The Black Dagger Brotherhood NYC Premiere Q&A

Recorded live at The Black Dagger Brotherhood Premiere in New York City on May 29, 2025.

In this exclusive PassionPod episode, we're bringing you an exclusive look at the highly anticipated premiere of The Black Dagger Brotherhood in New York City. Recorded directly after the screening, this episode captures the raw excitement, heartfelt reflections and behind-the-scenes secrets straight from the cast, Tosca and the legendary author herself, J.R. Ward.

Hear firsthand what it was like to bring these iconic vampire warriors to life and emotional journey that united this passionate team.

To the fans who made this possible—this one’s for you!

Do you have a question or comment you would like featured on a future episode? Leave us a message today!

Leave us a voicemail today at (770) 648-3677 or email at info@passionflix.com.

Chapters

• 0:00 Red Carpet Interviews
• 1:17 Bringing 'Dark Lover' to Life
• 2:38 Adapting the Black Dagger Brotherhood
• 4:15 Robert & Olivia
• 8:09 Brotherly Love
• 11:04 After-Party!

Transcript

Tosca: She's amazing. There are people that you can work with that are like coworkers or colleagues, and she is like a, a partner and. So supportive of Passionflix, like so supportive of me. It was an incredible collaboration. So I was just thrilled to work with her. 

J.R.: The chemistry between Robert and Olivia as Wrath and Beth, it's amazing.

The romance is so real and the love is so real and it's gonna come on. And the brothers, it was so clear that like what was in my head was now living and breathing and speaking. It was incredible. 

Robert: All of the brothers just see the whole cast coming together. We met and we didn't know each other, but it took like a week and um.

We are like brothers, like on and off screen. 

Olivia: It was just such an intensely collaborative process, but it was a lot of reading, a lot of like making sure I really understood the story and could deliver on it. To have us all in one place together to celebrate what we worked so hard on, it feels really good.

Maddie: J.R., The first question is for you actually, when you first started writing Dark Lover, did you ever imagine seeing this world come to life like this? 

J.R.: Okay, so the way it works for me is I have pictures that go in my head and all I do is type them out. And so one of the things that really fucked me up when I met Wrath, uh, Robert for the first time was, um, and this is a, this is, this is a testimony to Tosca's attention to detail and the costume when he walked in, he, that, that's what it really looks like in my head.

In a way I had prepared for this for 20 years because all I've been doing is like watching these pictures in my head. But now they're here. So it, it's incredible. And also there's a bit of cognitive dissonance and, and so I'm super excited that now all of you can really get a picture, not just from words on a page, but actually seeing what was in my head.

Maddie: Has everyone seen the videos of JR? And you're welcome witnessing. If not, they're on Passionflix and they are on the Instagram and they're incredible. Um, next question for Tosca. What? I mean, I got to witness behind the scenes the blood, sweat, and tears that this woman put into this production.

Everyone this came, she did not sleep, I'm pretty sure for about three months straight to make this for you. Pretty, 

Tosca: I was a vampire for sure. 

Maddie: She was. She full vampire. What drew you to adapting The Black Dagger Brotherhood for Passionflix. 

Tosca: Well, I've always wanted to adapt this. So when we first started Passionflix way back when, um, some of our board members are here, probably, there was this list of of books that I said One day we will be big enough that we could get a book from J.R. Ward and this is the series that I want. And so it was on the first list of books and I was like, we're gonna get there. And then three years ago. I was like, maybe, maybe she'll take a call from me. And she did. And then we did the zoom, which was incredibly intimidating and um, and she was awesome. 

J.R.: No, I wasn't. You weren't intimidated. I called bullshit on that. You were so relaxed. 

Tosca: You were intimidating. 

J.R.: I was, yes. Really? Yeah. No. So I got on the Zoom call with her and I was like, oh my God, I would be friends with this woman and if I'm gonna turn my life's work over to someone, I wanna have like that vibe that you can trust them.

So it was like, to me, I was like, instant friend-do's Yeah. 

Tosca: Well that was after like the first five minutes. Okay. But the first five minutes I was like, oh God, please say yes, please say yes. And I was like, oh, you're really nice. Yay. Um, but yeah, so I always wanted to do it. And then, um, when she said yes, I was like, great, uh, let's write this. And then it was very, very hard. It was like the biggest pressure to write this perfectly. And then we decided to make it a series because it's so long. And then, um, and then, um, and then I was like, I've gotta find all of these. Brothers that will be with me for 15 years. Thanks guys. Woo. 

Maddie: Well, I think you nailed it across the board. They're awesome. Um, so I'm gonna turn to the blind king next. 

Olivia: Woo 

Maddie: woo. Um, fans have loved wrath for years. Oh yeah. Did you feel pressure stepping into such a fan favorite role? 

Robert: First of all, it's nice to talk to you all after you've seen my ass for 20 minutes, and 

Olivia: same. Same. Yes. Hi. 

Robert: Um, and yes. 

J.R.: Wait, wait, wait.

So so while that lovely, very artistic, beautiful last scene was going on, Ali, Tosca and I are just like this, you know, and Ali leans over and goes, you wrote this and, and then she looks at Tosca and she's like, you filmed this. 

Robert: Thank you both. 

Olivia: Thank you. Thank you. 

Maddie: Well, thank you both for your service.

That was go some really gorgeous work. Um, Liv. Beth goes from a regular human to a vampire queen. What was your favorite part of the transformation that was hardest or most fun to play? And how did you prepare for this huge role? 

Olivia: I really, really like Beth Randall a lot, and I think one of my favorite things about her is that she just, against all odds, continues to make brave choices, and I just think that that is so cool.

And I was really excited to play a woman who does that, so that's incredible. And then who doesn't wanna be queen of the vampires, you guys? Woo. Like Dr. Like thank you, dream come true that like, I'm so excited. That's just really fun. So, um, yeah, but hardest part, I mean, obviously you see in episode one she goes through a lot of really, really hard things and. Those are difficult subjects that are touchy, that I know a lot of women have been through experiences of sexual violence. And so I took that very, very seriously. And, um, it was really, really intense to shoot, but it felt like an honor and I, I just really cared about, um, representing those experiences as truthfully and honestly and respectfully as possible. So that was important to me too. Beautiful. 

Maddie: Well, your work was phenomenal for usual. Thank you girl. Uh, the next question goes to both Robert and Olivia. Uh, the chemistry between Beth and Wrath is woo, a little spicy. Uh, what was it like working together to bring that relationship to life? 

Robert: It was good. Olivia? 

Olivia: This is what it was like. No, um, no. I mean, I think, well, we've talked about this a lot. We were, it, it was such a team effort. We felt like team players and I know we had, um, a conversation really early on about, um, just. Really wanting to make sure that we both felt very safe and very respected, and like we could trust each other and keep everything very professional so that we could really go for it.

Because we know that the, the show is like, you know, it lives and dies on the chemistry of these people. That's what we wanna see. Right. So I was very grateful that it was Robert. I, it was very professional, very collaborative, and uh, I think we were team players. 

Robert: Yes. And uh, yeah. And I think you all have a wrong image of shooting those scenes. Oh, yeah. Because it's, it's, it's not as romantic as it as it looks because it's like a lot of people right in your face. Yeah. And then it's Tosca. Yeah. Do that again. 

Olivia: Her, she's like, whisper in the air off camera, touch 

Robert: her, touch her there. Slowly, slowly. And now do it again. I'm like, you seem like I'm, can you just please let me do my thing?

Tosca: I'm really not saying it in a very, I. I'm saying it in a very, uh, matter of fact way.

Maddie: Mm-hmm. 

Olivia: Yes. 

Maddie: All right. Well, I'm gonna open it up to the brothers. Um, so I think I know the answer to this question, but did y'all get along or what? And also I would like to know what the brotherhood was like onscreen, offscreen, and who benches the most at the gym? 

Joel: Robert benches the most. Um, yeah, some margin. I think. Um, it was hard working with these people. I think we can all agree, uh, we're glad it's over. Um, and, uh. Um, yeah, I don't know what we're gonna do if we have to do it again, Andrew. 

Andrew: Uh, I, I fucking love these guys. This was such a great experience working with each and every one of them. Um, I love Michael too.

Are you, are you texting right now? I'm talking.

Um, but no, this is, this is seriously one of the best experiences of my life and I fucking love you guys. 

Michael: Aw. So, for, for many of you out there who don't, haven't seen many ensemble casts, ensembles can be very challenging for everyone involved. There's a lot of personalities, there's a lot to balance.

There's a lot to juggle and what happens sometimes is people come in, they kind of meld into a certain personality and everyone kind of has their own idea. All these guys came in, they were all committed, they all gave a shit. They were all lovely to work with. I have nothing but good things to say about all these guys, and there's some of the best guys I've worked with. And I think, um, I think Tosca nailed it in the casting department.

Sia: We love you, Michael. Especially me.

Maddie: Woo. 

Zach: We love you too. You know. Sia, you should sing us a song right now. I think that beautiful voice, uh, I've, I've never laughed so much in my life when filming this, um, and seeing so many guys in leather for that long, woo. I bought myself a pair right then and there. That was great.

Alex: I need a grape flavored Tootsie Pop or something.

I'm gonna start crying. Aw, no, no, no, not really. 

Michael: Um, don't show weakness. That was, that was, that was, yeah. That cost a day rate. 

Alex: No. Um, I, yeah, I just have to echo what all of the guys said. We honestly became a brotherhood and I think engaging with all of you guys as well, like throughout the filming process. And then the lead up I think has really continued to, to bring that all together. And yeah, very grateful for this experience and grateful for all of you guys for. Coming here tonight.

Maddie: All right. I have been given time for three fan questions, and then we have to get to the after party. Um, so anyone have questions for this lovely cast, crew creators. Got some questions. Carlos? 

Carlos: What are you looking forward to the most for season two? 

J.R.: Ooh, are you ready? Are you ready? 

Alex: I was born ready.

J.R.: I just want to hear him say antidisestablishmentarianism and, and I am here as an executive producer to make sure that gets in the script.

Alex: Antidisestablishmentarianism! 

Maddie: Nicely done.

Question 2: Did any of you try out for a different part? 

J.R.: Okay. Okay. So, so I don't know whether I'm supposed to say this, but we're just among friends, so, so Robert actually first tried out for Rhage, but it was so obvious that Robert was wrath, like, like instantly it was the tone of his voice and like the, the, just the way he looked at the camera.

Tosca: Yeah. No, he, uh, he auditioned for wrath and then, then all of us are Passionflix were just like. Wow, that's wrath. But he kind of looks like he could be Rhage because he looks like he could be Rhage. And so then we're like, would you blonde? Yeah. He was blonde and no beard and like, you know, Rhage is built and all. So I was like, well, let's try you out for Rhage. And then he auditioned for Rhage and I read for, and I was like, no, you're Wrath. And then we had a conversation. He's like, so. Why not Rhage? And I was like, 'cause you're Wrath. And he's like, okay. 

Maddie: And you wear the wigs so well. Mm-hmm. 

Tosca: The hair man. This was a hair show. A hair show. So much hair. So much hair. So much hair. 

Michael: It was angling for Fritz. But this guy right here, I mean, was not to be topped.

Maddie: Any more? One more question. Anyone? Oh, right here. Um, 

Question 2: I wanna know, J.R., what scene it was you fucked up. 

J.R.: Okay. So, so I, I've never been on a set before, which is really a public service. Uh, and like one of the things that, like my best friend didn't cue me on is when the, you don't say anything until the director goes cut.

And it was a scene. It, I, I wanna say that there was a scene. It, it was you and, and. Right. Yeah. And it was date night and they were having that date when things go like tits up, you know, kind of thing. And I was watching it in what they call the village, which is where like all of the, the producers and, and Tosca as the director were all watching on screens and stuff. And I'm. Sitting next to her, and I'm so juiced because all of a sudden I was watching a TV show, forgetting that, I don't know, there's an entire set full of people and all that shit. And so anyway, so there's like this back and forth, and then there's this, like, this moment I was like, oh my God. And Tosca was like, sh.

And so she went like this at the same time I ducked. So she elbowed me in the face and I was like, ha. Fuck. I deserved it. I so deserved it. And so, and so my best friend was like, she elbowed you in the face and you deserved it. And I said, yes, I did. And I never said anything until after she said, cut again. Consequential learning. But, but the truth is, but I mean, that's the chemistry. Of Robert and Olivia like when I was watching it, like, and as you keep going for the next five episodes, like it just keeps getting better and better and the engine of the story and the plotting, it just starts to move faster and faster and faster. And it all feeds into this explosive end and like it's incredible. I mean, it really is like the last. The last episode just like wrecked me. And, and, and so anyway, so one of the first time she looked at me and she's like, you're gonna cry on set? And I'm like, the fuck? I'm gonna cry on set? Nah, I totally cried. Totally cried. 

Tosca: Um, but speaking about our, our last scene and then also our, our first scene, um, that's our Darius over there. Yes. So this gentleman came in at the end of our shoot, came in, was just with us for five days, and his job was to, in two days of shooting to, to basically create the entire drive for this entire season. And he has to make us understand that he loves his daughter, that he has this woman that he loves, that he has this incredible relationship with the Brotherhood. Who he had not met. Um, and, uh, and I think he did an amazing job. So I'm very grateful.

Piotr: Well, I met two of them just before the shoot, Joel and, uh, Robert. Oh, yes, you were. And they told me everything, you know, so that was like a very fast course. 

Olivia: And actually wait, he was there for his birthday and so Robert, Joel and I, we had like a 2:00 AM, 4:00 AM whatever. We were our vampires. We were up in the middle of the night and we had like ice cream and chats and it was really sweet. Yeah. We were hanging out and it was his birthday and he was working, so yeah. He died on his birthday. 

Maddie: Alright, 

J.R.: can I, I'm gonna, can I show one of my favorite, favorite whole thing? Like, 'cause Tosca is a lady unlike myself, uh, who I'm a dumpster fire. She's a lady. And so when I saw the cut of when she blew up the car, okay, so I'm like watching this, right? And, and you can hear her, she's like giving cues to like the people who are gonna blow it up and then the car blows up and she goes. Motherfucker. And I was like, yeah. I was like my girl. I was like so proud of her. She blew that shit up, 

Tosca: mom. It's not true. No, it's true. I was there. It was there. I was there. It's true. It's true. Shoot, there were witnesses. I think it was right behind me too. That was super fun. 

Maddie: Um, some last question from me. Anyone can chime in here. Uh, what was your favorite moment from this season? Uh, maybe not spoilers, but give us something that like you loved shooting. 

Tosca: Oh, gosh. One thing I like blowing up cars. That was super fun. No more, no more cars blow up, unfortunately. What is it? 

Michael: It was pretty fun. When I meet all the boys. Oh my gosh. And, uh, oh, that was so awesome. They proceed to just beat the piss out of me. But, but Butch gives it a, gives it, it gives it all he can, but it's, that was, that was, that was pretty memorable, especially because up to that point.

I mean, filming is not like what you see on the screen. I didn't see these guys that much. I was in the detective world. So when I finally got to see them on screen, it was, that was really cool because that's when it kind of all started to come together for me and I, and then Butch entered the other world. So that was a really cool moment for me. Yeah. Oh yeah. And by the way. Rhage actually punched me in the first take. 

Tosca: Really punched him. 

Michael: So I told him I have a longstanding rule in this business. You get one, get outta jail free card. After I get hit a second time, I punch back so he didn't miss the second time.

Robert: No, I don't know. I would say it's all of the scenes where all of the brothers come together actually. Mm-hmm. That was like the most fun part of the show. Uh, Butch included. 

Tosca: Aw. But I also like, we have Havers, we have Wellsie, we have Marissa there. I mean, it was, it was just so, and then we have Mr. X, I mean, who was so amazing. And Billy Riddle. Billy Riddle. I mean, I think, you know, for me it's like always working with all these people, but Havers and Marissa had such an incredible relationship? 

Kellen: It was, it was amazing getting to work, uh, uh, so intimately and like close and, uh, everything with you. And then, and then also getting to work with all of you guys.

All these super wonderful, talented people made the job really easy. And, uh, I loved being someone you love to hate. 

Tosca: Yeah, it's like you and Mr. X can definitely join forces and I think one of my favorite scenes to shoot actually is Marissa and Wrath, um, which you will see, you know, a few episodes down where she tells him to. Go away. You have not been a nice guy. It's been 300 years of I don't think so. 

Kellen: Yes, girl. Yes. 

Maddie: Well, you guys all did such a beautiful job bringing this to life. Truly. It was spectacular to see on a huge screen like this, and I think I speak for everyone when we're all very excited for the rest of this season. So. We will be heading to the after party so that Ali doesn't yell at me. Everyone, let's go to the after party.