Our last digital cover for Popternative Magazine for the month of May features actor Drake Rodger who plays Ray in the new hit racing drama series, Motorheads on Prime Video. Drake stars in the series alongside Ryan Phillippe, Nathalie Kelley, Michael Cimino, Melissa Collazo, Uriah Shelton, Nicolas Cantu, and more. Drake also recently booked the role of Tommy in Hulu’s upcoming Prison Break reboot with Emily Browning and Lukas Gage.
Exclusive photos for Popternative Magazine by Kathlyn Almeida
Styling: Lauren Jeworski
Styling Assistant: Abby DePass
Jeans: Levis
Sunglasses: Garrett Leight
Tops: True Vintage
Special Thanks: Peter Kluge
Photo: Kathlyn Almeida
In our exclusive chat with our May 2025 cover star, Drake talks about his complex character in Motorheads, working on a series that blends action and sports with coming-of-age themes, filming the racing scenes with Michael Cimino, and his reaction to booking a series regular role for the upcoming Prison Break series.
What was it like reading the racing components of Motorheads in the scripts and then seeing them come to life on screen?
Drake Rodger (DR): It was truly surreal—there’s no better way to describe it. Reading action sequences on the page is one thing, but seeing them fully realized on screen is always a remarkable experience. With Motorheads, it was especially rewarding because the racing sequences aren’t just set pieces—they’re deeply woven into the narrative. Watching how those moments were brought to life, and seeing the creative choices made to ensure each race felt distinct and dynamic, was both impressive and genuinely exciting.
Photo: Kathlyn Almeida
Did your character of Ray read as misunderstood, or did he read as a potential villain?
DR: Ray is a character who could easily be misinterpreted or dismissed as a cliché ‘bad guy,’ but I’ve always approached him from the perspective of someone who’s deeply misunderstood. From early on, I had extensive conversations with our showrunner, Johnny Norris, and we both felt strongly that Ray had many layers worth exploring. It was important to us to portray him as a fully realized, three-dimensional character with his own wants, needs, and internal conflicts. That depth is what makes him compelling.
What was the preparation process like for playing Ray? Was there a lot of car and motorcycle research involved?
DR: The preparation process was both exciting and rewarding. I spent a good amount of time researching cars and motorcycles to better understand the world Ray inhabits. I also took a stunt driving course at the Motion Picture Driving Clinic, which was not only incredibly informative but a lot of fun as well. In terms of building the character, Ray came to me more naturally than I expected. I found myself drawing on my own personal experiences, particularly my relationship with my brother, and using that emotional grounding to shape Ray in a way that aligned with the character and the scripts.
Photo: Kathlyn Almeida
What is it like being part of a series that blends sports with coming-of-age themes?
DR: It was an incredible experience. I grew up watching Friday Night Lights, so the opportunity to be part of a show that blends high-octane sports action with a grounded, coming-of-age story felt really special. It’s like a Fast & Furious take on Friday Night Lights, which made it both creatively exciting and a lot of fun to shoot.
Do you ever bring experiences from past projects to newer ones, or are they separate experiences for you?
DR: At this point in my process, I tend to keep each project quite separate. I’m mindful not to let the preparation or mindset from a previous role influence the choices I make for a completely different character, especially when the tone and world of the new project are distinct. For me, it’s important to approach each role with a clean slate, so the character can take shape organically based on the script, the world, and the relationships unique to that story.
Photo: Kathlyn Almeida
What was it like working with Michael Cimino, especially for the racing scenes?
DR: Michael is genuinely one of the kindest, warmest people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Anytime we had the chance to share scenes—especially during the racing sequences—it was something I looked forward to. He brought such a positive energy to set. On top of that, he’s an incredible resource when it comes to anything car-related; he’s a true motorhead in real life, which added an extra layer of authenticity to those scenes.
Is there anything you can share with us about your recent casting for the Prison Break reboot?
DR: I’m incredibly honored to be joining the Prison Break family. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’re building out in West Virginia. It’s been an amazing experience so far, and we’re working hard to deliver something that feels fresh and new, while still honoring the legacy of such an iconic series.
Photo: Kathlyn Almeida
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Motorheads is now streaming on Prime Video
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