Bailey Chase and Jesse Hutch Star in the Apocalyptic Thriller Homestead
In the gripping new film Homestead, talented actors Bailey Chase and Jesse Hutch, both former Green Berets, leverage their experience to safeguard their families amidst an apocalyptic event. Chase has built a reputation as a versatile actor since his breakthrough role as Graham in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Noteworthy performances in productions such as Longmire and S.W.A.T. showcase his range. Likewise, Hutch has a rich portfolio, having appeared in notable projects like Freddy vs. Jason and Arrow.
In Homestead, Chase embodies Jeff Eriksson, a dedicated family man whose life spirals into turmoil when a nuclear explosion rocks Los Angeles. This disaster triggers nationwide chaos, prompting Eriksson and his family to seek refuge at The Homestead, a fortified compound run by prepper enthusiasts. Hutch portrays Evan Lee, a fellow ex-Green Beret who joins the Eriksson family, as he was previously engaged to help protect the land in case of an emergency. As they grapple with external threats and internal strife, the story delves into high-stakes conflict reached among the residents and their neighbors.
The film boasts a robust ensemble cast, including recognized talents such as Dawn Olivieri, Neal McDonough, Kearran Giovanni, and Susan Misner, among others. Homestead is adapted from the novel Black Autumn, with the project further expanding into a television series that elaborates on the tale’s complexities and emotional undercurrents.
Prior to the film’s launch, ScreenRant had the opportunity to interview Bailey Chase and Jesse Hutch. They discussed not only Homestead but also the fortunate evolution from a film into a larger franchise, their insightful work with Angel Studios, and the emotional depth of Jeff’s familial storyline, along with the extensive training required to convincingly portray Green Berets.
Chase & Hutch Reflect on the Uniqueness of Homestead
As the conversation turned to the nature of their roles, Chase remarked on the rare opportunity presented by the project:
Bailey Chase: “It was one of those moments where it felt like a surprise! Getting involved at the start of a pilot is a rewarding experience. Everyone—writers, producers, directors—collaborates creatively from the ground up. Personally, I was thrilled to discover that not only was this a film, but it evolved into something much larger.”
“I think it’s probably a 1 in 100 chance to transition from a feature into a series. I found it significant that Angel Studios was behind this—after watching their compelling work in Sound of Freedom, I felt it was a perfect match. There’s something divine about how everything fell into place.”
Hutch echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the connection built among the cast:
Jesse Hutch: “You’re right! Nobody can predict what will resonate, but that hope is essential. I felt a strong desire to be part of this project from the beginning; it felt special. The more I interacted with the team, the more I realized this was a unique opportunity that holds great importance.”
The Emotional Weight of Jeff Eriksson’s Family Dynamics
The narrative of the Eriksson family hits particularly close to home for Chase:
Bailey Chase: “Having seen the film for the third time, I found myself fully engaged in the emotional journey, which usually fades after the initial critical view. Sharing those moments with my family—seeing the film alongside my wife as we both cried—was incredibly moving. I drew upon my own experiences as a father, confronting the reality of protecting my children amidst the chaos.”
Authenticity in Portraying Green Berets
Both actors recognized the importance of honoring the experiences of real Green Berets in their portrayals:
Jesse Hutch: “When you’re cast as a Green Beret, you feel an immense responsibility. Our initial training sessions were intense—we engaged in live drills and learned critical techniques that gave us authenticity.”
Bailey Chase: “Working with real life ex-Green Berets transformed our understanding of the role. We weren’t just acting; we were aiming to accurately represent their experiences and expertise.”
About Homestead
The plot unfolds following a catastrophic nuclear detonation in Los Angeles, resulting in societal collapse. Jeff Eriksson, along with his family, seeks sanctuary in The Homestead—a unique prepper’s haven tucked away in the mountains. As they navigate threats both from the environment and human nature, the film probes how long a community can withstand the strains of survival.
Homestead is currently in theaters, while the first three episodes of its accompanying series can be streamed on Angel Studios’ platforms.
Watch the trailer here
For more information, visit: ScreenRant
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