In the new episodes of the Nickelodeon series The Thundermans: Undercover, Ian Ho joined the cast as recurring character Bryson Chance, and in 2018, he made his feature film debut playing Nicky Nelson in the dark comedy mystery A Simple Favor, reprising his role for this year’s Prime Video sequel Another Simple Favor, working once again with his on-screen parents Blake Lively (Emily) and Henry Golding (Sean). Ian worked on the horror film The Dogs as Ben and played Connor Bates in Out Of My Mind, and alongside his real-life twin sister Emma, he joined Series 6 of The Expanse playing Xan, with further cast including Steven Strait as Jim Holden. Amongst Ian’s further screen projects, he played Jacob Zellman in A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting for Netflix, worked on Goosebumps and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and he filmed a horror movie for A24 last year, which will be released soon. As a voice actor, Ian voices regular character Koa Wombat in Elinor Wonders Why since 2020, Malik in Work It Out Wombats!, Jay in Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes, and various characters (including Charlie Chaplin) in Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum – Series 1, before taking over the role of Xavier in Series 2. We talked to Ian about his recurring role of Bryson Chance in The Thundermans: Undercover, being part of A Simple Favor and Another Simple Favor, his time as Jacob Zellman in A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting and his voiceover work including Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum.

You’ve joined the cast of The Thundermans: Undercover as recurring character Bryson Chance in the new episodes; how would you describe Bryson, and what is he like to play?

Bryson is optimistic, upbeat, and a bit of a flirt. He was such a fun character to play because he was so different from anything I’ve ever done before. I had never played the ‘heartthrob crush’ before, and I had just completed a project that was the opposite of The Thundermans. So, stepping into something lighter and more playful was a nice change.

What was it like meeting and working with the rest of the cast, and how much did you know about the original Thundermans series?

It was amazing meeting everyone. Nathan (Broxton) is hilarious and just has the most joyful energy. Kinley (Cunningham) was always full of life and so caring. Maya (Le Clark) was down-to-earth and relatable – I love them all so much. Jack (Griffo) knows the Nickelodeon world inside out, and he gave me tips on how to flirt and connect with the audience. Thank goodness for him because he was literally speaking from experience. Kira (Kosarin) was so supportive – she really helped me figure out how Bryson thinks and acts. From the beginning, she and the cast welcomed me with open arms. I grew up watching The Thundermans since I was six. So, when I first got the audition, I was excited.

How did you feel when you found out you’d be joining such a major Nickelodeon franchise, and what has life on set been like?

I had just gotten back from another project and missed two months of my actual school. I was only back in class for two days when I found out I booked the part. I was on a plane to Vancouver that weekend. Even though I had just finished one project, I was stoked to start another. My teachers, not so much.

By the second week of filming, set already felt like home. I knew my set tutors from previous jobs, and it was comforting knowing I was going to work with them again. It felt like a big family on set. I knew exactly who to go to for anything, even something random like batteries for my electric toothbrush.

In 2018, you made your feature film debut playing Nicky Nelson in the dark comedy mystery A Simple Favor, what are some of your favourite memories from that experience?

It was literally my first audition for a feature film. I ran the scenes every night with my dad, teaching me how to properly cuss *Thanks, Dad*. Going into the audition, I saw a room full of mes. I tried my best and that was it. I remember the three casting people in the room laughing out loud when I swore.

We were already on the highway heading out of town, when we got a call saying that the director (Paul Feig) wanted to call me back, the same day. So, we had to stop and turn back.

I walked into the room and saw a tall man in a fancy suit who was probably the director. I said, “Hi Mr. Feig,” to which he responded, “Please, call me Paul”.

Honestly, it was hilarious getting to swear in almost every scene as a seven year old. Meeting all these great actors, including Anna Kendrick, Henry Golding, and Blake Lively was so cool. It was a dream come true. I even performed the cup song for Anna Kendrick, and I was constantly raiding craft services for subs. There was a flash mob that didn’t make it into the film, but it was fun learning the choreography. Being on that set was always a learning experience. The food was amazing. The last day, we did something called French Hours, which I guess means: being served hors d’oeurves all day.

How was it reprising your role of Nicky in this year’s Prime Video sequel Another Simple Favor, and what was it like stepping back into the character?

I was so happy to bring Nicky back. It felt refreshing to tie up some of his loose ends because he’s been through so much since the first film. We gave him more of a punk, alternative edgy look and feel this time. It was the first role that I had real creative input. Collaborating with Renée (Ehrlich Kalfus) and Paul was such a rewarding experience.

What was it like reading the script for the first time and reuniting with your on-screen parents Blake Lively (Emily) and Henry Golding (Sean)?

When I read the script, I felt like meeting to know a part of myself, all over again even though Nicky and I have nothing in common. Reuniting with Blake and Henry was incredible. Blake hadn’t changed a bit. When I saw her for the first time, we were in Capri. She recognised me right away, even with red hair and being a foot taller. She pulled me in for a big hug (she’s very strong). Watching Henry work, making these brilliant choices in his acting, was also fun and inspiring. I feel like he had opened many doors for Asian talent and representation in Hollywood, with projects like Crazy Rich Asians.

What did you enjoy most about filming the sequel, and how was it attending the Jazz at Lincoln Centre screening in April?

I loved Nicky’s physical transformation from a cute, mouthy kid to a surly teen. The red hair and black nails were such a big change that, in the first week before shooting, I would catch myself in the mirror and think, “Who’s that guy?”. I ended up really liking the look – I would totally do it again.

The screening at Lincoln Centre was surreal. I went to New York with my mom, my friend Charlie, and her mom. I did my own hair, makeup, and even steamed my suit. From the photos to the screening to the after-party, the whole thing was incredible. I practiced red carpet poses in the mirror for a week, but once you’re out there on the carpet, it all goes out the window. There’s no mirror, and your mom and friends can’t help you. Thankfully, when the photos came out later that night, they looked great.

How was your time filming for the horror film The Dogs as Ben, and how has it been seeing the response at festivals?

Filming The Dogs was great. We shot in North Bay, where I had worked before, so I got to reunite with some of the crew. The festival attention it has gotten was so deserved – Valerie Buhagiar’s vision was beautiful. Donovan Colan was incredible leading the film. I worked with him on Chapelwaite when I was 10. His instincts in every scene were brilliant. I’m glad I got to be part of it.

Was there anything that drew you to the role of Connor Bates in Out of My Mind, and what was it like telling this story?

Connor is the kind of character I don’t often see, especially in stories centered on disabled youth. He’s accepting and truly believes Melody is capable and deserving of her spot on the trivia team. The story itself was so inspiring. I also have a disabled nephew, who is non-verbal and autistic, so being able to tell this story with such an amazing ensemble meant a lot to me.

How was it joining the cast of The Expanse in Season 6 and playing Xan?

That was one of the coolest projects I’ve ever done. I was cast alongside my real-life twin sister, and we got to do so many scenes together; it was a first in our careers. In preparation, I read the Strange Dogs novella, of The Expanse series, to really capture who he was. Our biggest goal was to portray them as accurately as possible, like copy and pasting from book to screen. Our storyline made up all the cold-opens of every episode of Season 6.  If you string them all together, they make a nice little short film about Cara and Xan’s story arc. The main cast welcomed us so warmly into the Expanse family. We shot during all the COVID restrictions, but we still got photos with a bunch of them. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

Can you tell us about your experience filming A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting, and what was Jacob Zellman like to play?

That film was such a big boost for my career. Jacob was kind of the opposite of the kid I was at the time, which made him fun to play. I loved his journey – he learns to find strength within himself.

The cast was amazing. All of them were older, but I never felt left out because we hung out a lot off set. Tamara (Smart) even babysat me once, and we still keep in touch. I reunited with her recently while she filmed Percy Jackson, and I was filming The Thundermans at the time. I was also close with Lynn (Masako Cheng), who played Cassie). She was one of the younger kids of the cast, but she had a sense of Asian identity that I found inspiring. I really appreciate being made aware of my role in representation.

I’ll never forget the catering. During the last week, every day had a different theme for lunch. The directors and producers were so patient and supportive with me. I always look back on that project as a special time.

You’ve voiced Koa Wombat in Elinor Wonders Why since 2020, what’s it like voicing a regular character in a series?

It’s a big commitment, but voice work is so special. The only people you really need to focus on are the kids, the director, and yourself. If you build a strong relationship with everyone involved, it becomes a safe space for creativity, it is actually very fun. Research is also key. Every show now pulls inspiration from somewhere whether it be a person, a character, or an idea. Koa is kind of a surfer dude but in child form. Every recording session was hilarious because I drew from characters like Jude from 6TEEN, and Matthew McConaughey.

What was it like voicing Malik in Work It Out Wombats! and Jay in Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes?

Both were such great projects. When you voice a co-lead in an ensemble, the key is to find the traits that make each character unique.

Malik is the oldest sibling, the protector of Zadie and Zeke so he must be strict sometimes. They all live with their grandma in the Treeborhood.

Jay is musical, and very cool. He is a bit of a show-off. They’re very different characters, but both are loyal, determined, and natural leaders.

You voiced various characters in Season 1 of Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum before taking over as Xavier himself in Season 2, what did a typical recording day look like?

When I was 10, I voiced Confucius, Charlie Chaplin, and César Chávez in Season 1. It was the beginning of the pandemic, and this was one of the few shows still recording in person, but recording days were short. There were lots of precautions.

When I took over for Xavier, days were much longer. A typical day would include: making a cup of tea when I arrived, warming up my voice with director Susan Hart, running through and recording an episode, then taking a break before starting another one. The stories dove into history in such a beautiful way that was still accessible to kids. I’m so grateful Ms. Hart had the patience and confidence in me to take on the lead.

You’ve also appeared in projects like Goosebumps, Kung Fu, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Good Sam, and Overlord and the Underwoods, as well as voicing roles in Sago Mini Friends, PAW Patrol, PJ Masks, Mighty Express, and Blue’s Clues & You; what stand-out highlights come to mind from across your career?

I’ve been lucky to do a lot, but Goosebumps really stands out. I had this emotional scene, and Ana Yi Puig (who played my sister) pulled me aside before filming. She told me not to push myself too far and to protect my peace instead of traumatising myself for the scene. I always appreciate what she did for me. That conversation really helped. It was such a draining moment but being mindful of my thoughts, while having a supportive scene partner made it a special experience.

During Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Anson Mount and I had a moment that we discussed bullies. I was venting to him a bit with what I had to deal with in school, being shorter and biracial. I had just accepted that that is how it would be. It was during all the Anti-Asian violence that was happening around the world due to the COVID outbreak. He told me to stay vocal and resilient and stick to my morals and beliefs. No matter what bullies I had to face in life, I had to remember that. No matter what haters say or think, they can’t take anything away from my strengths and identity. He wanted me to always be confident in my identity as a minority in today’s times. He reminded me that representation matters and the work that I was doing was important.

Where does your love of screen and voice acting come from, and how did you get into both?

I got started when I was four. I saw a kid on Disney Channel and told my parents, “I want to be on TV!”. We sent pictures to an agency, and they signed me. But there wasn’t much work for a four year old with no experience and we stopped for a couple of years. I started again two years later when my mom had our Christmas photos done and she liked them so much she submitted my sister and me to another agency. That was our real start. But after A Simple Favor, we moved to a bigger agency.

When you sign with an agency, you’ll be submitted to both screen and voiceover (VO) auditions. So, we had to just figure out the voice world. Luckily there were professionals who helped us navigate that world.

I’ve always loved performing, creating, even vlogging on my parents’ phones and tablets. Halloween is my favourite holiday because you get to play pretend all day in costume. As an actor, there’s so much you can do with a character and there is not much difference between screen and VO. You still must do all the character work and preparations for each.

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

I have very diverse tastes. I enjoy horror movies, superhero movies, and early 2000s rom-coms. I’m a huge fan of the Scream franchise, plus both the MCU and DC films. I also really admire Luca Guadagnino and Sofia Coppola’s work. They have such a beautiful eye for symbolism and for telling authentic youth stories. Their films feel so relatable.

My favourite comedies are Bob’s Burgers and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. I love how they write their witty dialogue.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love to read and play guitar. I’m working on writing my own screenplay at the moment. I like to practice Taekwondo and I played club volleyball, and I enjoy anything to do with outdoors. When I’m on set, or away from home for a project, there has to be balance and it cannot always be about work. It’s important to have interests outside of work too.

What are you hoping the rest of the year brings for you, and do you have any upcoming projects you can talk about?

I am always grateful for any opportunities that might come along. For now, I don’t try to worry too much about that. I just stay busy with school and sports.

I can’t give details yet, but I filmed a horror movie for A24 last year, and it’s coming out soon. I can’t wait for people to see it – it’s seriously awesome.

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