We Speak Actors
Laura-Claire English on her supporting role in the newly released Netflix series ‘The Abandons’
Netflix’s newly released drama series ‘The Abandons’ has quickly drawn attention for its gritty tone, atmospheric storytelling, and high-profile cast. Created by Kurt Sutter, the series — which premiered on Netflix on December 4 and shot to the streamer’s Top 10 list across several countries — boasts a star-studded cast, including Lena Headey, Gillian Anderson, Aisling Franciosi, Diana Silvers, Lucas Till, Nick Robinson, and more.
The show centres on the intensifying conflict between two families led by two formidable matriarchs, exploring themes of survival, loyalty, and how far family will go to protect their own in a lawless frontier community. Among the cast is Laura-Claire English, who appears as May Moran, the wife of local tavern owner Leslie Moran (played by Jack Doolan). While her role unfolds subtly, May’s presence is most notable in the emotionally charged events of Episode 5, where the violence of frontier life erupts into chaos and death for the already fractured community of Angel Ridge, exposing secrets and testing loyalties in the lead-up to the explosive final episodes. We caught up with Laura-Claire to talk about her experience on the series, working with the cast and creative team, and what lies ahead.
Laura-Claire, how does it feel to be part of the cast of ‘The Abandons’?
It is really exciting to be part of this project and to have gotten to work alongside such a talented cast and crew. I’m a big fan of Sutter’s work, so when I learned about the project, I knew that conceptually it was going to be a great story, with the gritty ambiance and intensity that his work is known for. This was further enhanced by the incredible ensemble cast and creative team involved.

Who did you work with, both opposite on screen and behind the scenes?
I initially shot for three episodes in scenes directed by Kurt Sutter, Gwyneth Horder-Payton, and Guy Ferland. I had the opportunity to work alongside and meet a number of wonderful actors, including Lena Headey, Diana Silvers, Jack Doolan, Tim Murphy, Jonathan Koensgen, Katelyn Wells, Gin Fedotov, and Brian Quintero.
Behind the scenes, I also had the chance to meet Brian O’Byrne, which was a really memorable moment for me, as I’ve been a big fan of his for many years. We didn’t have any scenes together, but one day he came up to me and introduced himself after hearing there was another Irish actress on set. We ended up chatting about home and those sorts of things, and how we enjoyed working on the project — we Irish really do seem to find each other wherever we go.

How did you prepare for the role?
My scenes weren’t dialogue-heavy, so there wasn’t a lot of preparation required in that sense. Instead, I focused on grounding myself and getting to know the actors I was sharing scenes with. May, running the local tavern alongside her husband Leslie Moran, would naturally have a relaxed and familiar relationship with most of the townspeople, even if that wasn’t being conveyed directly through dialogue.
Before shooting our scene, I got to spend some time with Tim, Jack, and Lena. The atmosphere was easy and relaxed, and everyone was very down-to-earth; we spent most of the time chatting and joking around. It was quite hot at the time, as Alberta was in the midst of a prolonged heatwave, so I commiserated with Lena about the multiple layers of period-appropriate clothing, which included stockings, bloomers, an underskirt, and more, as was fitting for a woman of my station. The easy atmosphere behind the scenes helped set the tone for the natural, familiar energy when shooting.
The bar scene in Episode 5 — which was the one of the scenes I filmed that made it into the final cut — was more intense and impactful for my character. That scene required much more emotional preparation, particularly in understanding the gravity of what May experiences in that moment, as her whole world is changed. The impenitent violence in that scene is a precursor to the carnage that quickly follows, rocking the foundation of the entire community.
Featured photo credit: Lucas Preston Photography
We Speak Actors
Marvel Actor Sebastián Capitán Viveros (‘Capi’) Stars as Series Regular in ‘Fightland’
Sebastián Capitán Viveros, better known as ‘Capi,’ has quietly built an impressive international career, appearing in major productions including Marvel Studios’ ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ and ‘Eternals,’ alongside acclaimed series such as ‘Halo,’ ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth,’ and the thriller ‘9 Bodies in a Mexican Morgue.’ He now stars as series regular Lazaro in the action crime drama ‘Fightland,’ now streaming in the U.S. on STARZ, with a UK release on Sky Atlantic and NOW planned soon. Executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, the series marks another major milestone for one of the industry’s most exciting rising international talents.
Having grown up between Mexico, the United States and Switzerland before establishing himself in the UK after graduating from the prestigious Drama Centre London, Capi brings authenticity, emotional depth and remarkable versatility to every performance. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on his multicultural upbringing, working on blockbuster productions, landing the role he believes he was born to play, and why ‘Fightland’ represents the most exciting chapter of his career so far.
For readers discovering your work for the first time, could you tell us a little about your acting journey? Having grown up between Mexico, the USA and Switzerland before building your career in the UK, how has your multicultural background shaped you both personally and professionally?
The universe chose me to be an actor; there is nothing else that would sit right in my soul than living through the expression of my art. Growing up across different countries and learning several languages allowed me to see both the world and myself from different perspectives. Being away from my home country since I was five years old, theatre became my refuge. It gave me the freedom to discover who I truly was alongside my twin sister and soulmate, Ilse. We both found a sense of security on stage. My first acting coach, Judith Hall, taught me what it truly means to be a professional actor and helped me earn my place at Drama Centre London. That experience shaped me into the man I always dreamed—and knew—I was meant to become.

Throughout your career you’ve appeared in productions including ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home,’ ‘Eternals,’ ‘Halo,’ ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth,’ ‘9 Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’ and now ‘Fightland.’ Looking back, which projects are you most proud of to date, and why?
“I went from serving Malaysian food in Camden Town to standing on a boat with Tom Holland and Zendaya in Venice while filming a Marvel production.”
That was my very first screen role in ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home,’ and it completely changed my life. It connected me to my higher self and made me feel aligned with my destiny. ‘9 Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’ was another unforgettable milestone because it was my first leading role. Filming alongside one of my closest friends from Drama Centre while portraying a Mexican lieutenant inspired by my grandfather—who was an admiral in the Mexican Navy—was incredibly meaningful. But ‘Fightland’ is on another level. The filmmaking, the people, the experience… It was one of the most profound, joyful, and unforgettable experiences of my career.
In ‘Fightland,’ you play Lazaro, a series regular. What attracted you to the role, what can audiences expect from your character without giving too much away, and what was it like working alongside such a talented cast?
The moment I read the audition scenes, I knew I was born to play Lazaro. An actor’s responsibility is to tell the truth, and Lazaro is my truth—apart from the criminal side! He’s a Mexican raised in the United States, and I connected deeply with him. Audiences can expect violence, strength, emotional depth and plenty of authentic Mexican swagger. Working with such an exceptional cast was a gift. Great actors elevate one another, and every scene became an opportunity to feed off each other’s performances. The showrunners, Damione and Raphael, as well as directors Otto and Seb, created an environment where I learned and grew in ways I can’t fully describe.

Your role includes action and physically demanding scenes. How did you prepare for them, and what was the most rewarding or challenging part of bringing Lázaro to life?
The most challenging—and enjoyable—part was training with legendary stunt coordinator Will Mackay. We spent countless hours practising fight choreography, gun handling and knife work.
“Audiences should prepare for intense action that will genuinely keep them on the edge of their seats.”
For me, preparation comes down to repetition. You rehearse until everything becomes instinct. Then, once you’re on set, you let go of all that preparation and simply live truthfully in the moment.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about this next chapter of your career, and what do you hope audiences take away from your performance in ‘Fightland’?
What excites me most is seeing a future where I can continue doing what I love—telling stories through art. I hope ‘Fightland’ introduces audiences to my commitment as an actor and demonstrates my versatility. While I’m proud of my Latino heritage, I don’t want to be defined solely by it. I’m an artist, a human being, ready to play any role—to be vulnerable or strong, funny or serious—and I’m hungry for every life I get the chance to live through acting.
Featured photo credit: Courtesy of STARZ
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