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Presumed Innocent: Kingston Rumi Southwick on Series, Co-Stars & More

Kingston Rumi Southwick (9 Full Moons) spoke with Bleeding Cool about his work on the Apple TV+ and David E. Kelley drama Presumed Innocent.

Kingston Rumi Southwick wants to inspire audiences, sharing his joy when he performs and hopes others follow him to do the same. Since his debut in the 2013 indie film 9 Full Moons, he landed his first episodic television series in Apple TV+'s Presumed Innocent as Kyle Sabich. Based on the novel by Scott Turow of the same name, the story was first adapted to the screen by director Alan J. Pakula and co-writer Frank Pierson in the 1990 Warner Bros film starring Harrison Ford, Brian Dennehy, Raul Julia, Bonnie Bedelia, Paul Winfield, and Greta Scacchi. The 2024 TV series comes from legal drama stalwart David E. Kelley, with Jake Gyllenhaal in the role originally played by Ford as Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor who becomes a prime suspect in the murder of one of his colleagues. Southwick spoke to Bleeding Cool about how the TV series differs from the novel and film versions, expanding his character, working with Kelley, what he learned from co-stars Gyllenhaal and Ruth Negga (Barbara Sabich), his influences, and his future.

Presumed Innocent: Kingston Rumi Southwick on Embracing Opportunities

Bleeding Cool: How does it feel to perform again when you're cast in 'Presumed Innocent?'

It's awesome. I always have a good time acting, especially working on something of this scale. It is beautiful as a learning experience with the cast and crew.

Did you read the original Scott Turow novel or see the Alan J. Pakula movie?

I watched the movie and read parts of the book. My character wasn't as much in the movie or book as in this show. We got a lot of themes from the book and movie [for the show].

What was it like working with David E Kelley, and how did he help you acclimate to episodic television?

It was interesting. David is a smart writer, and we had conversations on set about how the audience takes the scene. What David E. Kelley does well is writing a script that touches on every element of a theme. We had elements of family, law, law in family, family in law, love, lust, and all these different things. It was interesting seeing him work as a writer, but also as a collaborator.

Did you have a chance to learn from your more seasoned costars with Jake or Ruth?

I learned so much as an actor, but also as a person. They helped me a lot knowing with hard work, I can do as much as I can. I keep in touch with them, and they remain helpful day-to-day. Jake is good at helping in other roles. Ruth is such a beautiful soul. She always helps me with personal things and if I see her. They excel at what they do and help me with my future in acting.

What are your influences as an actor?

My upbringing. I live in LA, my mom's a producer, and my dad used to be an acting coach. Now he's an interior designer, and I always grew up with these elements of art with my mom, dad, friends, family, and family friends. I loved to create something of substance that people like and find themselves in. That's what I love about acting. When I was a kid watching movies, I was influenced by 'Cinema Paradiso' [1988], 'La La Land' [2016], 'Forrest Gump' [1994] and all those beautiful movies. It gave me such a good and special feeling. Whenever I act, I feel that and want to give others the same feeling and passion to do what I'm doing. It's a big part of why I'm continuing.

Are there any projects you hope to do genre-wise?

I love comedy. That would be fun. I touched on that topic with a show called 'Based on a True Story,' a thriller comedy. I got to do little elements of comedy, and I loved it so much. I got to work with Chris Messina, the funniest guy I've ever met. I laughed so much with him, and the comedy was so fun. I still love drama, so maybe a dramedy?

The season one finale of Presumed Innocent, which also stars Bill Camp, O-T Fagbenle, Chase Infiniti, Nana Mensah, Renate Reinsve, Peters Sarsgaard, Elizabeth Marvel, and Lily Rabe, premieres Wednesday on Apple TV+.

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