Apple TV Plus's Me stars reveal how the show is more than a superhero drama

Apple TV's Me is a one-of-a-kind series that blends a coming-of-age drama with a superhero action thriller, giving us a unique show that can be enjoyed by kids and parents alike.

The story follows 12-year-old middle school-going Ben, who is adjusting to life in a new place when his mother remarries. While dealing with the everyday issues typical for a kid his age, such as bullying, crushes, and school dances, Ben also has to accept and adjust to living in a blended family with a stepfather and a stepsister. But that is not the end of Ben's challenges, because he soon learns that he has a unique superpower.

Confused and bewildered about his ability, Ben finds his ally in his stepsister Max and goes on an arduous journey where he learns not only more about his powers but also what it means to become who he wants to be.

The sci-fi coming-of-age series is scheduled to premiere on Apple TV+ on July 12, 2024. Ahead of its premiere, Sneha Haldar from Sportskeeda interviewed show stars Lucian-River Chauhan and Abigail Pniowsky, who play Ben and Max on the show.

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Discovering a mystery and forging a unique bond

Me is not just a superhero movie for kids but also a mystery story that hooks viewers till the end. Talking about the script reading sessions, actor Lucian-River Chauhan excitedly remarked,

"The first time I read the script, I was truly blown away by the amount of character depth that Barry L. Levy, our writer, goes to. You know, when I was reading it, I sort of got really enthralled in it. By the end of it, I sort of had to take a breath because I was just... too into it, you know, it's like a really compelling book that you just have to keep flipping the pages to figure out what's going on and discover the mystery."

He also said that something that drew him in and attracted him to the series was the fact that Ben and Max's relationship was so unique, where they are not just siblings but are also solving a mystery together.

Abigail Pniowsky added:

"Yeah, I agree. I think that the script was amazing. I was immediately hooked from the beginning. I was super in love with the character that I was playing. I feel like I was connected to her immediately, and I really loved the script and how it's not just a superpower show, but it's so much more than that. Like the superpowers aren't the only plot point in the show."

The Apple TV series is more than just a superhero story; it is also about sibling bonds, finding oneself, and knowing the right thing to do.

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Slipping into character for Me

This is a show that every teenager can relate to. The show also explores the challenges of new friendships and class bullies, which makes the series familiar to any middle schooler. Talking about how much he resonates with his character Ben, River says,

"I definitely relate to him quite a bit. I mean, he's going through middle school, and I've been through middle school. So I know all the challenges, like crushes and school dances, and friendships that are pretty crazy. So in that way, I relate to Ben quite a bit."

He added:

"I think another way that I relate to him is that, you know, he's pretty confident in his own skin towards the end of the series. And I like to think I'm a pretty confident person as well."

The series also tells the story of sibling relationships and the highs and lows of having a brother or a sister to share life with. For River, it was a new experience learning how such relationships work.

"I have never actually had a sibling before because I'm an only child. And so, you know, I got a chance to sort of experience that with Ben because Ben doesn't know how to be a brother, and I also don't know how to be a brother. So we were able to learn that together."

But Abigail noted an important difference between her and Max:

"I think that one of the differences, though, was that Barry always said that Max was allergic to apologies, and I am someone who says sorry every second sentence. So I think that that's kind of where the difference is."

However, Abigail Pniowsky too relates a lot with Max's characteristics and personalities, saying that there is a lot of Max that she feels familiar with.

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Watch this space for more exclusive interviews with the young stars of Apple TV's new project.