Interview: Actor Mickeey Nguyen brings talent and charm to Utopia Falls

Mickeey Nguyen plays Mags on Hulu original series Utopia Falls.

Can you imagine any dancer not having heard of hip hop? Such is the case for a group of young people living in New Babyl in the distant future on Hulu original Utopia Falls. Mickeey Nguyen plays the role of Mags in that group.

These same young people are working hard to prepare for a competition called The Exemplar when they make an astounding discovery. They find The Archive, which holds historic information on many art forms including dance.

It remains to be seen how this discovery will impact their lives and The Exemplar competition. Utopia Falls premieres February 14th on Hulu. 

Actor and dancer Mickeey Nguyen plays one of the young people shielded from historic art forms and genres. Mickeey’s character is named Mags. While being a dancer himself, Mags also demonstrates comedic charm as a bit of a sidekick to his best friend Bohdi.

We spoke with Mickeey about Mags and Utopia Falls. Here’s what we learned.

I don’t think I have ever heard the word sci-fi in conjunction with hip hop until I read about Utopia Falls. What can you tell me about this futuristic world your character Mags is living in?

Mickeey: Utopia Falls follows a colony called New Babyl. It’s the last of humanity in a distant future. It’s a society that has carved out this “perfect” life where it’s acceptable for everybody no matter what you look like, your skin color, gender, or who you’re even attracted to. A city of acceptance.

You’d think that with this perfection that everyone would live in harmony, but as you dive deeper into this world, you begin to catch the imperfections of this perfect life and realize it isn’t what it’s made to be.

Utopia suggests perfection. Is this colonized world a perfect place to be?

Mickeey: To the eye, yes. It’s deemed as a perfect life. Everyone knows their responsibilities, and everyone contributes to living in this world.

I think with so much that’s happening in this present time, we sometimes dream of one when there isn’t all this chaos happening. That’s what I love about New Babyl—that even when a world like that is created, there are still its own challenges that humanity will face.

What do you enjoy most about the role of Mags?

Mickeey: He is such a light. With a series like Utopia Falls, you need someone like Mags to uplift the story because, trust me, you’re already in for a wild ride. He’s bright, charismatic and such a caring person to those around him.

I loved playing him because he ended up being VERY similar to me, despite his ambition and hunger for fame. His traits and humor are really dead-on to mine and sometimes it’s quite scary how much I might actually be Mags in real life.

I understand that Mags provides some comic relief. Is he a light-hearted person? Or maybe more serious than we realize?

Mickeey: He’s made to be such a comedic person, but he actually digs so much deeper than that and I feel like you’ll really get to see him blossom into so much more.

There’s something about him that, even though he’s light-hearted, he knows when to buckle down and hold his own ground. He’ll do whatever he can to help, especially for his best friend,Bohdi.

Are there dance battles in Utopia Falls?

Mickeey: There are definitely some insane dance elements implemented in the show! We had the privilege of working with Tanisha Scott (who’s the choreographer for Cardi B, Drake and Rihanna) and she has been a VERY big choreographer ambition of mine to work with. Just being in the same room as her was such an honor and her integrity to keep the authenticity of dance in this distant future was breathtaking.

https://twitter.com/UtopiaFallsTV/status/1225480002143170562

Is there a clear delineation between good and evil in the Utopia Falls series?

Mickeey: It’s difficult to say. We deal with a lot on the show that it’s probably best to emotionally and physically experience it first-hand.

I understand you also teach choreography. What has been the most rewarding moment as a teacher?

Mickeey: The most rewarding thing for me is knowing that I’m part of a student’s growth. I personally love watching students improve before my eyes. It’s the everlasting gratitude I have towards them for the amount of hard work and dedication they put towards learning from me, but most importantly, devoting their time to allow me the opportunity to teach them.

They probably don’t even realize how much they have taught me throughout my years of teaching, so really, I should be thanking them for shaping me into the choreographer I am today.

We are excited for Utopia Falls! Can you tease the show with 3 words that describe it?

Gonna

Be

Flames

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