We know Cloak & Dagger gives due diligence to its teens (and man, are they going through it), but that doesn’t mean the parents on the show are put on the back-burner. In fact, their baggage is laid out just as clearly as the teens’ and enhanced by the emotional performances of the actors. C&D shows us that parenting a superhero really isn’t much different than parenting a regular angsty teen. Miles Mussenden, who plays Tyrone’s father, Otis Johnson, has no shortage of scenes that’ll have you reaching for the tissues every week as he struggles with the death of one son while doing everything in his power to ensure the other doesn’t meet the same fate. We talked to Miles about the conflict of his character, the Johnson family dynamic, and how his charity work informs his performance.
Otis, Adina, and Tyrone Johnson (Alfonso Bresciani/Freeform)
How much did you know about the comics and these characters before coming on to the series?
I wasn’t at all familiar with the comic or characters until after I landed the role and had to do a quick study. Even then, I couldn’t find anything on Tyrone’s family until well after we began filming. I’m glad about the decision to expand Ty’s family life. It’s so relevant to today.
Do you approach acting differently playing opposite a veteran like Gloria Reuben versus a relative newcomer like Aubrey Joseph?
I don’t, I tried to match and challenge them both. So I prepared myself to be vulnerable and emotionally available, then I went to work ready for whatever they gave me. As it turns out, not only was Gloria phenomenal, but Aubrey was, too.
How developed was Otis when you came into the project? Were you able to put a lot of yourself into the character?
I felt that I knew the hopes, fears, and pains of Otis. As a father, and empathetic person of color, I’ve felt the trauma and sense of loss every time another story of an unarmed kid being gunned down was exposed. Not to mention to the apprehension I feel when my kid calls me from the road. The struggle is real.
Were you surprised at the issues that the show touches upon, given that it’s a superhero show?
Yes and no. When I auditioned initially, the material they gave me read like a high-end drama. It was heavy and emotional. It wasn’t until later I was told it was a superhero project. Joe Pokaski and Gina Bythewood’s previous work sort of informed me that the show wouldn’t be ordinary. Then it went even beyond how far even they thought would be approved by the network. I remember Joe saying to me, ‘Can’t believe they’re letting us do this!’
How is Otis’ relationship with Tyrone shaped by what happened with his brother? Can you tease anything about how Otis’ relationship with his son changes over the course of the season?
Billy’s killing exposed that Otis’ power to protect his family was limited and codependent on Tyrone operating within strict boundaries. The relationship was more instructive and controlling out of fear that Ty could face a similar fate as his brother. Otis realizes he has to loosen the reins or risk crippling Tyrone’s ability to stand on his own later in life. Matters are complicated with the discovery of powers and relationship with Tandy. Otis gave an inch, now Tyrone wants to be the ruler.
What has been your favorite moment on the show so far?
My favorite moment was actually cut. However, there are so many scenes that I love. Right now I’m thinking it’s when Tandy discovered Melissa stole her money and pills. I love the nuanced exchange between a broken mother and hurting a daughter with a death-wish.
Otis (Alfonso Bresciani/Freeform)
New Orleans is its own character practically on this show; how do you think this setting influences the storyline?
Well, the Red Hawks, Mardi Gras Indians that help Otis build Tyrone up and create the cloak. Then the whole voodoo and mystical aspect. NOLA takes a licking but keeps on ticking, as do the characters on the show.
We really admire your work at Front & Center with at-risk youths. Can you tell us more about this organization? Have your experiences there as a teacher influenced your acting in any way?
Thank you! Kiki Finley founded the organization in Atlanta and Los Angeles working with the courts to intervene in the lives of at-risk youth. It takes patience, commitment, selflessness, and toughness to peel the layers back and touch these young men. It influenced my acting by prompting me to look deeper into why people/characters do what they do and seek to get to the root, which I hope makes for a more nuanced and unpredictable performance.
Special shoutout to Cloak & Dagger Podcast (@CloakDaggerPod) for their help with this interview.
Cloak & Dagger airs Thursdays 8/7c on Freeform.
