GN: You’re appearing in ‘Masters of the Universe’ as Hussein, the best friend to Nicholas Galitzine’s He-Man. What initially excited you most about stepping into this world and bringing this character to life?

CV: Probably getting to be a part of something that my mom was excited about for once - I'm joking! That's not to say that she hasn't been excited for me before in my career (believe me, she's supportive as hell), but this project is something that she, herself, was excited about, even outside of me. She grew up as a huge fan of the cartoon and she was seeing this movie REGARDLESS of her son, you know what I mean? For me, that excitement was my first glimpse into how much this franchise means to so many others as well. I truly hope that they feel we do right by them and the source material, while also being able to enjoy the fun, new elements that the team behind this has added. It's an exciting opportunity, and I'm honored to be a part of it. 

GN: Hussein seems to bring a grounded, comedic energy to the film while surrounded by epic action and fantasy. How did you approach balancing humor with sincerity in the role?

CV: Well, I think I fundamentally disagree with the concept of humor and sincerity as two things to balance. I'm going to paraphrase here, but Bryan Cranston has a great quote about what I believe to be the more accurate nature of the relationship between the two. He talks about how the comedy in almost anything is going to be found organically by playing it honestly; basically one is born out of the other. To that end, I'd say I approached this role with complete sincerity. Hussein's a regular ass Earth dude who just so happens to be roommates with He-Man. The natural reaction to all of the fantastical things that come with that is, I think, going to inherently be a little bit funny.

GN: Your character clearly has a unique sense of style, from the cheetah print jacket in the trailer to his confident individuality. Did you collaborate on shaping Hussein’s personality and aesthetic, and how much of yourself do you see in him?

CV: I gotta give all the credit to our costume designer, Richard Sale. That man cooked! I remember during the fittings we talked a bit about the kind of things that I envisioned bringing to the role as far as Hussein's personality was concerned. And then from there, I think we both gravitated toward the same clothes on the rack. I definitely felt locked in with him about all the costume choices we were making for my character. But I don't know that I see too much of myself in Hussein, though. Especially fashion-wise, I'd say he's a lot bolder than I am, for sure.

GN: You’re one of the few Earth-based human characters in the story. Did that outsider perspective help anchor the audience emotionally within such a massive universe?

CV: I certainly hope so!! I think that, amidst all these larger-than-life heroes and villains, audiences will find him to be a relatable character. At the very least, I think he's good for a chuckle or two.

GN: Comedy timing can be incredibly difficult, especially inside a large-scale action film. Were there particular actors, films, or even romantic comedies that inspired the rhythm and charm you brought to Hussein?

CV: It'd be dishonest to say that I specifically thought about them when I was preparing for this role, but I have to shout out The Office as a general influence on my sense of humor. Finding the laugh in the space within a scene, in the awkward beats after a line, in not the punchline but the reaction to the punchline, I mean, for me, that's all from them. I'm not well-versed enough in sitcom history to tell you if they were the first to do it, but they were definitely the first to introduce me to that sort of thing. As you mentioned though, this is a large-scale action film, which is a different ballgame. But still, that show was basically educational for me in terms of how I understand the rhythm of a scene. So, in at least some small, indirect way, The Office is impacting what I'm bringing to the screen here in Masters of the Universe. I know it's not an actor, film, or romcom, like you asked, but I think a lot of folks in my generation would point to that show as something that really inspired or influenced them.

GN: As a young actor stepping into a major studio franchise, what does a fresh perspective vs. experience mean to you personally at this stage in your career?

CV: I feel that bringing a fun, fresh perspective to whatever you're doing is paramount as a younger actor. Otherwise, why wouldn't a production hire someone more experienced than you? At this nascent point in my career, making unique choices and trying to bring something different to the table is the main thing I have to offer over someone whose resume is ten times longer than mine. 

GN: Before ‘Masters of the Universe’, audiences saw you in projects like ‘Miguel Wants to Fight’ and ‘Not Okay’. Looking back, do you feel your earlier roles prepared you for the scale and visibility of this moment?

CV: No, no, not really. While I did take valuable lessons from both of those projects, neither were comparable toMasters of the Universe as it relates to scale and visibility. I mean, the budget, the theatrical run, the premiere, the press that I'm doing, the fact that this is already a beloved franchise with its own built-in audience, this feels like a different beast to me, one that I haven't quite dealt with before. 

GN: Your performances often carry an ease and warmth onscreen. In real life, are you naturally calm under pressure, or do you wrestle with anxieties and “night-before” thoughts before major moments?

CV: Oh man, I'm anxious as hell, are you kidding me!!?? Can't say I battle "night before thoughts", though. They win too consistently for me to call it a battle. If I have anything major going on, be it a big day on set, a press appearance, any sort of high visibility moment —  just know that my heart is racing, my adrenaline is pumping, and I did NOT sleep the night before. But man, I have places I want to get to in this industry, so sometimes you just gotta count to 3 and thug that shit out. 

GN: Many actors talk about dreams shaping their ambitions, at this point in your journey, what dream are you still chasing, and what keeps you motivated during uncertain moments?

CV: When people talk about the finest actors of my generation, I want my name to be in that conversation. And hopefully, not as a joke! I know that might be a little wild to say at this point. But shoot, if you think it's wild now, I've been saying it to anyone who would listen since I was like 16. I understand that I might not ever hit those heights; few in this life get to. But I will die trying, I promise you that. And there have been plenty of uncertain moments along the way. I'm sure there are more to come. It's in those moments that I've leaned on my inner circle to get me through. They've cheered every one of my successes. They've spoken life into me when I've failed. They've lent me their belief when my own has wavered. They’ve stuck by me even as I’ve pushed them away. These folks have been through it all with me, the good and the bad. I'm blessed to have real, genuine love in my life, and I don’t take it for granted. 

GN: As a final question for Goodnight Magazine, what does your personal nighttime routine look like when you truly want to guarantee yourself a good night? 

CV: I can feel this answer being outside of the spirit of the question because I don't think it necessarily counts as part of a nighttime routine. Anyways, I'd say having sushi for dinner is practically a GUARANTEE that I'm in for a good night. 

team credits:

photographer: karen doolittle @karendoolittle

stylist: kenn law with the only agency @kennlaw @theonly.agency

groomer: shannon pezzetta with a-frame agency @shannonpezzetta @aframe_agency

using skincare sisley Paris products & haircare sisley hair rituel @sisleyparisofficial

eic / production: kimberly goodnight @mediaplaypr 

special thanks to our location host

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