Olsen previously worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, making him “actually a rocket scientist.” Despite his high IQ, Olsen is less capable of working with others. “He’s socially awkward and sort of has trouble getting to know people,” Safran says. “He’s been very embraced by his friends, and they will protect him at all costs.” And because Simon (Tate Ellington) — the younger class’ NAT who often alienated his peers as well — has left the Academy by the time the older class comes into play, Olsen will take his place and his dynamic. Still, Safran says, “Will is much more socially awkward than Simon. … [He] has a hard time communicating.”
Also having a hard time communicating: Iris Chang, who according to Coburn, is “fierce” rather than cold. “Iris does anything for herself that needs done and really does not care about anyone’s feelings whatsoever,” Safran says. “Unlike [Natalie] Vasquez [played by Anabelle Acosta], who always wants to be the best, Iris is not concerned with being the best. Iris is just concerned with being Iris.”
The final addition, Drew Perales, is the trio’s de facto leader. A retired NFL player who’s both charming and ruthlessly driven, Perales helps his friends get ahead. “He’s very much a charismatic alpha,” Coburn says. “You might even say he’s a crusader in a certain way.” Naturally, his alpha personality will lead to him clashing with Alex and Vasquez — inside the Academy and out.
Also having a hard time communicating: Iris Chang, who according to Coburn, is “fierce” rather than cold. “Iris does anything for herself that needs done and really does not care about anyone’s feelings whatsoever,” Safran says. “Unlike [Natalie] Vasquez [played by Anabelle Acosta], who always wants to be the best, Iris is not concerned with being the best. Iris is just concerned with being Iris.”
The final addition, Drew Perales, is the trio’s de facto leader. A retired NFL player who’s both charming and ruthlessly driven, Perales helps his friends get ahead. “He’s very much a charismatic alpha,” Coburn says. “You might even say he’s a crusader in a certain way.” Naturally, his alpha personality will lead to him clashing with Alex and Vasquez — inside the Academy and out.
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