Kat Harlton
Photos: Provided via Artist / Prime Video
Initially cast for just one episode, Francesco Antonio’s role as Reggie in the action comedy series Wayne quickly evolved into a six-episode arc, with the volatile and unpredictable character becoming a memorable presence in the series and earning Francesco a place in its key art. Now, the critically acclaimed, cult-favourite series has arrived on Netflix, and a whole new global audience will have the chance to discover Francesco’s standout performance. From the creative team behind the Deadpool franchise, Wayne has built an enduring following for its dark humour, explosive action, and unconventional storytelling.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Francesco to discuss his journey with the series, bringing Reggie to life, and what it means to see Wayne reach an even wider audience.
Kat: Your role as Reggie in WAYNE was originally intended to last just one episode, but it eventually expanded into a six-episode arc. What do you think it was about Reggie that allowed the character to grow into such a significant part of the story, and were you surprised by how his role evolved?
Francesco: I think every story needs a bad guy and in this one that’s Reggie. There’s no Batman without the Joker. I can’t say I was surprised because they gave me so much to work with but I can for sure say I was grateful!
Kat: Reggie is a volatile, unpredictable character who becomes a memorable antagonist in Wayne and Del’s journey. How did you approach building a character who can be so threatening and chaotic while still keeping him compelling for an audience?
Francesco: The biggest thing was remembering that Reggie was just young and troubled. He just wanted to be loved. So there are moments where you see that and it shows the audience he can be vulnerable; it allows them to relate.
Kat: WAYNE has developed a passionate cult following since its original release, and now the series is reaching a new audience through Netflix in the US. What does it mean to you to see a project you worked on years ago find a new life and potentially connect with viewers who are discovering it for the first time?
Francesco: I call WAYNE the gift that keeps on giving. Anyone who gets to watch this for the first time will see why fans have been pushing for it to come back.
Kat: The series balances brutal violence, dark comedy, and surprisingly heartfelt moments. What initially drew you to WAYNE, and what was your reaction to the show’s distinctive tone when you first read the scripts?
Francesco: I was drawn to the writing just from the audition. I knew this would be a project any actor would be lucky to work on because there were just so many layers. The chaos was the backdrop but the feelings, the problems of these people were real. Incredible writing was done on this show.
Kat: As an actor, playing an antagonist can be an opportunity to explore some of the more unpredictable sides of human behaviour. Did you develop a particular backstory or personal logic for Reggie that helped you understand his actions, even when his behaviour seems completely irrational?
Francesco: I really used Reggie’s environment to understand his actions. Where he lived, his home life and the stories other characters told about me. It allowed me to find the love in Reggie even when he was causing absolute destruction.
Kat: Your character became such a memorable part of the series that you ultimately earned a place in its key art. Looking back, what stands out most about your experience on WAYNE, and was there a particular scene or moment that made you realize Reggie was resonating with viewers?
Francesco: I had no idea I was going to be on the poster. There was an earlier version for YouTube; that’s when it first happened and for me it will go down as one of the most memorable moments of my career. But even more, the fan art online. Having people create clips and draw pictures of me made me feel like Reggie was appreciated in the world of WAYNE.
Kat: The show follows Wayne, a teenager with an uncompromising sense of justice, through an increasingly dangerous road trip. What do you think makes the show’s exploration of justice, revenge, and morality so compelling, particularly through the characters who stand in Wayne’s way?
Francesco: WAYNE is about anyone who wants to take matters into their own hands. We have the thoughts, but how many of us take action? This is a show about people who think about doing something and do it. Out of necessity, for survival. When you push people to their limits, when they suffer significant losses like these characters do, there are no rules. That’s what the audience gets to experience.
Kat: WAYNE comes from a creative team associated with the Deadpool franchise, and it shares a willingness to push boundaries with its violence and humour. How did the show’s fearless approach influence your performance, and did you find that the comedic elements changed the way you played Reggie’s darker moments?
Francesco: They gave us a world to play in with NO boundaries and that allowed me to really focus on giving a great performance. The comedy is less about the characters trying to be funny. Same with the violence. The actions may be crazy but the balance of both funny and violent makes it more authentic and relatable.
Kat: Cult-favourite shows often develop a strong connection with audiences long after their initial release. Have you had any memorable interactions with fans of WAYNE, and what has it been like seeing viewers connect with Reggie in ways you might not have anticipated?
Francesco: The greatest fan moment I had was a Mom who reached out via social media. She said her son was a big Reggie fan and asked if I would consider surprising him at an espresso bar in Hollywood. I did and both of them were so happy but they had no idea what that moment did for me. We filmed it all. It’s somewhere on my social media. She also has an amazing bakery called Lulubelle’s in Running Springs California. Look them up!
Kat: With WAYNE arriving on Netflix US, a whole new audience will have the opportunity to experience the series and discover your performance as Reggie. What do you hope first-time viewers take away from the show, and what would you say to longtime fans who have been championing it all these years?
Francesco: I hope they love it just as much as I do. To the fans, we’re so lucky to have you. Thank you!
Connect With Francesco On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francesco.antonio/