Aparna Brielle on Working With Arnold Schwarzenegger and Camaraderie on the Set of FUBAR
Netflix's hit action-comedy series FUBAR just got renewed for a second season, and we couldn't be happier.
The show stars Hollywood action legend Arnold Schwarzenegger as Luke, a CIA agent who discovers that his daughter, Emma, is also in the CIA—and that's not the only big secret the two have been keeping from each other. Among the talented and star-studded cast is actress Aparna Brielle, who plays Tina, a data analyst on Luke's team, who also hasn't been so forthcoming about the nature of her work. The show is packed with high-stakes action, laughs and intrigue, and we know there's even more to come with the second season. We got the chance to speak with Aparna herself all about her work, the series and what's next. Read the full interview below.
Sweety High: When did you discover your passion for acting? Was there any specific a-ha moment that made you realize it was the path for you?
Aparna Brielle: I've always enjoyed playing pretend and was actively encouraged by my loved ones to explore my imagination, so I'm not sure I ever had one specific "a-ha" moment. I was pretty lucky to be exposed to the arts in so many ways, including dance, music and theater, so storytelling has always been a core part of who I am.
SH: Can you tell us a little bit about FUBAR? What is the show about, and where does your character, Tina, fit into the story?
AB: FUBAR is an action-comedy that follows decorated CIA agent Luke Brunner, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, who discovers his daughter (Monica Barbaro) has also been hiding a spy career from the family. My character, Tina, is an NSA analyst on loan to Luke's team who gets swept up in their high-stakes mission.
SH: Do you see yourself in Tina at all? In what ways are you most similar and most different?
AB: I'll always have parts of myself in every character I play; Tina and I are both the youngest of the crew, we're both passionate, we're both driven. But Tina's got a secret burden I don't have to carry, as she's been a Russian double agent the whole time. She's a very good liar—something that really can't be said about me.
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SH: What has it been like to work with the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger in the show?
AB: Arnold's a team player, down to the bone. While I definitely had constant "pinch me!" moments, he always made me—and everyone who worked with us—feel supported and seen. To say I feel lucky is putting it lightly.
SH: What's been your most memorable moment from the set so far?
AB: Honestly, Arnold's birthday was a fun day—every single member of our crew dressed up as him. I've never seen so many muscle suits.
SH: What do you think is the most important thing you learned while filming the series?
AB: The power and value of camaraderie. This show wouldn't have been such an incredible experience for me without every single person who made it possible.
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SH: What has been your favorite fan reaction to the series so far?
AB: Is it selfish of me to say I've been loving how shocked people are about Tina's twist?
SH: We don't want to say too much, but the finale hints at more huge things from Tina in the future. What do you think we might see from Tina with the show's renewal?
AB: I'm so excited that our show got renewed for a second season! I'd love to get a chance to see Tina figure out who she wants to be: what she considers to be the right thing to do, what she really wants for herself, who she chooses to call her family. We've just scratched the surface with Tina, and I can't wait to play whatever the writers throw my way!
For more interviews with our favorite actors, click HERE to read our interview with Anthony Keyvan on his role in XO, Kitty.