Jacob Batalon, a Marvel actor, stated that he had the “worst experience” with artificial blood when filming “Reginald the Vampire.”
Batalon, best known for his portrayal as Ned Leeds in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Spider-Man” trilogy, takes center stage in the Syfy series based on the book series “Fat Vampire.” In the show, Reginald must adjust to his new existence after being transformed into an undead, bloodsucking vampire.
Batalon stated in an interview with Insider prior to the film’s release that the blood-sucking simulation scenes were quite messy to film.
“It is likely one of my three worst work experiences,” he recalled. You have blood and spit streaming out of your mouth and it’s everywhere, and you’re like, “Wow, this is a bit excessive.”
We just wish there was a cleaner way to do it.
In the program, Reginald works at a Slushy business.
James Dittiger / SYFY
The new series also marks Batalon’s debut as an executive producer. He added that it was a “opportunity” to discover what happens behind the camera.
The 25-year-old actor explained, “To truly be in the know of it all, in the meetings of it all, and all these things to prepare to produce this show is a completely new side of the industry that I’ve never had the opportunity to witness.” So that was a really amazing part of it, and just being the leader of a show, I feel like [it’s] something I’ve always wanted to do. Especially with this show, I felt the message was so strong and potent that I wanted to be a part of it.
The lesson Batalon refers to is Reginald’s journey towards body acceptance. Reginald stands out from the other vampires in the book and television series because he is overweight and unable to adjust his body after being transformed. This renders him ineligible for membership in the vampire community and a danger to the status quo. Reginald must overcome this impediment as he discovers his skills.
“Reginald the Vampire” airs at 10:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. ET on Syfy.