On the phone with ‘Ravenswood’s’ Tyler Blackburn | Lifestyle.INQ

OCTOBER 27, 2022

“Pretty Little Liars” is one of the most suspenseful TV shows around. Conceptualized as “Desperate Housewives” for teens, the show has spawned a huge fanbase all over the world while its teenage cast of actors have become household names (three of its lead actors, Lucy Hale, Troian Bellisario and half-Filipino Shay Mitchell have visited Manila).

 

We were bummed when Hanna’s boyfriend Caleb Rivers, played by Tyler Blackburn, exited “Pretty Little Liars,” but our sadness didn’t last long because we found out that he was moving to the neighboring town of “Ravenswood.”

 

Though “Ravenswood” is technically a spinoff of “Pretty Little Liars,” the new show deals with curses, spirits and other supernatural elements.

 

Super talked to Tyler Blackburn on moving house and leaving behind the town of Rosewood and Hanna Marin.

 

What’s going on at “Ravenswood”?

 

It’s a town with five teenagers slowly uncovering the town’s mystery, who’ve been cursed for generations; the curse has been around for hundreds of years. In each generation, a member of the five bloodlines dies and so Caleb and the other four realize that they are part of this bloodline and they’re basically trying to escape death and figure out how they can stop the curse.

 

You had to leave “Pretty Little Liars” to do this role. How were the goodbyes and what are you going to miss the most?

 

It was bittersweet because I felt sad to be leaving them, but also excited because I get to do something new and different. When you’ve worked together for a long time, you become close to the cast and crew; there was a lot of laughter on set and we had so much fun. I became close to Ashley Benson who played my girlfriend for three years. We bonded a lot. The relationships will be what I’ll miss most.

 

Among the “Pretty Little Liars” girls, which girl would you most likely date?

 

When I first started the show and I was asked this question, I’d always answer Aria. But honestly, I think Hanna has changed a lot throughout the show. It might be Hanna at this point.

 

You’re going to be playing the same character. Will Caleb be a changed man when he moves to “Ravenswood”?

 

Certain things change and it’s a slow progression, but I do think Caleb’s going to grow up more. His responsibility has become greater. In “Pretty Little Liars,” he’s helping out Hanna and the other girls all the time. Here he’s kinda figuring out things on his own, so he definitely has to grow up fast.

 

How did you prepare for the new series?

 

I asked a lot of questions from the writers and I got to know my castmates, which was very helpful.

 

What’s it like to work on a set that has a lot of supernatural elements?

 

It can get a little bit scary. We’ve done quite a bit of stunt work, so my adrenaline’s pumping often.

 

Are you a superstitious person?

 

I’m not superstitious but I believe in the spiritual aspects of the world. I definitely had my supernatural experiences, so I’m a believer for sure. Small things, when I was 19 or 20, I lived in Los Angeles where there was definitely supernatural activity. I’d come out in the morning and all my kitchen cabinets would be open. One night, I woke up and the space between me and my girlfriend was soaking wet, like someone had been lying there soaked. It was a little bit scary.

 

What do you do in your spare time?

 

Right now I don’t have that much spare time. Usually I like to do yoga and go surfing or see live music. I’m pretty low-key. I love cooking, hanging out with my friends and family. Pretty mellow stuff.

 

Your fans constantly rave about your hair. Would you shave it all off for a role?

 

Definitely. It’ll grow back, hopefully (laughs).

 

Twitter or Instagram?

 

I have more followers on Instagram than on Twitter. I like looking at other people’s pictures and it’s a fun way for the followers and fans to get a visual image of what’s going on with you.

 

Do you have Instagram pet peeves?

 

I don’t know if I have any. I think everybody is entitled to post whatever they want.

 

What can fans look forward to when they watch “Ravenswood”?

 

They should definitely be aware that it’s scarier than they think, so they should watch it with all their friends and prepare to be scared and possibly have nightmares.

 

“Ravenswood” premieres on Oct. 24 at 10 p.m. on ETC.

 

 

 

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