Michael Solomon shines as Rusty in the Netflix teen comedy-drama series, “Freeridge.”
“Freeridge” is a coming of age comedy following sibling rivals Gloria and Ines and their friends Demi and Cameron who have unleashed a curse bringing dark misfortune into their lives. There’s a new core four in town in this On My Block spinoff series and an unforgettable adventure to be had.
The series stars Keyla Monterroso Mejia (Gloria), Bryana Salaz (Ines), Tenzing Norgay Trainor (Cam), Ciara Riley Wilson (Demi) and Peggy Blow in a new series regular role. Additional cast includes Michael Solomon, Zaire Adams, J.R. Villarreal and Jean Paul San Pedro with Paula Garcés, Eric Gutierrez, Eme Ikwuakor and Raushanah Simmons reprising their roles from “On My Block.”
Check out our interview with Michael!
“Freeridge” season one is out. How does it feel?
Michael: Super exciting. Super, super exciting. I like to make the joke that I can’t be nearly as excited as the other leads of the show because they waited a whole year longer because they were cast during the pandemic. So, they had to wait a whole year and then I was brought on to the show. So, thankfully I got to stroll right in and just enjoy the benefits. Where I am over the moon, they are screaming every second so we’re all just stoked that people are finally watching it.
How much later were you cast?
Michael: We still had a prep process. I was brought on, I’d say a month or two before shooting, so we had time to kind of get to know each other, go out to lunch, and do some rehearsals to really prep. But it was pretty fast moving as soon as we were booked because we were just kind of checking out the scripts and getting into it.
Were you a fan of “On My Block” before joining the spin off?
Michael: I was! I keep telling everyone I have to thank my sister. She’s the one that put me on to the show. And ever since then we both started watching it and I very much have seen the show three times before we started filming.
What exactly ties “Freeridge” to “On My Block”?
Michael: The location. The city is really what connects us because you’re seeing kind of the different worlds that happen within Freeridge. Their situations are more focused on the gangs and you do see some cameos of some of the adult characters popping in but we are very distinct, different areas. So, you might see some locations or restaurants that are familiar, but other than that we are telling our own story.
Who is your character and how would you describe him?
Michael: My character is Rusty. He is brought into the group because the uncle of the leads, Tio Tonio, who is Gloria and Ines’ uncle, wants an assistant. So, I’m just kind of helping around the house and I get kind of dragged into all the hijinks that they’re wound up in. He’s a little bit more seasoned. He’s a year older but he’s seen more life than them, so he tries to be a little bit more contained in his emotions, but he may not be as perfect as a guy as everyone assumes off the top, if you’ve seen the show.
How much of yourself did you bring to Rusty?
Michael: I like to say he’s there for a lot of the characters in the show. He’s there to listen and I’d say that part is definitely myself. I try to be there as best I can for my friends if they’re going through hardships because, you know, it’s always hard to go through a time like that alone. But Rusty is way more mature than I am, especially in high school, but he’s a little bit more morally questionable than I am. I feel like I got a better head on my shoulders than Rusty when it comes to that aspect.
So now that the show’s out and people are getting to watch it, what was your favorite part of the season?
Michael: Now that people have seen it, I would for sure say my favorite part for my character is definitely when you find out that he’s being paid to be in a relationship with Gloria. Because that’s like when you finally– you start to question all of Rusty’s motives for every single thing, how forgiving he is, how patient he is with Gloria, it’s like, when is it real? When is it fake? So I love how that forces that backtracking. When it comes to the show in general, I love the trend of when Cam and Demi are back together and everyone keeps throwing food at Demi and calling her a home wrecker and Tenzing’s Cameron turns around and yells, ‘What home?!’ I don’t know why, but ever since the table read, thathas me in tears cracking up when it happens.
So, I know it’s still really early, but have you heard anything about a potential season two?
Michael: I know we’re just waiting and anxiously waiting. But trust me, as soon as we find out things, the world will know.
Well, my fingers are crossed for that!
Michael: Same here. Trust me.
Is there anything with Rusty that you would like to explore more if you were to get a season two?
Michael: Yeah, he seems like Mr. Perfect in the first season, and you’re starting to see that he’s not, so I would really love to explore that. Like, you know, he’s trying to justify all of his intentions, but he just keeps making the wrong choice. So, you’re trying to root for him but it’s getting really hard to. I would love to see that arc for him. That’d be so cool to just see that different shade of him.
I agree. And in the meantime, while we’re all waiting, are there any other projects you’re working on?
Michael: At the moment, we’re just working on getting this a season two! So, stream and watch it, do whatever you can because “Freeridge” is my home at the current moment.
If people want to stay up to date with you and projects that you’re working on, where can we follow you?
Michael: Yeah, my main one is definitely Instagram. We’re trying to be a little bit more social media savvy, but no promises. You can follow me @michael_solomon on Instagram where I like to post a little BTS, just share what I’m up too.
Awesome, and before I let you go, is there anything else you’d like to add about season one of “Freeridge”
Michael: I think that’s about it. It was a wild ride to film. We’re so happy that everyone is getting to see it. And you know, we’re hoping we’re brought back for season two.
