Kiki in conversation with Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne

I don't think I've ever stood in front of the wardrobe for so long as The Conscious Day. What do you wear when you meet your childhood crush? Yes, that one guy from the poster that hung above your bed for about three years. Hit magazine material. The Hollywood star we know from The Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, the man of Katy Perry but above all a brilliant actor. Cara Delevingne would also be there by the way, because the two play the lead roles in the brand new series Carnival Row, the new flagship of Amazon Prime.

Now I look Orlando in the eyes. Charming is an understatement. Cara also looks incredibly cool in that glitter suit. Although she does look a bit grumpy, or is that just a case of waiting to see? Heart rate up. Okay Kiek, you have ten minutes. Let’s go.

Orlando, what I personally found remarkable after watching Carnival Row: the series does not shy away from social dilemmas like racism, division, and hate. What message are you trying to convey?
Orlando: ‘I think with this series we are trying to build a bridge when it comes to fear. Fear of difference. Life ‘with the other’. That fear is actually imposed on us by society, but I think we still often think in boxes out of ignorance.’

The series takes place in a city that is torn apart by its citizens and a group of mythical creatures who come to hide from the war in their own ‘mysterious’ land, right?

‘That's right. And the citizens think: oh god, if these creatures come to ‘our’ world, then bad things are going to happen. They are going to rob us, rape us, murder us or whatever, they actually think the worst you can imagine. My character literally sits between the two worlds.’

If you see how easy it is, especially in this time, to not accept the other, to live in hate and envy, then I think you are a hero if you try to do the right thing.

‘Exactly that is what attracted me to this series. Carnival Row is about building bridges, not war. The talented writers who came up with this show have all brought something relevant and current to the table. In the end, love always connects.’

Speaking of love: you and Cara, friends in real life, now lovers on set. Were the sex scenes awkward?

Orlando: ‘I never really enjoy erotic scenes, to be honest. The whole thing often feels a bit awkward, because there are a lot of people watching and you have to pretend you are having sex. You put yourself in a very vulnerable position. It just comes with the fantasy genre. But luckily, there aren't too many erotic scenes in the series.’

Cara, your character is also quite an outsider, if I may say so. Have you ever felt that way yourself?
‘Absolutely. I've felt since I was young that I don't quite belong. I don't know, some people just always feel like they don't belong, I guess. They often feel alone, insecure, and not accepted.’

Orlando: ‘We all feel that way sometimes. Not quite at home. Right? At least I do. I think if you don't feel that way, you are wearing a mask.’

In the series, you play a secret couple. Suppose you were to have a relationship in real life. What would the arguments be about?

Cara: ‘I actually think you are quite a messy person…’
Orlando: ‘No, really? I'm not?’
Cara: ‘Yeah, look, there we go already.’
Orlando: ‘We would argue about who would be driving the car.’
Cara: ‘Oh for sure. One hundred percent.’
Orlando: ‘You know it. I would drive.’
Cara: ‘No way. Oh my god, we would have such arguments.’
Kiki: ‘You are already arguing now.’
Orlando: ‘We would be tugging all day over who would wear the pants.’
Cara: ‘No, that’s not necessary. I would.’
Orlando: ‘See?’

You are really good friends. Did that help while playing a couple?

Cara: ‘I don't know if being friends makes a difference. It might actually make it harder. But if you can really act, then it shouldn't make a difference.’

We can actually already speak of a success. The series is out for a day and it has already been announced that season two is in the works.

Cara: ‘I know, I still find that really bizarre. I mean: you hope it happens, but that it is already confirmed… Really wow.’

Orlando: ‘I think the first season of any show is about feeling things out. You have to find your rhythm. People will tell you to your face that it’s fantastic, only to say behind your back: ‘Hmm, it’s not Game of Thrones. We are not trying to be that at all. We had a whole new story to tell. But the creators have a lot of confidence and as an actor, you always hope for a second season.’

The PR lady nods. Time for one last question.

Orlando, you play a respected detective. Suppose you could creep into someone’s life for one day, hoping something crazy comes out of it, who would you choose?

Cara: ‘Good freaking question! Wow.’

Orlando: ‘Hmm. There are actually quite a few people I would want to do that with. I think I would find Putin very interesting. Trump seems totally uninteresting to me, to be honest. He is not interesting at all, that seems clear.’

You, Cara?
‘I would choose Bill Murray, easy. Or Jim Carrey.’

Orlando: ‘Oh wait, I know, can I change? Jeff Goldblum seems very interesting to me.’

Two minutes later, I am kindly escorted to the hallway. As I walk on the street in London, I can only think one thing: holy lord, he touched my hand. And she complimented me on my outfit.

Anyway, Carnival Row then. A series about love and hate, about differences and (unintentional) similarities, about friendship and enemies. It's quite a bit thrilling, but incredibly well made and very current. Now available on Amazon Prime.