Carlacia Grant has captivated audiences as Cleo in Netflix’s hit series Outer Banks, and with season three currently streaming and a fourth season confirmed, fans are eager to delve deeper into her character’s journey. This interview with Grant provides rich insights into Cleo’s development, her relationships, and what the actress hopes to explore in the upcoming season. Let’s unpack the layers of Cleo, the fan-favorite Pogue, and what makes her such a compelling part of the Outer Banks narrative.
Unveiling Cleo’s Vulnerability and Depth in Outer Banks Season 3
One of the most compelling aspects of Cleo’s arc in season three was the opportunity to witness her vulnerable side. For a character often portrayed as tough and resilient, moments of emotional exposure offered a refreshing depth. Carlacia Grant herself highlighted a pivotal scene in episode three where Cleo confides in Pope about past heartbreak. This revelation served as a crucial reminder that beneath the strong exterior, Cleo is, at her core, deeply human. Grant expressed that this “cute little moment” was her favorite piece of information to play with in season three, emphasizing its importance in showcasing Cleo’s multifaceted personality.
Carlacia Grant at Outer Banks Season 3 Premiere
Looking Ahead: Cleo’s Backstory and Season 4 Aspirations
As Outer Banks gears up for its fourth season, Carlacia Grant has clear desires for Cleo’s future storyline. Driven by curiosity, Grant wants to uncover more about Cleo’s past, particularly the enigmatic figure who broke her heart. In a playful tone, she even mentioned wanting Cleo to “find him and beat him up,” showcasing the character’s fiery spirit.
Beyond romantic entanglements, Grant hopes to delve into Cleo’s family history. Specifically, she expressed a strong interest in exploring Cleo’s relationship with her grandmother, a bond frequently referenced by the character. Grant envisions flashbacks, potentially even featuring a younger actress to portray Cleo in her formative years, to illustrate the significance of this familial connection. The possibility of introducing Cleo’s long-lost father was also raised, signaling a desire to enrich Cleo’s backstory and provide further context to her resilient nature.
Carlacia Grant at Netflix Event
The theme of family extends to Cleo’s chosen family, the Heywards. Grant humorously acknowledged Cleo’s “good in-laws,” highlighting the positive relationship Cleo has cultivated with Pope’s parents. This dynamic offers a heartwarming contrast to some of the more turbulent family relationships within the Outer Banks universe, further endearing Cleo to fans.
The Unscripted Kiss: Pope and Cleo’s Budding Romance
One of the most talked-about moments for Cleo in season three was her kiss with Pope, a romantic development that surprised even the actors. Carlacia Grant revealed the kiss was initially unplanned, a testament to the on-screen chemistry between her and JD (Jonathan Daviss) and their proactive approach to character development. Despite writers initially suggesting delaying the romantic development, Grant and Daviss felt the characters were ready for intimacy. In a move of near-improvised initiative, they decided to enact a kiss, anticipating the scene’s inclusion due to its natural progression. Humorously, just moments before filming, they were informed of a script change officially incorporating the kiss, validating their instincts and adding an element of delightful spontaneity to the scene.
Reflecting on the 18-month time jump at the end of season three, Grant envisions a realistic and evolving relationship for Pope and Cleo. She anticipates navigating the nuances of a partnership where both characters possess strong independent streaks. Grant humorously predicts “give and take” and learning to “bicker less” as key elements of their relationship growth during that period, suggesting a relatable and authentic portrayal of young love. The fan-favorite grocery store scene where Pope hilariously imitates Cleo’s accent exemplifies this playful bickering dynamic, a moment Grant admitted was incredibly difficult to film without laughing due to Jonathan Daviss’s comedic performance.
Improv Magic and On-Set Camaraderie
Beyond the unexpected kiss, improvisation played a significant role in shaping memorable moments throughout season three. Carlacia Grant shared several instances where unscripted lines made it into the final cut, adding to the show’s organic feel. Cleo’s assertive line, “ain’t no time for celebrating!”, featured in the trailer, was an improvisation, showcasing Grant’s intuitive grasp of her character’s voice. Similarly, the energetic “No Love Club” dance with JD was entirely improvised, born from their spontaneous on-set collaboration.
The Pogues in Poguelandia
Grant praised her working relationship with Jonathan Daviss, describing their friendship as invaluable and their collaborations as effortless. This strong off-screen bond undoubtedly translates to their compelling on-screen dynamic, making Pope and Cleo’s relationship a highlight for many viewers.
Fan Encounters and Poguelandia’s Real-World Excitement
Cleo’s immediate popularity among Outer Banks fans is undeniable, and Carlacia Grant has experienced this firsthand at fan events and premieres. She described meeting fans as “amazing,” expressing gratitude for the posters, merchandise, and heartfelt creations dedicated to her character. The premiere event, attended by her parents, was an “out-of-body experience,” a testament to the show’s widespread impact and the passionate fanbase.
The real-world Poguelandia festival was a particular highlight, both for the cast and fans. Grant enthusiastically recounted the event, praising its immersive details, from themed food and drinks to musical performances. She even joked about wanting to extend Poguelandia into a two-day festival or a traveling international event, highlighting the cast’s genuine enjoyment and appreciation for fan engagement.
Cleo: The “Female JJ” and Exploring Pogue Friendships
Interestingly, Carlacia Grant revealed that Cleo’s character was initially conceived as a “female JJ,” a testament to their shared rebellious spirit and independent nature. Both characters operate outside traditional family structures, relying on their resourcefulness and loyalty to the Pogues. Grant expressed interest in further exploring the friendship between Cleo and JJ, recognizing their common ground as “orphans” and “badasses” with a “nothing to lose” mentality. This potential dynamic could offer intriguing storylines and comedic moments, given their chaotic yet endearing personalities.
A Pogue Triple Date: Amusement Park Adventures
When envisioning a dream triple date for the three Pogue couples – Pope and Cleo, JJ and Kiara, and John B and Sarah – Carlacia Grant opted for an amusement park. Recognizing the diverse interests within the group, she reasoned that an amusement park offers something for everyone, from thrilling rides to games and food. This choice aligns perfectly with the Pogues’ adventurous spirit and their penchant for excitement and maybe a little bit of trouble. Grant playfully imagined the girls winning stuffed animals for their boyfriends, adding a touch of lighthearted competition to the Pogue dynamic.
Plane Scenes and Memorable Moments from Season 3 Filming
Reflecting on her favorite filming memories from season three, Carlacia Grant immediately highlighted the exhilarating plane scenes. Filmed both in the ocean in Barbados for exteriors and in a specialized pool with hydraulics in Charleston for interiors, these scenes were technically challenging and incredibly fun to shoot. Grant described hanging onto straps inside the plane as it dipped into the water, comparing the experience to a Universal Studios ride. She even teased behind-the-scenes videos showcasing the intensity and humor of filming those sequences. Adding to the comedic element, she acknowledged JD’s improvised line, “Please fly the plane, please fly the plane!”, as a standout moment that perfectly captured the scene’s chaotic energy.
Carlacia Grant at Outer Banks Premiere
Carlacia Grant’s portrayal of Cleo has undoubtedly resonated with Outer Banks viewers, making her a beloved character within the Pogue crew. Her insights into Cleo’s vulnerability, her hopes for season four, and her behind-the-scenes anecdotes provide a deeper appreciation for the character and the actress who brings her to life. As fans eagerly await the next chapter of Outer Banks, Cleo’s journey remains a central and captivating storyline to follow.
