Actor Carter Glade — known for projects like Freaky and his role on NCIS: Hawaii — steps into a more intimate, emotionally driven space with SUPERMASSIVE, a feature that blends family drama, psychological tension, and sharp humor. In the film, he plays Cam, the charismatic brother who propels the story forward by pulling Wyeth (played by Mark McKenna) into a road trip fueled by rivalry, buried secrets, and escalating choices. In this interview, Glade discusses shaping Cam’s inner truth beneath the charm, building on-screen brotherhood with McKenna, collaborating with director Steve Utaski on his feature debut, and why scripted comedy is one of the creative lanes he’s most excited to explore next.
SUPERMASSIVE blends family drama, psychological tension, and humor. What initially drew you to the script and to the character of Cam?
What initially drew me to SUPERMASSIVE was the humor and the way Steve wrote the screenplay… The dynamics between the characters were absolutely brilliant. I immediately connected to Cam and felt I could bring him to life in a heartfelt way while still honoring the humor woven throughout the story. Cam is someone who wants more out of life and often masks his life choices with humor that’s deeply rooted in his insecurities. The road trip aspect also really caught my eye, because the story moves forward day by day, presenting new obstacles and choices for both Wyeth and Cam. That sense of momentum and discovery was incredibly exciting to me as an artist.
Cam is charismatic but also a catalyst for deep conflict. How did you approach balancing charm, sibling rivalry, and emotional intensity?
Cam’s role as a catalyst for conflict is driven by his insecurity around his older brother Wyeth’s success… both personally and professionally. That insecurity is often masked by charm and humor, which creates a really special and humorous dynamic between them. Balancing charm, rivalry, and emotional intensity was definitely challenging at times, but the heart of Cam is pure. I always tried to lead with that truth in every situation. His sincerity became the common denominator behind all his thoughts and choices throughout the film.
You share much of the film with Mark McKenna, portraying brothers with a complicated relationship. How did you build that dynamic both on and off set?
We were lucky enough to build an off-screen friendship about a week before shooting while we were in Spokane, which was really special. As actors, we both valued that time deeply… It gave us space to rehearse, explore, and ask endless questions with Steve. Going into the shoot with so many of those questions already explored made a huge difference. It allowed us to step into the story with a stronger sense of trust and connection, which translated naturally on camera.
Your career spans horror (Freaky), procedural drama (NCIS: Hawaii), and now an emotionally driven indie feature. What excites you about moving between such different genres?
I think the dream of being an actor is getting to wear many different pairs of shoes… whether that’s in a soap, a big-budget studio film, or a heartfelt indie. I’m drawn to characters who are different from me because it pushes me to find our similarities, and then question why they see the world the way they do. That process is fascinating to me. While there are nuances and technical differences between genres in film and television, staying true to the character and your curiosity as an artist is always what matters most. That’s the work… that’s where imagination lives.
As a bilingual actor with an international background, how does your cultural perspective shape your performances and project choices?
That’s a great question. It’s funny… haha both Mark and I are European actors (Ireland and Germany) playing American brothers. Culture absolutely shapes performance and creative choices, but so does understanding the environment your character comes from. Grounding yourself in that world… its rhythms, values, and emotional landscape… plays a huge role in making the character feel authentic, regardless of where you’re from.
SUPERMASSIVE marks Steve Utaski’s feature film debut. What was it like working with a director coming from the commercial and short-film world?
It was an incredible experience collaborating with Steve. He’s extremely generous with actors… open to our choices, questions, and experimentation within scenes. It truly felt like a collaborative environment, with everyone fully believing in the story and wanting to bring out the best in one another. Steve also gave thoughtful, specific notes that really challenged us to think deeper as actors, which made the process rich, fulfilling, and creatively rewarding.
Looking ahead, what types of roles or creative challenges are you most eager to explore next?
Scripted comedy is something I’ve been eager to explore for a long time, especially coming from a stand-up comedy background. I love dramas, thrillers, and horror, and I’ve really enjoyed the roles I’ve played in those genres… but bringing Cam to life was light, fun, and deeply rewarding. I’d love to continue exploring characters that allow for that blend of humor and heart.
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