Last month saw the release of The Naughty Nine – Disney‘s new Christmas film, with Deric McCabe playing Jon Anthony alongside a cast including Winslow Fegley as Andy Steele and Camila Rodriguez as Dulce, and it premiered on Disney Channel and is streaming on Disney+, and Deric was directed by Alberto Belli on the production. In the Apple TV+ series Home Before Dark, Deric played his first regular character, Wesley ‘Spoon’ Witherspoon, and his further projects have included feature films Hold On as Paul Duran and A Wrinkle in Time as Charles Wallace, where he worked with Storm Reid and Levi Miller. We caught up with Deric, who told us about playing Jon Anthony in Disney’s new Christmas film The Naughty Nine, his first regular character Wesley ‘Spoon’ Witherspoon in Home Before Dark and working on the film A Wrinkle in Time as Charles Wallace.

How would you describe your character Jon Anthony in The Naughty Nine and was there anything that drew you to the role?

Jon Anthony is very witty and independent but also very complex. Reading the script for the first time, I had no idea that he never created an outfit on his own because of the way he puts up walls and fakes it till he makes it, which I found fascinating. I think the fact that he reminds me so much of myself really drew me to the character.

What was it like on set of a Disney Christmas release and did you have a favourite scene to film?

Being on set was so surreal and magical in ways I can’t even articulate. So many of the sets were real and authentic, which was mind-blowing. My favourite scene to film was probably the conga scene because they had conga music blasting and it was basically just all of us dressed as elves doing a huge dance. If you look closely, you can see me missing some of the beats but I was having so much fun I wasn’t even paying attention to that.

How was it working alongside the rest of the cast and being directed by Alberto Belli?

Working alongside the rest of the cast was so fun, there was never a dull moment. We all still keep in contact and update each other about our lives. I forgot we were working most of the time because we had so much fun all day. Being directed by Alberto, there was a lot of trust and seeing his vision come to life on screen was so beautiful. Not only did he know how to handle making the movie but he also knew how to handle all nine of the kids.

What is Jon Anthony like to play and how was it getting into costume/character?

When I played Jon Anthony, I really got into character sometimes a little too much. At the end of the day, I would feel bad because of how I insulted my friends on camera and sometimes after takes I would have to say sorry and remind them I didn’t write it. The costume, hair, and makeup also really helped me get into character. The tailored satin suit and lavish coat made me feel so luxurious, which is exactly the effect we were trying to give off.

The Naughty Nine premiered on Disney Channel and is streaming on Disney+, how did you feel on release day and what was it like watching it for the first time?

Watching The Naughty Nine for the first time was insane. Seeing all the hard work come to life on screen made me emotional and so proud of what we all did. I was so nervous watching it but all of my nerves faded away within the first scene because of how well-done the movie is.

Why would you recommend watching The Naughty Nine and who do you think it will appeal to?

I would recommend The Naughty Nine because it’s honestly such a good time. I feel like all of the fun off screen really translated on screen. It has action, dancing, heisting, and a great christmas spirit. I think it could appeal to anybody from all ages because it was written to appeal to such a diverse audience.

You played Wesley ‘Spoon’ Witherspoon in the Apple TV+ series Home Before Dark, can you tell us about your character and what was the show like to film?

Playing Spoon was such a joy. Every day, there was a new rambunctious outfit and it was such a pleasant project to be a part of. We filmed on location in Vancouver most of the time, so exploring Canada with my castmates and filming outside was such a blast.

How was it having Spoon as your first regular character in a series and how was it seeing the fan response to Home Before Dark?

Before Home Before Dark, I’d only done movies, so when I filmed it, I was learning every day. Seeing the fan response to Home Before Dark was so cool, I enjoyed hearing what people had to say about the show we all worked so hard on.

What was the feature film Hold On like to be part of as Paul Duran?

Working with the cast and crew was a great experience, especially for one of my first roles.

Do you remember how you felt finding out you’d booked the role of Charles Wallace in A Wrinkle in Time and how did you find the experience working on the film?

I vividly remember getting the call from Ava Duvernay, who I love so much, telling me I booked it. I felt so incredible and I was having trouble finding words to respond to her. A Wrinkle in Time was such an unforgettable experience that I will truly love and cherish forever.

What are some of your favourite memories from playing Charles Wallace and filming with the cast?

My favourite memories are so hard to choose because of how many I have. Storm (Reid) and Levi (Miller), who play Meg and Calvin, really treated me like their little brother and were so patient with me. I loved everything we did in the Happy Mediums cave because the set was so intricate and beautiful.

How did you get into the acting industry and was it something you always wanted to do professionally?

I got into the acting industry by taking classes. Since I could talk, I always knew I loved to entertain people. It’s always been a trait that I’ve had, I didn’t know it was acting at the time but I always knew I liked bringing smiles to people’s faces and I hope I do that with the characters I play.

Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch?

My favourite films and TV shows are a very wide range depending on the day. This Christmas season, my favourite movie is probably The Naughty Nine and my favourite show is Dash & Lily.

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my free time, I really enjoy going out with family and friends. Whether it be trying new restaurants or shopping etc. I enjoy our quality time.

What are you hoping 2024 brings for you and do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about?

I hope 2024 brings me more roles, continued happiness, and more quality time with family. I think everybody’s trying to get back to work with the SAG strike recently coming to an end so I’m definitely ready for the next one if and when the opportunity presents itself.

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