Canadian actor, writer, and filmmaker Peter Bundic takes on the lead role in A Spartan Dream, an adventure and travel film set to premiere in U.S. theaters on August 15 before its Canadian release on VOD. The production, which won Best Film at the Prague Film Festival and earned multiple awards at the Cyprus International Film Fest, features an entirely Greek cast and crew, reflecting the artist’s Greek-Canadian heritage. Known for roles in series such as Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix) and the thriller Trap House (Tubi), Bundic expands his international film career with this new project.
Peter, in A Spartan Dream, you play Brad in a production deeply rooted in Greek culture. What was it like for you, as a Greek-Canadian artist, to live out this story and work with an entirely Greek cast and crew?
I was excited to read the script as soon as I learned it had to do with Greek culture. Once I had set foot in Greece and started working with Michael, our director, and met everyone involved in this project I knew it was going to be one that hits home to play out. The sense of community everyone had really connected me within my roots and allowed me to portray Brad with love and care.
You’ve been part of major franchises like Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Rise of the Planet of the Apes. What feels different about starring in an award-winning indie film like A Spartan Dream?
I feel grateful to be so deeply involved in the storytelling of Brad’s life. There is something about indie filmmaking that feels raw. Everyone involved wears their hearts on their sleeves, especially the extremely talented crew and cast I got to work alongside, so it was a time of gratitude and appreciation.
Your journey spans acting, producing, screenwriting, directing, and even technical roles like camera and sound. How do you manage so many creative fronts at once? Is there one that speaks loudest to your heart?
Directing and Producing are two other areas that bring me loads of fulfillment. I have a love for film, so being able to help piece things together excites me as well when I am not in front of the camera.
From Carl Tapper in Sabrina to the sarcastic Fibs in Trap House, your characters are quite diverse. What has been the most challenging role so far, and why?
I like to refer to the differences in each role as a beautiful way to connect with aspects of an individual I may have experienced or seen since I’m cultivating each character with elements of real people and the past memories (made up) that my character would have lived through. This depth of breakdown and backstory always helps sit into the life of the character I get to play on screen.
You also have a strong athletic background, having represented Canada in football. How does that athletic spirit influence your approach as an actor and filmmaker?
Being in tune with my body and movement has helped bring the physicality of a character to life. Along with sports, I have a background in martial arts which came in handy for a last minute addition fight scene in Trap House. I was able to work with the stunt coordinator and take some hits along with throwing some punches back, and I had a lot of fun doing that! I’ve ridden motorcycles too in projects before, I just enjoy being able to perform my own stunts.
With such a multifaceted routine — between film sets, sports fields, and award ceremonies — what makes you feel most like “yourself”? Is there a space or activity that reconnects you to your essence?
Spending time with my family, loved ones, and my dog always recharges my spirits. Of course going to the gym, being outside, and eating healthy all contribute to a lifestyle where I feel healthy physically and mentally, but having the spiritual peace brings it all together. Being surrounded by good people creates that environment for me.
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