah Cole can be depicted as socially inept, Foreman has his own advice for those his age who may feel like they have more awkward moments than fitting in,
Don’t worry about what other people think of you. You just be yourself. And if they don’t like you for who you are, then they aren’t the people that need to be in your life, he said.
Foreman also relates the show’s purpose in his own growing life about discovering relationships that serve a purpose,
“And you need to find, and you have to try to find a person that is. That really cares about you and likes you for who you are. And that’s willing to. Be your friend for who you are, not just fake or phony or just being fresh with you to get something. A real friend.”
The show alone deals with connection, survival, and devotion through relationships without being overly done. Let the Right One In literally lives up to its title while staying true to its sentiments.