Nathaniel Potvin, 17, stars in the new Disney show “Mech X-4” as a teen who uses techno-path super powers to control a giant robot. Rolling out spoke with Potvin about his experience on set, his life outside of entertainment, and what he enjoys about the art of acting.
What can viewers expect from your character on “Mech X-4,” Ryan Walker?
My character, Ryan Walker is the kid in the show who can control technology with his mind. His power awakens this giant robot and he controls the robot with his power. He’s the designated leader of the group. He also has to balance his normal life as a teenager, which he sometimes struggles with. He enjoys being a hero and he loves hanging around his best friend and his brother.
Disney premiered the first four episodes “Mech X-4,” which episode is your favorite?
My favorite out of all of those would have to be episode four. There are some crazy stunts in that episode and the story line is starting to develop and pick up speed. This episode is going to get everyone hooked.
Do you perform your own stunts in this live action series, or do you have a stunt double?
It’s a little bit of both. I can do my own stunts, but I have to hand over some of the stunts to my stunt double because I’m not 18. We have a great team that allows me to do the little stunts. I enjoy doing them.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being an actor?
The most rewarding aspect for me is watching the whole show come together. Sometimes we shoot with the green screen, so to see everything come together is a reward in itself. Offscreen, I like to go snowboarding, skiing and ice skating. We love to hang out and talk. We love to eat and watch movies together. I love to sing, dance, and watch Netflix.
Do you have any actors that you admire?
I look up to Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. They produced and wrote their own movies first, and then started it. I think that’s one of the most phenomenal stories ever. Another actor I look up to is Michael B. Jordan. He’s a great inspiration for young black actors. He did a great job in creed and all of the other movies he’s done.
Do you have advice for aspiring actors?
Never give up. When you are going through the audition process as an actor, it’s really hard to keep putting yourself out there. But that’s the name of the game. You have to do that. As an actor, you’re going to get rejected. But you have to get up and keep doing what you love to do.
A new episode of Disney’s new serialized live-action series “MECH-X4” airs Sunday, Nov. 27 (8:30 p.m. EST) on Disney Channel. If you missed the “MECH-X4” premiere weekend on Disney Channel, you can get caught up on the first four episodes on the Disney Channel App or Disney Channel VOD.
-trianna anderson
