Exclusive interview with Josh Stewart of The Walking Dead: Cold Storage
By Adam Carlson
Fans of The Walking Dead know Josh Stewart as Chase in the Cold Storage webisodes, but there is much more to the actor, director, and film maker.
The Walking Dead is an amazing franchise spanning many forms of media. In October of 2012, AMC released the webisode series Cold Storage, which was highlighted by a fantastic performance from the lead actor, Josh Stewart.
Stewart has gone on to do some amazing things, including act, direct, and star in his own film and be part of major films like Interstellar, The Dark Knight Rises, and Insidious: Chapter 4. Now, he is hoping to continue his film making career with a project titled Back Fork.
Recently, Adam Carlson of Undead Walking had the privilege of interviewing Josh Stewart on his time in Cold Storage as well as other roles and future with Back Fork.
You were excellent as Chase in The Walking Dead: Cold Storage webisode series as directed by Greg Nicotero. What was it that drew you to that project?
"Josh Stewart as Chase – The Walking Dead: Cold Storage, AMC“Greg Nicotero. It was an easy decision with him behind the wheel. He’s so talented and so ahead of his time. He’s amazing.”"
The scene from Cold Storage with Chase going through the Grimes family storage unit is an awesome tie to the AMC show. Seeing Carl’s crib, a Christmas tree, and the photo album help to develop those characters. Why do you think Chase was so interested in the photo album?
"“I think it was “life” that Chase was taken by. I couldn’t imagine being in that situation. But, if I were, I imagine that any time there was any sort of reminder of the life that once was, it would give me pause. Sad, but nostalgic for what once was.”"
Cold Storage also ties in to the comics. Chase going to visit his sister in Cynthiana, which is where the comic book kicks off. Not only that, but the group from Cynthiana with his sister is heading to Washington D.C., just like the path the survivors took in the comics and the television show. Why are these nods so intriguing to fans of the webisodes?
"“I think it’s just a testament to what they’ve done with this world and keeping it all tied together. They have this amazing thing in the comics, so keeping that as the road map for it all, is an amazing thing.”"
The first time I watched you act was in The Collector and was happy to see you return for The Collection. Those films are largely underappreciated in the horror genre. What is it that draws you to roles based in horror and suspense?
"“I think the fact that they stay “active” throughout. They push and push and push and don’t let up. I love character driven dramas, but I also love that element of film that pushes people in the nerve category.”"
After Cold Storage, your career continued to rise with more roles on Criminal Minds, being an announced for the Lewis and Clark TV miniseries as well as films like Malicious and Insidious: Chapter 4 and even a role in The Dark Knight Rises. What other kind of roles would you like to see yourself in going forward?
"“I don’t know, really. Just continuing along the same road. The writing and directing, definitely have my interest piqued. I have a lot of stories in me that need to get out. So, there will be a bigger effort in doing more of that.”"
You directed, starred in, and wrote the film The Hunted, which was released in 2013. This was an intense film with a lot of action and suspense to keep folks on the edge of their seats. What motivated you to moving into the behind the scenes aspect of film making?
"Josh Stewart as Jake – The Hunted, Entertainment One“I was always taught to approach acting from a stand point of understanding the whole story first. The more I did that, the more it lent itself to direction. I think if you’re a storyteller, all aspects are interesting. All sides of the film are appealing. You get to build more and more with writing and directing. I dig that.”"
You have a project coming up called Back Fork, which tackles the topic of addiction and its impact on everyday life of an addict and the impact it can make on the addict’s family. What more can you tell us about this film?
"“BACK FORK is the story of an everyman, WAYLON, struggling to hold his life and family together after a heartbreaking tragedy. He and his wife, NIDA, barely recognize themselves, let alone each other. His inability to fix the situation, to help his family heal, leaves them hopeless. With the stress and growing burden of grief, it’s only a matter of time before he turns to the magic of the pills to make the problems disappear.For a time, Waylon finds a kindred spirit in his sister as he walks the road with the users and beggars, the people who think their noses are holsters for pills. Then, as fate would have it, he’s spun down the river toward redemption and sees that we’re all wounded animals. Sometimes we die, but sometimes we live.”"
The lovely and talented A.J. Cook co-stars with you in Back Fork. While best known for Criminal Minds, she has a fantastic resume with drama and horror including The Virgin Suicides, Final Destination 2, Mother’s Day and Tru Calling. What do you feel she brings to a project like Back Fork?
"“AJ is amazing. Everything that’s needed in this character I wrote, she has. AJ is incredibly compassionate, open and has the ability to bring the authenticity that the film requires. It wasn’t a second thought with her.”"
More from Undead Walking
- Walking Dead alum Jayson Warner Smith promotes new film, Chipper, watch it now
- Walking Dead actor Chandler Riggs filming new movie in Tampa Bay
- Why is there no season 12 of The Walking Dead?
- Will Morgan Jones find Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live spinoff?
- Watch Tales of TWD actress Jillian Bell in Prime Video’s Candy Cane Lane
What about Back Fork do you feel would be appealing to fans of The Walking Dead?
"“The fact that we are all wounded animals. None of us are perfect and we all are just doing the best that we can. We all just want to live.”"
Finally, what is one message you’d like to leave fans of The Walking Dead with since you are a part of our #TWDFamily?
"Stay strong. Stay one step ahead and watch your F’ing back."
Huge thanks go out to Josh Stewart for taking the time to talk with Undead Walking and best of luck goes out to him on all of his future projects.
Next: 3 projects that need to come back to The Walking Dead
For those interested in helping to make Back Fork a reality, Josh Stewart has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds. Also, be sure to watch Stewart in The Walking Dead: Cold Storage right here on YouTube as well as his excellent work in films like The Collector, The Hunted, and Criminal Minds.