MEET THE DAVIDIANS…

In the 2018 Paramount Network interview, Meet the Davidians, the talented ensemble cast of Waco – Taylor Kitsch, Rory Culkin, Paul Sparks, Melissa Benoist, and Julia Garner – all provide an insightful look into the intricacies of their roles as members of the Branch Davidians, a religious cult, known for the 1993 Waco Siege when they were in a standoff with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) at their Mount Carmel Compound in Waco, Texas. The standoff lasted 51-days and ended tragically with a fatal fire about the network’s gripping six-part miniseries event dramatizing the tragic history.

Taylor Kitsch, who portrays the enigmatic and charismatic cult leader David Koresh, shares the complexities of delving into Koresh’s psyche. He discusses the challenges of embodying a character with deeply held beliefs that led to the tragic events of the Waco siege. Kitsch emphasizes the importance of presenting Koresh as a multifaceted figure, exploring his charisma, manipulative abilities, and the fine line between messianic leadership and fanaticism.

Rory Culkin, in his role as David Thibodeau, one of the survivors and members of the Branch Davidians, delves into the psychological journey of his character. He describes the conflict of an outsider who joins the group out of curiosity and ultimately finds himself entangled in a life-changing and perilous situation. Culkin reflects on the emotional rollercoaster his character goes through as the tensions escalate within the compound.

Paul Sparks, who plays Steve Schneider, David Koresh’s devoted right-hand man, provides insights into the complexities of his character. Sparks discusses Schneider’s unwavering loyalty to Koresh and the moral dilemmas he faces as the cult’s spokesperson. He highlights the challenge of portraying a character deeply committed to his leader while grappling with doubts about their actions and beliefs.

Melissa Benoist, as Rachel Koresh, David Koresh’s wife, explores the role of women within the compound. She delves into the challenges faced by female members and the difficult choices they had to make. Benoist reflects on the emotional depth of her character and the complex dynamics of Rachel’s relationship with her husband.

Julia Garner, who takes on the role of Michelle Jones, a young member of the Branch Davidians who becomes a pivotal figure in the standoff, she is also Rachel’s younger sister and Koresh’s second wife discusses the psychological and emotional turmoil her character experiences. She shares the complexities of Michelle’s involvement in the events and the transformation she undergoes as the situation unfolds.

Throughout the interview, the actors emphasize the importance of humanizing the characters they portray, capturing their vulnerabilities, fears, and the blurred lines between faith, devotion, and extremism. They reflect on the significance of Waco as a miniseries that challenges preconceptions and prompts viewers to explore the multifaceted nature of the individuals involved in this controversial chapter of American history.

You can watch the full 2018 interview, Meet the Davidians below:

Waco is available now to stream on Showtime…