Molly C. Quinn is back for another humorous and surreal mystery inUnlicensedseason 2. Quinn has been in the acting industry since she was a teenager, with one of her first big roles being in ABC’sCastle, portraying the daughter of the titular novelist-turned-investigator. In the years since, she’s expanded her portfolio with a wide array of projects both in front of and behind the camera, including appearing in the second and thirdGuardians of the Galaxymovies, as well as the hit comedyWe’re the Millersand multiple audio dramas from Night Vale Presents.
Unlicensedis one such Night Vale title, in which Quinn stars as Molly Hatch, a recently divorced, two-years-sober woman who, in an effort to find new meaning in her life, begins work as an assistant for the unlicensed PI Lou Rosen in the outskirts of LA. Season 2 picks up sometime after the events of season 1, with Molly, now working as Lou’s partner, working on an investigation into a corrupt, mysterious organization, all while Lou becomes wrapped up investigating the disappearance of a ghost-hunting influencer, who disappeared in the middle of a live stream.
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Alongside Quinn, the cast forUnlicensedseason 2 features the returns ofGood Behavioralum Lusia Strus as Lou and Night Vale veteran TL Thompson as the narrator of the show, as well as guest appearances from Jonny Atkinson,Dimension 20’s Brennan Lee Mulligan, Luna Tieu, Demi Adejuyigbe and Jacquelyn Landgraf, among many others. With Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor also back at the helm as the creators and writers, season 2 not only proves to be a compelling and hilarious expansion of its predecessor, but also an exciting setup for the already confirmed season 3.
On the heels of the latest season’s premiere,ScreenRantinterviewed Molly C. Quinn to discussUnlicensedseason 2, how it felt to get back in the booth for the show, what keeps driving her to work with Night Vale Presents, the introduction of a romantic interest for her character this season, and how far along season 3 is. Quinn also opened up about getting to reunite with Mike Flanagan on his latest Stephen King adaptation,The Life of Chuck, and her thoughts on potentially joining James Gunn’s DC Universe.
Quinn Loves How The Night Vale Presents Team “Think Outside The Box”
“…I just couldn’t believe when they asked me.”
ScreenRant: Well, I’ve got to admit that before this interview, I had not hooked intoUnlicensed, but now I am all in and I love it. It’s such an intriguing, gripping series, but also has a really interesting humorous streak to it. It’s obviously not your first time working with Night Vale. This is, I think, your second project. First and foremost, what is it you find about that company in particular that keeps drawing you back in?
Molly C. Quinn: Oh man, they’re so cool. They’re awesome. They think outside the box, and I met Meg [Bashwiner], Joseph [Fink] and Jeffrey [Cranor] when I was like 20. So, it was at this time where I was meeting this interesting, eclectic, eccentric group of artists from New York who were doing a project that was unlike anything I had heard or seen. It took so many risks, and they were just having a good time.
So, they were the first group where I really saw, like, “Oh, wow, it doesn’t have to be so structured, or there’s not just the A to B. You can really bet the whole thing on yourself, and that can work, especially if you surround yourself with people who understand what it is, the art form you’re trying to get into the world.” So, that’s what I loved about them. And I just DM’d Joseph until he would let me be a guest on one of the LA shows, and then I just was like, “Please let me stay. Let me hang out.” And they were nice enough to let me be around, and then I just couldn’t believe when they asked me.
They’re like, “We have this idea for a California-based investigative series. Would that be interesting to you?” And I was like, “Of course. Anything y’all bring me, I’m going to want to do, because I love what y’all make.” I love that, like you said, it’s intriguing, but there’s this comedic streak through. It never stays in one lane for too long, and I think, especially when you’re just counting on the ears, that’s really important. So, of course, whatever they wanted me to do, and that it was something so tailor-made [to me], how can you not be flattered? I hope people love this season. I hope they love season 2, because I had a really great time doing it.
So, before we dive into season 2, one thing I did want to ask is how much you found that you’ve had a collaboration with them to infuse yourself into the character as much as their vision for the character in the script writing?
Molly C. Quinn: They did that. The only ways I gave anything to that process was just being around and not being quiet, just being a motor mouth, because there are moments when parts of Molly Quinn will shine through Molly Hatch, but I only ever see those once they’re given to me in script form. So, it’s more me just looking at something, reading and then going, “Oh wow, I guess I remember I did say that thing, and they’ve taken that.” It’s great. It’s great for the characters, it’s really good, but it’s almost like someone seeing me better than I can see myself.
Molly’s “Budding Romance” Took Quinn By Surprise Coming Into Season 2
She Also Offers An Exciting Progress Update On Season 3
So, coming into season 2, what was your first reaction, not only when you heard that season 2 was coming, but then when you saw the very first script for this season?
Molly C. Quinn: Oh, man. Well, I was so excited when we got renewed for a two-season pickup, when we got two and three, because I really love the show and I really try to put my whole heart into it. And when I got the scripts for season 2, something really fun about it that caught me by surprise was we experienced Molly Hatch in a budding romance, and figuring out a way that this divorced, young, sober person would connect with another human while in her work, which gets tricky. And how she would reconnect with another person was really fun, and it turned out to be very sweet. And also, cutely embarrassing at times, you know what I mean?
So that fumbling, that realness was really exciting to play with this time. But it has been very funny too. Whenever it comes out, I listen to it again, so when my husband and I are driving places, we’re listening to season 2 of Unlicensed right now. I think we’re on episode 3 or 4, the character has been introduced, his name’s Jamie, and it’s starting to happen, and I’m getting a little blushy looking at my husband being like, “Why did I want to listen to this in the car?” [Laughs] But I guess that means that it sounds authentic.
Now, I also love, in addition to that, that we have another set of interweaving mysteries going on this season. I’m personally halfway through the season, I’ve still got a little bit to go, but for readers in general, what would you say would be the sort of big thread to look for as the mysteries interweave?
Molly C. Quinn: Oh, goodness. What would it be? What would it be? I think I would say that not everything is as it seems. Be cautious of any times that feel like too much of a break. And we have a season 3. There’s a lot more road here.
I love that you have a season 3 already. How far along are you all in doing that? Are you already recording, or is it still in the writing process?
Molly C. Quinn: We’re in the recording process right now, so it’s been fun to jump right into it and read scripts and get to hear Louisa again as Lou. I think she just has my favorite voice. I absolutely love her voice, and I love the difference when you switch between Lou and myself. I guess those guys over at Night Vale know what they’re doing.
Quinn Has A Few Key Tips For Anyone Looking To Get Into Voiceover Work
So in talking about Lou, that is something I’ve always been curious about when it comes to audio recording, because group recordings don’t really happen anymore, and with podcasts and audio dramas, in particular, you’re really having to go off of your imagination. What do you find are the big keys for you in really making sure that you’re feeling fully immersed in the character, in the world, and in each scene when you are doing these recordings?
Molly C. Quinn: That’s a great question. Having an overactive imagination helps, that’s kind of a prerequisite I would suggest for the job. [Laughs] I always try to familiarize myself with the material before I get in there, but not too much, because we have an excellent director, Karlyn Daigle, is incredible, and has really great ideas. And while I’m recording, I have Karlyn in my ear, as well as Joseph, Jeffrey, and Meg, and I want to be able to take in any input they have, because what’s fun about this is the collaborative experience of creating art together.
So, it’s that perfect line of being ready, knowing where the story is going, but not being so set in my ways that I can’t get notes on the fly. And then, once you’re in the booth, I just let my imagination completely take over the space. So, if anything, when I do get a note or anything, I’m sure once or twice I’ve seemed a little miffed, it’s only because I feel like I’m no longer on Citrus Avenue. I’m not in my car staking out Kagel Canyon. The writing is so great that it just immediately creates that picture.
I am curious, you have also been on blockbuster productions where, obviously, so much of that is using your imagination as you see green screens or whatnot. What do you find to be, from an acting perspective, more of a challenge, the audio side of things, or the big blockbuster productions?
Molly C. Quinn: Honestly, the thing that was truly the hardest for me, and took me a little bit of time to get over — and, to be fair to myself, when I started this little career journey of mine, I was 13. But, I did think that when you were on set, you heard the music, because obviously, when Russell Crowe is doing those moments in Gladiator, and he’s crying and weeping, it’s because he’s being triggered by the music. That’s not a thing. Nope, there is no music. [Laughs] And I’ll never forget the moment of being like, “Oh s–t. Oh s–t, I don’t know if I can do this,” because I just thought I was going to have a music cue. So, that took me a couple years to get over. I was probably 16, honest to God, before I realized that you have to create that swell within yourself, and that lesson has carried me.
So, no matter if I’m just in a booth, or I’m on a green screen, or it’s a fully fabricated set, I’m all right. Because no matter what, in all of those environments, you’re being distracted, because getting in the moment when you sometimes have up to 100 people around you, and cameras and everything else, being able to block that out, that’s more of a thing that I really admire in other actors who have really done that. I haven’t had as much experience with green screen and things like that. I’ve visited really big sets, but then on, like, James Gunn sets, they’re all done. So it’s incredible. You walk out there, and it’s an actual spaceship, and there’s snow everywhere, and big neon signs, so you’re just immediately in that space.
I remember, with the music thing, that was something I used to think as well when I was younger!
Molly C. Quinn: Oh my God, thank God. Thank you for saying that, I should feel a tiny bit embarrassed. [Laughs]
Quinn Is Very Excited For Audiences To See Mike Flanagan’sThe Life Of Chuck
“The film means a lot to him, it’s near and dear to his heart.”
I did have a few questions outside ofUnlicensedI wanted to ask you about. We mentioned it at the start, I’m a huge Mike Flanagan fan, so I’m excited you’recoming back forLife of Chuck. What was it like reuniting with him for, I believe, your third project together?
Molly C. Quinn: Well, I can say when Mike called me and asked if I would be a part of the ensemble, I just immediately said yes. I was like, “Of course, of course!” The film means a lot to him, it’s near and dear to his heart. And, as a friend, I knew that, so when he called and asked if I’d be a part of it, it was really humbling. It’s not just a movie, it’s a piece of art. He painted it with his camera. He and Eben Bolter created one of my favorite films. I’m lucky enough to have got to see it, and obviously it had the TIFF experience that it did, as the People’s Choice winner. So, I’m so glad that other people are connecting to the movie, because it meant that much and more to Mike, and to all of us, that they got to be a part of it. It’s bigger than us.
“James is the best, and I love what he’s doing over there…”
So you mentioned working on James' sets, and I love that he also officiated for you and your husband’s wedding. Obviously,James is right now busy launching the DC Universe, which means there are a wide range of opportunities for you to possibly join in that world. I’m curious, first and foremost, are you interested in taking part in that, especially after you had your experience working onGuardianswith him?
Molly C. Quinn: Of course. Again, dude, I am a nerd getting to do what I always wanted to do. All of these experiences are exciting to me. This is it. I love to watch movies, and I like to be in them. That I get to do that, it is still shocking to me. So, of course, to be in the DC Universe? Of course, of course, of course, of course, of course, of course. James is the best, and I love what he’s doing over there, and I love watching the people that we know that are involved as actors on those shows, and just people that we admire. I feel like the performances that have started to come out have all been just a home run. Speaking of which, I’m really excited for the next season of Peacemaker. That’s one of my absolute favorite shows, and I cannot wait to see it. I am so excited. Do you like the show?
Oh, I adore it. In my mind, as you were talking about performances, I was thinking about how he brought out a fantastic performance from Cena, who everybody just thinks is an action star. I’m like, “No, he’s a good actor.”
Molly C. Quinn: Yeah, incredible. And, also, super nice, just the nicest.
So now, with that said, have you actually had any talks with James about trying to jump into that universe yet?
Molly C. Quinn: No, not at all. Not at all. I think everyone is very busy, but I’m incredibly flattered that you would ask.
I mean, like I said, there’s so many options for you to take part in. You’re staying in each other’s lives, and hey, now we actually have a crossover, as we’ve gotJames and Mike working together onClayface.
Molly C. Quinn: Hey, that’s going to be another cool one. That’s going to be cool. That’s the collab that I’m looking forward to seeing. I think that’s going to be mind-blowing.
I almost wish Mike wasn’t busy with bothThe ExorcistandCarrie, so that he could directClayface.
Molly C. Quinn: I wish he was a hydra, so he could just do all of them. Why not? [Laughs]
He’s already so good at multitasking, I could see it happening. I don’t mean to keep harping on DC, but I would love to know, if you had your choice of who you’d want to play in that world, who would you like to take on?
Molly C. Quinn: Bro, I don’t know enough. Who do you think? Who should I look into?
So, one character I’ve always felt doesn’t get enough love is Zatanna, and I think you could play that character pretty darn well.
Molly C. Quinn: Alright. Alright, I’m going to look into it. I appreciate it. I need some guidance in the space, so I’ll look into it. I love your persistence. I can’t wait. You know what? We’ll cross our fingers.
AboutUnlicensedSeason 2
Out in the far reaches of Los Angeles County, where the glamor of Hollywood fades into the long empty of the desert, two unlicensed private detectives are about to face a case that is larger and more complicated than any they’ve faced before. A ghost-hunting influencer disappears in the middle of a live stream. A beekeeper is murdered after telling his friends that he has come across a dangerous secret. It is up to unlicensed PIs Lou Rosen and Molly Hatch to put together the pieces, as the powerful elite of California try to stop them. Even if they solve the case, can they come out the other side unscathed? From the dusty citrus groves of Redlands to the wealthy enclaves of Monterey, season two of Unlicensed is the kind of grand California noir they just don’t make anymore.
