As one of the breakout stars from The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Gavin Leatherwood, who plays Nick Scratch, discussed wanting his character to be seen as a more of an authentic person, rather than just a sex symbol.
In an exclusive interview with CBR, Leatherwood talked about his struggle as an actor and his character on the show. When the subject of Nick Scratch being shirtless came up, the actor opened up about wanting a more authentic portrayal. He stated, "I feel like for so long the pendulum has swung one way where women have been hyper-sexualized for a long time. And, you know, the pendulum swings as it goes." He went on to say that he had no desire to be in a category recognized "just for some eye candy."
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The actor then expressed uncertainty about the industry, acknowledging, "I don't really know when it is too much or whatnot," adding, "I'm… kind of starting out in this industry and still figuring out how to navigate all the waters." Leatherwood then returned to what it was he was looking for for his character, "I just more so want to play authentic moments and to learn how to get closer to a genuine nature of playing a character."
Although he had his fair share of complaints about the current state of showbusiness, Leatherwood maintained a positive attitude toward it all, "To look at the bright side and finding the silver linings… it's been a great motivating factor to take care of my body." He explained that it pushed him to take care of his physique and his health, though the cameras were an odd factor.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina stars Kiernan Shipka as Sabrina Spellman, Ross Lynch as Harvey Kinkle, Michelle Gomez as Mary Wardwell/Madam Satan, Jaz Sinclair as Rosalind Walker, Lachlan Watson as Theo Putnam, Gavin Leatherwood as Nicholas Scratch, Tati Gabrielle as Prudence Blackwood, Chance Perdomo as Ambrose Spellman, Lucy Davis as Hilda Spellman, Richard Coyle as Faustus Blackwood and Miranda Otto as Zelda Spellman. Parts 1-3 are streaming now on Netflix.