Anne with an E: Cory Gruter-Andrew talks Cole, period dramas, and challenges

Cory Gruter-Andrew is known for a number of roles, especially across the CW network. Now he’s stepped into the world of period drama, playing Cole in CBC’s Anne/Netflix’s Anne with an E and he shares what it was like going into the second season, challenges in filming, and more.

Cory Gruter-Andrew is certainly well-known to those who watch The CW and SYFY. He’s taken on roles in Legends of Tomorrow, The 100 and Van Helsing. All of these have a similar theme. They’re futuristic or dystopian in nature. So, what was it like going into a period drama role like Anne with an E?

The Canadian/Netflix series (it’s known as Anne here in Canada) is onto its second season. Already released on Netflix (still to air on CBC!) fans have had a chance to meet Cole. Now Cory has shared what it was like coming into the popular period show in the second season and hanging up his futuristic coat for a period drama.

Hidden Remote: For those who haven’t watched it yet, can you tell us a little about your character, Cole?

Cory Gruter-Andrew: Cole is a sweet sensitive boy who has always felt as if he is different from the other kids in Avonlea, he hasn’t had many friends in his life, but that changed when he met Anne and Diana. He has a true passion for his artwork and wants to pursue it for the rest of his life.

HR: What’s it been like coming into Anne with an E in the second season? It became so popular so quickly last year, was there any pressure?

CGA: The whole cast and crew have welcomed me with open arms and I couldn’t be more thankful for that. They are all such nice people and I thank them for their hospitality. So no, on set there wasn’t much pressure at all.

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HR: How did you go about preparing for the role, especially as a period drama role?

CGA: I thought about it as if it were any other role really, but just rewound it by about 100 years and added all the aspects of no social media, how Cole was raised, and what his morals are.

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HR: What’s been your biggest challenge in the series so far and in acting overall?

CGA: My biggest challenge in the series overall was episode 10, scene 1 where Cole states that he feels there isn’t any place for him in this world. It was heartbreaking to read and to put in on screen was even more difficult, but it was so fun to do, I loved every second.

HR: You’ve done so many diverse roles over the years like Van Helsing and The 100. Do you have a favorite type of show?

CGA: Definitely; my favorite type of show to watch is anything with a good storyline, or something post-apocalyptic-survival-like. But I enjoy most roles, a horror is always fun though.

HR: What’s would your dream role be?

CGA: I couldn’t tell you a specific dream role, but I can tell you it would be a complex character, like the joker, for example; someone who is incredibly hard to understand.

Any upcoming projects you can share?

CGA: Nothing I can share.

That will hopefully mean there’s lots more to come from this talented young actor. Hopefully, someone complex and hard to understand. They do sound like fun roles to take on.

Anne with an E Season 2 is currently available to stream on Netflix. It will premiere on CBC on Sept. 23, 2018.