Talking With The Strain’s Kevin Durand! What To Expect From The End Of The Season! Is Fet Becoming A Softie? And More!

The Strain: Kevin Durand “Vasiliy Fet”

The gentle giant is definitely one of the fan favorites. After an awful scare about him turning into a Strigoi, we are beyond thrilled to have him back with the human soldiers. Kevin Durand who embodies the fearless badass exterminator, Vasiliy Fet is a delight to watch on screen. I’ve talked to Kevin before about his work on another amazing show, “Vikings”. I was so psyched to see him on two of my favorite shows. You could imagine my excitement when I got a chance to talk to him again, but this time about his experience on “The Strain”. Following are some of the questions he was kind enough to answer for us. Enjoy!

Your scenes are pretty action packed; do you have a favorite scene?

“Hard one to pin-point. Really like doing the Natalie brown one”. Kevin had a blast doing episode 9 with Natalie, the mother of suckers. She has been training to take on the Canadian giant. He also went on to say that he “Loved every bit of action. 0-300 mile per second”. The scenes helped Kevin to bring the warrior rage deep within him.

What can you say about the end of the season? What can we expect?

For obvious reasons, Kevin couldn’t reveal much, but he described the end of the season the best way possible. “It keeps getting bigger. Fireworks keeps getting much more explosive, more complicated. Keeps building and no one is going to get up and go to the bathroom”. Yup, that’s right. That’s how much action they are packing for the big finale. I’m EXCITED!

CR: Michael Gibson/FX

Fet is more calm and quiet with Setrakian. What kind of a bond do they have?

Kevin claimed, “Fet is a survivor. He’ll still be alive if he was alone. Setrakian and Fet are so similar. Genuine connection with the old fella. He is learning from him. Getting the knowledge passed down. He is just a man with a very big spectrum. Gentle with people who have earned it”.

Setrakain and Fet bond, off screen vs. On screen?

David Bradley actually approached Kevin and suggested living close together. So they had the chance to hang out a lot. It helps the character chemistry on set. The real life relationship between Kevin and David bled into the screen. Kevin described himself as “His student. A father son connection; pass down the knowledge”. It’s always great to hear about a cast who respects each other on and off set.

CR: Michael Gibson/FX

What are your thoughts on Fet and Nora?

Nora may seem like an underdog, but she is a crucial part of the team. Kevin answered, “They have come the furthest. Developed a profound respect for each other; that Fet makes sense and he is not just a cold hearted killer. She is doctor. A woman in the everyday life who went from not killing a fly to beheading her mom. Major strides.” They are more than what meets the eye.

Nikki’s arrival threw Fet into a spin. Is he trying to win back Dutch or go back to his old self?

Kevin explained how Fet won’t fight for her if Dutch doesn’t want him back. “Believes in fighting on; letting her find her way. Doesn’t minimalize what he feels for her”. He added on to say that it’ll be interesting to see Dutch trying to win him over instead. Hey, why not? He is certainly a keeper and she knows it’s her loss if she gives up on him.

Is Fet turning into a softie with girl problems? Is it going to affect him mentally and get in the way?

Sure Fet has a tender side, but don’t mistake him for a hopeless romantic. Kevin clarified, “Fet has such common sense. He wouldn’t allow that kind of explosion of emotion”. We saw Fet wallow over his girl issues, but he snaps right back when he is called to the plate.

Quinlan vs. Fet? What are your thoughts?

“It’s awesome. I’m just happy for whatever’s good for the show. That is really working super well. What an awesome take on the character. Cool character. Love that he is becoming the favorite”. Kevin is a fan of Rupert. Quinlan is his second favorite character. Kevin actually told us that he would’ve probably auditioned for Quinlan if he didn’t get to play Fet. I’m totally guilty of being one of those fans totally in love with Quinlan.

How is working with Vampire?

Kevin is fortunate not to undergo sever transformations every day, but he has nothing but respect for the entire crew who deals with the intense process. “The artists are amazing in the show. Respect for the artist who puts it on for so long. In the cold going through make up for 4 hours. Respect the process. They take you where you need to go. It’s beautiful the amount of detail. End of the day you destroy and do it all over again”.

CR: Michael Gibson/FX

Speaking of Vampires, do you have your favorite?

“The feelers get to me. The little kids walking in the trailer and come out as demons. The first Master, walking with all the make up on. He is already a big guy with huge hands. You end up staring”. None of us could blame Kevin. How can you ignore that ginormous monstrosity? Robert Maillet was a glorious Master.

What do you think about Vampires that strike a core with people?

“It’s just the idea of a being who could suck the life out of you. People love watching disaster and about our own demise. We are fascinated with it; something romantic about it as well. They linger and ready to take the life out of you and it terrifies you”. Bottom line, people love to scare the crap out of them. The adrenaline rush leaves us wanting for more.

CR: Michael Gibson/FX

How do you like the live feed and the instant fan reaction?

I always love when cast members are active on social media. As fans, we feel so much closer to them. Kevin is clearly enjoying his interaction with all his fans. “It’s new to me. Before being part of it, you shoot and adapt your life. Then you leave. You don’t have the instantaneous connection with the audience. I joined and having that reaction from the fans, a live feeder. I thought people will get sick of it, but watching the show with the fans and see what the fans have to say. Love seeing all the reaction”.

What have you contributed to the character?

Fet is made for the vampire apocalypse. People didn’t give much credit and talked down to him, but he is the ultimate survivor who possessed all the necessary skills and knowledge. Kevin described how Fet actually gets to step up to the plate and lead. “He really enjoys the moment and thrives. Getting stronger more composed, confident and happier. That’s what I wanted to emphasize”.

What did you expect when you joined the series? Any surprises?

Kevin’s laugh said it all. “That’s everything. You read scripts with your own filters and when you see it on films, it’s always different”. It seems like they are all on edge just like the fans. Kevin adds on, “No one is comfortable. No one really knows if you make it to the next episode. Be in the moment and enjoy it. It’s exciting. None one really knows. It’s constantly changing”.

CR: Michael Gibson/FX

Fet could be pretty serious and turn around be the comedic relief. What are your thoughts on that balance?

Fet was not taken seriously. They talked down to him, but it flipped. “The writers really get him. He is now living in a world where he is absolutely necessary”. Kevin went on to say that, “Fet tries to look at the positive side with a joke”.

What else are you working on currently?

Besides The Strain, Kevin is also working on the Vikings in Dublin. Congrats are in order for Kevin and his lovely wife Sandra on their new baby girl. He described the experience as, “The greatest thing ever done. Having an amazing time with her. It’s all daddy time”. Awww…..I’m so happy and excited for them both. The Strain scored its third season. So I guess Kevin will get to enjoy his much deserved downtime with his family until season three.

Thanks again for Kevin Durand for taking his time to answer all our questions. Excited to see him on both shows and can’t wait to have another chat with him soon. The Strain airs Sundays on FX at 10PM. Check it out!