When Chace Crawford first learned about his character The Deep’s sexual relationship with an octopus named Ambrosius on the fourth season of The Boys, he was taken aback. He admitted that if he had known about this storyline beforehand, he may have had second thoughts about joining the show. The idea of filming intimate scenes with a sea creature was initially daunting for him, as he questioned how it would all come together.
As the intimate scenes with the octopus were being devised by showrunner Eric Kripke, Crawford found himself in a state of denial at first. However, with the support and guidance of Kripke, he was able to overcome his initial trepidation. The presence of an intimacy coordinator for sex scenes helped ensure that the filming environment was respectful and professional, even though working with an octopus presented a unique challenge.
Despite his initial concerns, Chace Crawford was pleasantly surprised by the positive reception The Deep’s storyline received from fans. He shared an anecdote about meeting someone at the gym who showed him a photo of himself dressed as The Deep with a pink octopus wrapped around him at Comic-Con. It became evident that the bizarre and humorous nature of the storyline resonated with viewers, and Crawford was appreciative of the support he received.
The decision to cast Tilda Swinton as the voice of Ambrosius was described by Kripke as a stroke of genius. The writers were intent on finding a British actress of the highest caliber to bring the octopus character to life, and Swinton’s involvement added a layer of prestige to the role. Although the first choice was Dame Judi Dench, Swinton’s surprise casting was welcomed with enthusiasm by both the cast and the audience.
The behind-the-scenes details of The Deep’s unconventional storyline shed light on the collaborative effort and creativity that goes into making a successful television series. Chace Crawford’s openness about his initial reservations and eventual appreciation for the unique storyline showcase the challenges and rewards of pushing boundaries in storytelling. The positive reception from fans and the casting of Tilda Swinton further highlight the impact of bold creative choices in shaping the narrative of a beloved show.