EXCLUSIVE: Steve Lund Talks New Syfy Show 'Bitten'

A series of concussions steered Canadian actor Steve Lund from a career shooting hockey pucks with the Halifax Mooseheads to a shot in the limelight dealing with a whole different animal: werewolves. It's not too far-fetched when it's revealed that, thanks to growing up watching 'Indiana Jones,' Lund always had the acting bug since an early age.

Now, Lund, who has guest-starred on 'Beauty & The Beast' and 'Hemlock Grove,' has landed a starring role in the new Syfy/Space production, 'Bitten,' which premieres next month.

The series is a supernatural thriller based on the best-selling book series, 'Women of the Otherworld,' by Kelley Armstrong. Set in upstate New York and Toronto, the show revolves around the last female werewolf in existence (Laura Vandervoort), who is torn between two worlds: her human life with her boyfriend and the werewolf realm she gave up. Lund plays Nick Sorrentino, a young werewolf, who is the grandson of the former pack Alpha. TVRage caught up with the actor over the phone from his place in Toronto. 

TVRage: So, what attracted you to ‘Bitten’?

Steve Lund: ‘Bitten’ is a lot of things that made it really appealing to an actor. The fact that it’s based on a novel series with its own fan following and tons of material to draw from. The whole team involved in it made it sound right from the get-go. When I got the audition, I was living in L.A. When they gave me the audition, they gave me what’s called a bible, which describes every character and their backstory and an outline of what the whole season was going to be like. It immediately submerged me into the whole character and story. And the fact that it was filmed in Toronto made me want it very badly, and I would do anything to get it, which included me driving from L.A. to Toronto in three days flat, non-stop. I got a horrible cold, but made it there for the callbacks that were being held in Toronto and it all worked out.

TVRage: Tell us about your role on the show. You play Nick Sorrentino. How would you describe him?

Lund: Nick is very much a fun-loving guy. He comes across as not being so serious, but he really understands his role in the pack. Because the Sorrentino name has been in the pack for many generations, I honor that role respectfully, but I’m not so interested in following in my father’s or grandfather’s footsteps. I have my own ventures, I’d like to think I’m my own man. You see a change in Nick as the series goes on and when the body count piles up. He takes more authority and responsibility because he’s needed.

TVRage: How do you get into the skin of Nick? How much does his being an animal play into your performance?

Lund: Lot of snarling. Often salivating. (Laughs) You don’t see us sniffing around or sniffing each other’s butts or anything like that, but it requires a unique intensity to have that secret in your day-to-day life. The audience will pick up on the fact that we have different instincts than a normal human being, but we didn’t want it to be a huge part of the show. Humans first, werewolves second. Because the show is very human and has family values. We wanted it to have a realistic approach to show that loyalty, that undying love for your pack. It’s very present in all the writing.

TVRage: You went to Fan Expo this summer. How was that?

Lund: It was awesome. It was one of the highlights of my summer, honestly. We were just having a ball. It was such a nice time. I’ve never been exposed to anything like that. People were very excited and wearing friggin’ werewolve costumes. I mean, I’m from the East Coast, but I’ve never been exposed to such friendly and lovely people like that before. They were so amazing. Everyone we met had the biggest smile on their face and wishing us all the best. It was really cool. I can’t say enough how well we were received.

TVRage: The supernatural is such a popular genre for TV, film, books. Why do you think audiences gravitate towards the paranormal?

Lund: That’s a good question. I think, for a lot of people, it might be an escape. Getting to live vicariously in a different world or realm, that’s always alluring. Getting to live out one’s fantasy might be a reason as well. I think at some point, things get boring and you just want to watch different content.

TVRage: If you could have any supernatural power in everyday life, what would it be?

Lund: I think I would have the power to slow everything else around me, but it’s operating at the same speed. It’s really helpful in sports and stuff. You could slow everyone down at half speed and walk around. I guess super speed, really.

TVRage: Being from Toronto myself, I especially appreciate that not only is ‘Bitten’ shot in Toronto, but it’s also set here as well. Following in the footsteps of ‘Orphan Black,’ why do you think it’s now OK to have a series set here now?

Lund: I think it’s about time Toronto is on the map. It’s a wonderful city. But I think the reason for this, at least in our case, is that we’re really proud of Canadian content. I think we produce a lot of good product here. We’re here. We’re ready to compete. It’s an exciting time for the film and TV world here. There are a lot of good jobs coming through here.

TVRage: Since this is a TV website and we love TV, I’d like to know what are you currently watching on TV?

Lund: I’ve been watching an embarrassing amount of ‘Arrested Development.’ I was watching ‘Homeland’ for a while. My favorite show of the year is ‘House of Cards.’

TVRage: Really? That’s mine. I watched it in, like, two days.

Lund: It’s amazing, right? Kevin Spacey is perfect in it.

TVRage: Wrapping up: why should people, particularly non-supernatural fans, tune into ‘Bitten’?

Lund: Sex. Pure, unadulterated sex. (Laughs) No, I mean, it’s a pretty sexy show. It’s very primal, very animalistic. But there’s something in it for everyone. I think what people will really relate to it is the humanity of it all. It’s a family-driven show. It also showcases that fight to survive. It’s really cool.

'Bitten' premieres on Syfy on Jan. 13 at 10/9c.