Peter Bundic discusses his experience as “Carl Tapper” on Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which recently concluded its run. Aside from CAOS, Peter also appears in the recently released film Spontaneous, starring Katherine Langford and Charlie Plummer.
Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to do this.
Peter Bundic (PB): Thank you, thanks for having me.
How did you discover your interest in acting? Did you ever consider pursuing anything else as a career?
PB: I actually discovered my interest in acting through my older sister. She wanted to join an acting class and tag me along with her. I was actually really nervous and shy as a little kid, so I didn’t know how I’d feel about it at first. We ended up having a lot of fun together. Shortly after that, I met my agent and then just started getting into it, enjoying it and having a lot of fun.
You played “Carl Tapper” on Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which ended in December 2020. What stands out in your mind about your experience on the show?
PB: The whole experience was fantastic. From day one working on the set, all the cast and crew were so friendly, helpful. Everybody on set was just so easy to work with.
As someone who was in the first episode of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, how did you find watching the show grow in popularity?
PB: Yeah, I loved the old Sabrina [starring Melissa Joan Hart] and watching the new, I guess, Archie universe. Sabrina was really cool because I also enjoy watching Riverdale. It’s so interesting to see which parts of the world like the show, where it’s gaining its popularity and how many viewers there are. All around the world, it’s really cool to me.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina had an established cast from the beginning – such as Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men), Ross Lynch (Disney’s Austin and Ally) and Lucy Davis (The Office/Wonder Woman). Did you feel any pressure when you booked the pilot episode?
PB: I didn’t feel any pressure. I always kind of tell myself before an audition or anything, “Just relax, be calm. Go out there and have fun.” So, that’s what I did. I was absolutely ecstatic when I heard that I’d be working on the show. I couldn’t wait to go on set, after I got that call.
Do you see any similarities between yourself and Carl, or more differences?
PB: Definitely more differences. It was easy for me to play that role and put myself into what Carl’s shoes would have been. I’ve been on sports teams and kind of understand how jocks can act. So, it was almost easy for me to emulate that. On the personal level, Carl and I differ very much. He’s also not very understanding. His character is very homophobic at the beginning of the show and can be a bit of a d**k. [Laughs] I like to be nice to everybody. Definitely different playing a bully character, but I could enact his overall being with my overall understanding of how jocks can behave.
Aside from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, you also appear in Paramount Pictures’ Spontaneous, starring Katherine Langford. How would you describe your character, “Steve”?
PB: My character Steve was actually written down in the description as: “Steve. Everybody likes Steve.” So, he was just supposed to be a likable, upbeat fun guy. When I auditioned [for the film], I auditioned for a different character but the director Brian liked the audition. He was in the room for the first audition, We had such a fun time with it that they actually ended up adding a couple more lines and scenes here and there throughout the shoot for me to do, work with and have fun.
Spontaneous is based on a novel written by Aaron Starmer. Were you aware of the book beforehand and have you had a chance to read it?
PB: When I got the role, I read the book. Just to get myself familiarised with the whole story and, of course, the whole script. I always like seeing movies being made about books after. Some people say it’s harder to make a book work in a movie, but I feel like they did a great job. Again, that was such a fun set to work on.
Similar to yourself, Katherine Langford has also appeared in Netflix productions (13 Reasons Why, Cursed). Did you have an oppourtunity to share your experiences on the set of Spontaneous?
PB: Yeah, everybody was super open and inclusive. We were all sitting around in a big acting green room as opposed to trailers, that’s what the set up was. Everybody including Katherine was super open to just chatting and sharing their experiences. Having a good time, playing some games on set when we didn’t have anything to do. Charlie [Plummer, who plays “Dylan”]. Katherine, a few other actors and myself, we’re in the green room waiting for a scene to be set up. We started playing this game where we found a ping pong ball and a roll of tape. We put the roll of tape on top of books and shelves and try to get the ping pong ball inside. That occupied us for as many hours as we needed between set-ups.
How have you kept yourself busy during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?
PB: The pandemic, at first, I found really stressful, not knowing what to fill with my time. Being used to my schedule having been so busy before, constantly “go go go”, I didn’t really know what to do at first. I started working out more, doing my own little work outs, going for walks in the park. Reading a lot, listening to podcasts. Watching a lot of TV. I find keeping my mind occupied and trying to stay active is the best you can do.
Do you have any good TV recommendations from what you’ve been watching?
PB: I absolutely binged the last season of Sabrina when it came out, amongst a few other shows. Spontaneous as well, nicely enough, came out around the pandemic time. I was able to watch those with my family, which was quite enjoyable.
If anyone reading/watching this interview wanted to find out more about your work or you personally, where could they find that information?
PB: Yeah, absolutely. They could find me at @peterbundic on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I’m happy to reach out if any fans have any questions on Instagram, I’m looking through them and always happy to go through, respond and reach back out.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2021, what do you hope to accomplish in the year?
PB: I just hope to keep growing as individual. I love acting with my whole heart and I would just love to continue to get the opportunities to showcase what I can do. The chance to be able to go out and work on something that always feels like I get to play, doesn’t feel like work.
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