It seems like the youngest Jonas brother has evolved from his celibate, skinny boy-band days. Playing the role of a tough, buzz-cut cage fighter with multiple sex scenes, you'd hardly recognize Nick Jonas at all.
The star of DirecTV's hard-hitting drama has opened up about his character, Nate, and the shocking reveal on the show's December 10 season finale: Nate is gay. It had been hinted on the show's season finale when Nate was thrown out of a gay bar and had drunkenly found himself sharing a kiss with another man.
While the brief scene came as a shock for most viewers, Jonas revealed in an exclusive phone interview with BuzzFeed that he was aware about Nate's sexual preference right from the start. "Byron (Balasco, creator of the series ) told me before shooting began," Jonas said in the interview, "Everyone at Kingdom was really transparent about the character and some of the things the character would go through. And in my prep work, I wanted to be aware so I could properly tell this story." the actor continued.
For Kingdom creator Byron Balasco, it was of particular importance to have a gay character in the MMA world. "I wanted to tell this story in an environment that would be, perhaps, extra challenging for a gay man," he said in an interview with the site.
Jonas, who had recently flexed his muscles at gay clubs has opened up about reaching out to his "gay fanbase" since the reveal of Nate's sexuality. "The attitude I take in the stories I want to share and my personal life and my view is that I think we're in a time where there's a new progression. For all people of all walks of life to accept all people ... I'd be thrilled if I'm any part of that." Jonas said in the BuzzFeed interview.
The 22-year old actor and singer added that "I'm absolutely willing to go anywhere the story needs to go."
There will most likely be gay love scenes in the show's upcoming episodes. "I have trust in Byron and the writing team to tell these stories in a really honest and grounded way and it's my responsibility as an actor to be that person and tell those stories the best I can," Jonas said. "So, absolutely I will do all I need to do."
Balasco did give a few hints on what Kingdom viewers would expect during the following episodes, "You always think everybody is thinking about you all the time, but the truth is, nobody's thinking about you - period. Your sexuality isn't as earth shattering to the other guy in the gym as you think it is, but it's scary to actually find out that answer."
While Jonas is unaware about what is in store for Nate, the actor says that he wants his character to find self-love. "There's a journey he has to go on, and I hold that with a lot of responsibility and I'm thrilled to get to tell this story." he said.
What do you think of Nick's gay role in DirecTV's kingdom? What plot latest updates would you want to hear? Do you think Jonas' girlfriend, Olivia Culpo will be jealous of the actor's upcoming love scenes? Leave your thoughts in the comments below
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