Melissa George

Can you tell us when you were cast for the role of Margot Fox?  
It was a process that entailed months of sitting on the script because I was not confident enough to even attempt to audition for it because I didn’t want to get rejected. It got to the point that Justin Theroux called my agent and politely “demanded” that I read for the role of Margot. We had worked together on Mulholland Drive 20 years ago and he still had my number and I was given a strong ultimatum from my agent “30 minutes to read or else!” I read on the floor of my living room, sent three scenes and prayed that through manifestation, that my dream of playing “Margot” would become a reality. The producers received my tape at midnight and then Rupert Wyatt, our director, called my agent and said ” Melissa is our Margot, but she needs to be aware that it will be the toughest ride of her life.”

Where you familiar with the novel by Paul Theroux?
No! I read the script and thought what a wonderful title, and spent months not knowing to only find out from every single person that it was their favorite novel.

What do you think of the fresh interpretation compared to the novel that was written 40-years ago?
Well, I am grateful Margot is a powerhouse force of feminine mastery and for that, I am proud to have Neil on board to make the female in this story an explosive delight.

How relevant do you think the show is these days?
I think it very relevant with respect to the desire of probably half or more of the world’s population would love to pack up their belongings and sail away to escape life’s realities.

Your character Margot Fox is an English Professor and quite sensible, yet we do not know much about her. Can you tell us more about Margot?
Margot is a brilliant scholar who sidelined her career to an obsessive love affair with Allie. Still to be revealed is the one bad decision Margot made that she will be paying for the rest of her life.

Do you think your character was doing the right thing to withhold the reason for the Fox family being on the run from your “onscreen” son Charlie (Gabriel Bateman) and daughter Dina (Logan Polish)?
Lying is never good, truth, as hard as it is will always be the best way forward, however in this case the truth is too great of a lie to tell at this time.

Margot takes full control and is electrifying in Episode Four when she confronts Aunt Lucrecia. Have you enjoyed such a major turning point for your character?
This turning point was discussed with Neil our writer, and it was a chance to show audiences and even her children the real Margot that’s been suppressed for far too long but was revealed as a means of survival.

Margot’s presence and direction continue to grow with Episode Five. When she wrote the note and left the kids in the hotel to help Allie (Justin Theroux) find Calaca, do you think her devotion to the safety of the family shifts from being by the kids throughout the season to making sure Allie finishes what he started?
Hmmm interesting theory and good question… but, no.  There is a bigger reason which I cannot uncover.

Unwilling to play Calaca’s games Allie wants to stand back, but if it is not for Margot’s pursual for Allie to swallow his pride and be where he needs to be in less than 15-minutes or come up with the whole new plan, she intentionally takes a Phone/GPS and goes on her own mission, leaving nothing but Allie to follow. Do you think this is another major turning point for your character?
I wouldn’t say it’s another turning point, rather another moment or example where Margot takes command because she is the key to the family’s survival, and he knows it.

The tension between Margot and Allie finally peaked in Episode Six, but it is still cryptic and only the two of them know the answer. Is this the moment when Margot decides to make her own fate for her family?
She is clearly brainwashed by Allie, and sometimes she breaks from his spell in acknowledging that he is not a positive influence on her or the kids, however, they cannot be without each other, their past goes deeper than anyone they know and life as they know it will only go on if they stand together which is a dangerous cocktail.

In the Finale, we see Margot making a plan to return home with the kids until the Fox family faces a new challenge. During this, we learn that Margot’s character holds more secrets only Allie and Margot know. Would we see Margot achieving her plan after all?
I have every bit of confidence in Margot, what a delicious mix of fragility and strength. Of course, her plan will be realized! You have to wait and see what Margot has up her sleeve in Season 2.

We see butterflies throughout the season. Are they metaphorical like “The Butterfly Effect” or any other reasons?
Ah, that will be revealed next season.

Have you enjoyed working with your cast members?
They are the air that I breathe and I miss them every day. We didn’t leave each other’s side during filming on set and after hours. That connection is clearly visible on the screen.

Did you trust Neil Cross’s vision?
As with any television show, I read the first script only and the rest I base on instinct and hope that my intuition is on point and the showrunner and creator will have my back. In the case of “The Mosquito Coast,” Neil assured me Margot was to be an equal protagonist to Allie Fox and that this role will be worth it.

When can we expect Season Two?
We have been officially renewed and start filming in Mexico in November!

Are you looking forward to returning to your character?
Without a doubt. We end the season with a look in Margot’s eyes that is a mix of relief and anger. It will take an entire season to watch how she will get out of this mess. I cannot wait to explore the character further show the audience who she really is.

You reside in France now. As we all faced a difficult pandemic, how did you stay motivated and keep in touch with your friends and family?
I actually welcomed the pause. To be silent and still and not rush to be anywhere and just kiss my boys more often and float between activities was a gift I embraced. Pandemic or no pandemic I am on the phone daily to my family.

If you had a chance to give your younger self a piece of advice, what it would be?
Do exactly what you did in this lifetime, and say “I am very proud of you.”