Alfred Molina on ‘The Boroughs’ Spoilers, ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’

SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers from “The Boroughs,” now streaming on Netflix.

Alfred Molina is celebrating his 73rd birthday this weekend, but his energy is unwavering, much like his character in Netflix’s “The Boroughs.” This year, Molina, notable for his roles in “Spider-Man 2” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” has already featured in the indie drama “When We Get There” and lent his voice to Marcellus the octopus in Netflix’s “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” He now stars in “The Boroughs,” a new Netflix series that released all eight episodes on May 21.

Created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, and executive produced by Matt and Ross Duffer, known for “Stranger Things,” “The Boroughs” centers on Sam Cooper (played by Molina), a retired and fiercely independent engineer. After his wife’s passing, Cooper moves into a senior living community, where he encounters a group of colorful elderly neighbors played by Geena Davis, Bill Pullman, Alfre Woodard, Clarke Peters, and Denis O’Hare. However, strange apparitions and disappearances soon make Cooper suspect something is amiss.

By the end of the first episode, Cooper witnesses a monster devouring a neighbor’s face, confirming his fears. With his new friends, he delves into the eerie and supernatural occurrences in The Boroughs. By the series finale, they discover that the community’s owners, portrayed by Seth Numrich and Alice Kremelberg, have been siphoning life from the elderly residents to gain immortality using energy from a mystical matriarch known as Mother.

In the concluding episode, Sam and his companions infiltrate The Boroughs’ headquarters, abduct Mother, and return her to a desert cave where her powers originated. They face off against staff, managers, and creatures to dismantle the cave, free Mother from her pain, and lift the community’s curse, with Sam leading the charge.

Though the characters succeed in their quest, the series concludes with them still residing in The Boroughs, now aware of the supernatural elements around them. As the camera pans across the town, a haunting musical cue hints that danger might still lurk.

Variety spoke with Molina prior to “The Boroughs” release to discuss his portrayal of Sam, the prospects for the series, and his recent roles, including Spider-Man’s Doctor Octopus and an octopus character.

Tell us how you ended up playing Sam on “The Boroughs.”

It all started with a call from my representatives. Netflix wanted to gauge my interest in a long-form TV project. I joked with my agent about my track record of shows not lasting beyond a season, and they advised me not to lead with that. I spoke with the showrunners via Zoom, where they outlined the story and its direction. It sounded fascinating, and after meeting Will Matthews in person during a play I was doing in New York, I sensed their seriousness.

When I began reading the scripts, I was impressed. Although I’ve always thought I could judge a good script, I now rely on my wife, Jennifer Lee, a writer whose instincts I trust. She read just 12 pages before insisting I take the role, explaining its merits from a writer’s perspective. By then, I had grown attached to Sam, so I accepted with enthusiasm.

Were the Duffer Brothers involved by the time you were on board? Were you a fan of “Stranger Things” before joining “The Boroughs”?

The Duffer Brothers were involved early on with Will and Jeff, adding a respected touch to the project. Their success with “Stranger Things” speaks volumes about their understanding of the genre. They have a knack for crafting stories that resonate across generations, drawing from classics like “E.T.” and “The Goonies.” From the outset, the project felt sophisticated, and we were eager to begin.

Can you talk about working with this incredible ensemble of older actors? It’s not often that you have this many seniors in leading TV roles.

Working with this talented group was fantastic. The rise in shows featuring older casts is refreshing, and I was drawn to the connections among the actors. Many of us had worked together before, creating a reunion-like atmosphere. Being from a generation that didn’t rely on mobile phones between takes, we naturally connected and supported each other. This camaraderie made the experience enjoyable and reminiscent of a perfect gig.

Did you have a favorite sequence to film over the course of the season?

I don’t have a single favorite scene, as many episodes were challenging and exciting. What stood out was how we cared for one another during the shoot. Despite health issues, like the bronchitis I battled in the last episode, we supported each other. These moments of camaraderie are cherished memories.

One of the more memorable scenes is when you sing Bruce Springsteen’s “Thunder Road” as a diversion in the penultimate episode. You’re of course an accomplished musical actor. Sam, however, is a pretty reserved guy with a modest voice. What was it like singing as Sam?

You’re kind to mention my singing, though I see myself as an actor who can carry a tune. Sam Cooper’s limited vocal range matched my own, which made the transition seamless. For this scene, I didn’t warm up as a professional singer would, since Sam wouldn’t either. I simply sang, embracing the imperfections.

Let’s talk about the final scene with Mother in the cave. Where did you film it, and how much of the sequence was CGI versus practical?

The production team excelled in creating intricate tunnels across sound stages. The climactic fight scene with Seth Numrich and the explosion of Mother took place in a beautifully constructed cave set. The detailed environment made acting feel natural. While blue and green screens were used for desert landscapes, most sets, including the cave, were practical builds.

The series ends with some suggestion of more to come. Even though Mother is dead, Sam and his friends are still in The Boroughs, now with the knowledge that monsters exist. Do you think there will be a Season 2?

I’m not sure yet. We haven’t been informed, but I’d love to continue. The writers aimed for three seasons, believing it offers a perfect storytelling arc. Television can be unpredictable, but it also provides great opportunities. With our cast, storyline, and established sets, I’m eager for more.

Looking to the future, there is a new Spider-Man movie coming out this summer. Because you reprised your role as Doc Ock from “Spider-Man 2” in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” in 2021, are you looking forward to seeing “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” in theaters?

Yes, I love those films. I’m not very informed about the upcoming one, and I’m unsure of the villain.

Do you think that there is more Doc Ock in your future? Marvel keeps bringing actors and characters back.

It’s hard to say. When I worked on “Spider-Man 2” in 2004, I had a three-movie option, which meant they could bring me back if desired. Even after Octavius’s death scene, Marvel’s Avi Arad hinted that no one truly dies in this universe. Seventeen years later, I was called back. If the opportunity arises, I’d gladly reprise Doc Ock, though I’m not expecting it.

Lastly, speaking of octopuses, you recently voiced Marcellus, the octopus-narrator in Netflix’s “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” If Marcellus’ tank were in The Boroughs, how do you think he would help Sam and his friends?

Marcellus would likely be observant and insightful, noticing human behaviors with a sardonic twist, just like in “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” It would be intriguing to see an octopus in The Boroughs’ setting. Perhaps I’ll suggest adding one to the showrunners for next season.

This interview has been edited and condensed.