As part of our coverage of The Girl in the Woods, Nerds & Beyond had the opportunity to speak with Reed Diamond! Diamond is an actor best known for his roles on Homicide: Life on the Street, Designated Survivor, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, and many more. In The Girl in the Woods, Diamond plays Hosea, the leader of a secretive colony dedicated to protecting the world from monsters hidden behind a door in the woods. We spoke with Diamond about his character and his experience making the horror series.
Nerds & Beyond: What drew you to this project originally?
Reed Diamond: When I read the incredible pilot, I immediately realized that this show is EVERYTHING my 13-year-old daughter is looking for in a series! Truly SCARY horror, with a compelling mythology, and honest and realistic LGBTQ+ characters.
Nerds & Beyond: Hosea is a character who is motivated by ideology in a terrifying way. What was it like creating a character who wholeheartedly believes he’s doing the right thing, even as his methods are brutal?
Reed Diamond: Hosea is a gift of a character. A man with two very powerful aims: to rule and administer The Colony (a society that literally has the massive responsibility of guarding the portal to the underworld), and to raise his daughter (who he loves) to be a powerful warrior who is capable of serving this immense responsibility of protecting humanity. What we might call “brutal,” Hosea regards as necessary, but throughout he is motivated by LOVE. In his parenting style, I thought a lot about the Johnny Cash song “A Boy Named Sue.” He must be toughest on his own child so that she is strong enough for their august task.
Nerds & Beyond: Hosea’s relationship with Carrie is complex to say the least, with a lot of manipulation and mind games. What was it like working with Stefanie Scott (Carrie) to create that tension?
Reed Diamond: All of Hosea’s scenes are beautifully written by Casey Modderno and were a joy to explore. My personal favorite was the scene where she unexpectedly returns to the colony, and Hosea and Carrie have their first seeming “heart to heart” while I nosh a bowl of cherries (thank you, Casey!). But, throughout, they are actually playing an elaborate game of chess.
Like I said, I always saw Hosea as motivated internally by LOVE, but that doesn’t make his outward actions any less harsh. The fun part about those interactions was always keeping Carrie off balance, yet maintaining an internal father’s pride and love.
Nerds & Beyond: What are you hoping audiences take away from the series?
Reed Diamond: First, I just hope they enjoy the ride. But, I also think the show is so beautifully layered … they will be able to return for repeated viewings with new levels and surprises to delight in.
The Girl in the Woods is available now on Peacock/Crypt TV. Stay tuned for more interviews from the cast and creative team!
