Photo by: Tarrice Love Photography
We caught up with actor, musician, and artist Nile Bullock who we will soon see playing Jeff Pope in season 2 of Freeform’s hit drama/thriller anthology series Cruel Summer, premiering on June 5. Season 2 follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship and love triangle told through three different timelines surrounding Y2K, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives. Cruel Summer seaon 2 also stars Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck, Lisa Yamada, KaDee Strickland, Paul Adelstein, and Sean Blakemore. Nile can also be seen playing Owen in the recent Disney+ coming-of-age sports movie Chang Can Dunk which premiered in March.
We asked Nile about what we can expect from season 2 of Cruel Summer and his character, being part of Chang Can Dunk, and his music career.
Check out our conversation below.
Fans have been eagerly waiting for season 2 of Cruel Summer which is almost here. What can they expect from season 2 of the anthology series?
Nile Bullock (NB): Fans should definitely expect to see the same drama packed & mystery infused energy for this season, except with a whole new cast and storyline.
What can you tell us about your character?
NB: Jeff is a young aspiring film maker/director who’s sort of the quiet and shy one out of the group. He also has a long nursed crush on the character Megan [played by Sadie Stanley].
Before joining the series, had you seen the first season? What do you think makes Cruel Summer so appealing to many?
NB: Believe it or not, I actually had very low knowledge about the show before I had the chance to audition for season 2. After I found out I booked the role, I dove straight into season 1 and I was instantly obsessed. The show covered a lot of topics such as, child abduction, LGBTQ, and justice. Despite the darker tone of the show, it raised awareness on all of these topics which are so relevant to the climate of the world right now. Plus, the show has so many juicy mysteries and such an amazing cast that the audience just fell in love with, which made it such a great show.
You can also be seen in the recent Disney+ film Chang Can Dunk. What can you tell us about your role as Owen?
NB: Chang Can Dunk was such a fun dip to be a part of, especially with it being my Disney movie debut. However, the character Owen was not my ideal character selection; he is a bully and a prick who’s also the sidekick of Chang’s rival/former friend Matt. It was a little bit of a challenge playing a character that was so left from my natural personality, but I love to be challenged as an actor and I had the time of my life working on the set.
You are also a musician who goes by the name NBTALENTED. When did you start making music, and how would you describe the sound of it?
NB: Music has always been in my life, especially with both my parents being musicians. I’ve been singing and dancing since I knew how to walk, but I didn’t start recording and writing my own music until over these last four years. Since then I’ve been producing and releasing music consistently as NBTALENTED. My style consists of a lot of hip hop, trap, RnB, pop and rage music. I’m a music geek so I find myself always trying new genres and sounds.
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Cruel Summer season 2 premieres June 5 on Freeform and is available to stream the next day on Hulu.
Follow Nile Bullock: Instagram