Ruaridh Mollica on VisionQuest and Playing a Bisexual Character
Key Points:
- Scottish actor Ruaridh Mollica made his West End debut in "Clarkston" and subtly hinted at his upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) role by wearing a "VisionQuest" hat, alongside co-star Joe Locke who wore an "Agatha All Along" cap.
- Mollica was cast as Tommy Shepherd/Tommy Maximoff (Speed) in the MCU series "VisionQuest," playing the older twin brother of Billy Kaplan, portrayed by Locke, marking a swift transition from indie films to the superhero genre.
- His character Tommy is a teenage hustler with a complex backstory involving his unique heritage and bisexuality, with Mollica appreciating Marvel's casting of a bisexual actor to authentically represent the character.
- Mollica uses his own Scottish accent for the role, making him one of the few Scottish superheroes on screen, and he continues to embrace his heritage across multiple projects including the indie film "Bare," the Brad Pitt-produced "Isle of Man," and the Paramount+ series "Laird."
- The actor has experienced rapid career growth, working alongside notable figures like Paul Bettany and Kenneth Branagh, and remains open to adopting an American accent for future roles despite currently favoring his natural voice.