Ali Lopéz-Sohaili: Manifest has been “life-changing,” season 4, and more (Interview)

It’s a character we love, even though he doesn’t always have the best intentions. There’s just something about Eagan in Manifest that makes him so charming. Well, we actually do know the reason. It’s all due to the wonderful talent of actor Ali Lopéz-Sohaili!

We’re first introduced to the mischievous, and super smart, character in season 3 episode 3, “Wingman.” A Calling leads Ben to the photographic memory-gifted fellow 828 passenger, who helps him find and rescue a teen, Caleb. It turns out Caleb is Kory Jephers’ brother. Of course, this passenger didn’t just stick to the rescue. Eagan was also able to snag an item from the museum to sell later.

Since then, the character has been helpful but is still up to his tricky ways! Though I have to say, season 4 part 1 sure wasn’t easy for Eagan. From prison, to bruises, and even Saanvi testing out a theory on him (with his consent of course). He’s had a rough time. What’s to come for this 828er in part 2? We’ll have to wait and see when the final batch of episodes hit Netflix. But, the actor did share a tiny tease on what we can expect.

Netflix Life had the opportunity to speak with the star as he reflected on his start on the show, gave a blink-and-you-miss-it tease on what’s to come for Eagan in season 4 part 2, and explained how Manifest has been personally “life-changing”. Be sure to scroll down to the end for the full video interview as well!

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity

The beginnings of Eagan Tehrani

Netflix Life: Let’s go back to the beginning. How did you come across the role, and why were you so excited to play Eagan?

Ali Lopéz-Sohaili: This role was really a blessing. I got this role in September of 2020. If you can remember 2020. We’d been in quarantine [and] lockdown. I was mainly a theater actor. And for us doing theater, we felt like we may never do a play again, or for years. So I got this audition kind of out of nowhere and I had the time to really put in the work. At first I think they said he’s a two-episode character, possible recurring. Something like that. So I didn’t think much of it. And I’d seen the show. I’d actually auditioned before I think in season 1 for a part [Note: The actor had auditioned for the role of Ronnie Wilcox who first appeared in season 1 episode 7]. So I was familiar with the show, and I put forward a tape and got a call soon later. I was like, ‘wow this is crazy. I’m going to work during quarantine.’ So as an actor it was a godsend. A blessing. I think the character was so exciting because he felt so different from everybody on the show. And I remember Jeff [Rake], the showrunner, calling me the night they told me I booked it. He wanted to talk to me about something, they didn’t say what. I had all these questions I was going to ask him. I asked none of them of course. I was just excited to talk to him. He mentioned something about Eagan being like the Music Man. And I was like, ‘okay, Matthew Broderick.’ And I [told him] of course I am, and I watched it. I was like, I don’t know how this relates to the story. But I think now I get it more as the story goes on. I kind of understand where he was coming from. So that was really exciting to play – a different kind of character on a show like this.

NL: I love his attitude and sarcasm, but he’s also really charismatic which makes the audience still like him. How did you build the character?

Lopéz-Sohaili: I’d never created a character on television before. I didn’t realize the longer you survive, especially on this show, it becomes a kind of a dance with you and the writers, and they kind of see what you’re bringing to the character and they start to play with that. I really felt like by [season 4 part 1], they really start to give him a background and kind of show where Eagan’s coming from. Where his spite, his pessimism, his cynicism is coming from. And I always found something redeemable about him, even in season 3. That he does care deeply. It may not be about everybody else, but he does care. And I tried to really focus on that as opposed to judging the character. My job as an actor is to justify their actions and play that. Every episode I got, I was learning with the audience about this character. I was learning with you guys about where this guy was coming from and trying to create this narrative on my own as I went along. And sometimes I’d have to adjust things that I had made up in my head about why he would do certain things. But we’ll learn more about where Eagan’s coming from [in part 2], which I hope is exciting for people.

NL: Was it always the plan for you to have a short arc?

Lopéz-Sohaili: I think they weren’t sure. I think it really depended on how well the character plays, and how everyone thought of it. There’s a lot of passengers on this show and so certain storylines get drawn out longer and [others] shorter. I don’t know that they knew if a character like mine would work. So I was really lucky. I thought after the episode [where] I kidnapped Ben, I was like, ‘I’m going to die. It’s coming any second now.’ So to be brought back for part 1 is incredible.

NL: You came in at the start of season 3. Even though it was an established show, it kind of feels like you’ve always been there. What was it like for you to come into an already established show and cast?

Lopéz-Sohaili: Scary. Here’s this well oiled machine with these actors that work together. But it actually ended up being a blessing. I mean, Jeff really created a culture. And Josh [Dallas] and Melissa [Roxburgh]. They were so welcoming. I was so lucky that my first day was all day with Josh Dallas. And I couldn’t have felt more welcome. And here I am learning all this about cameras and trying to create this character. It was overwhelming. Also coming out of quarantine, I wasn’t used to talking to people. All of a sudden, you’re with a hundred people talking to you. This show has been such a blessing and all the actors have been fantastic. I was really lucky to be put in a show like this.

NL: I can definitely see your passion and it translates on screen as well.

Lopéz-Sohaili: It helped me go to darker places with this character, because I felt so comfortable.

NL: I think of Eagan as not a friend, and he’s not a total foe like Angelina. She’s just on a different level. You’re kind of in this happy middle.

Lopéz-Sohaili: I’m a weasel. [Laughs]

NL: You said it, not me.

More of where Eagan’s “coming from” will be explored in part 2

NL: I think it’s kind of ironic that Eagan started the season in prison and now he’s behind bars again at the end of part 1. Can you say anything on where we’re going to see him in part 2?

Lopéz-Sohaili: We know that they’re locking up the passengers. That’s what I can say. I felt this part 1 for Eagan was a little bit of Jeff and the writers giving the audience a chance to see Eagan beaten up a little bit. Which I think the audience wanted to see after season 3. I don’t think there’s an episode where he doesn’t have a black eye, bruise, or bloody face. And I think there was one episode where I was finally healed, and then of course by episode 10 I get hit with the sapphire and I have a bandage on my head.

NL: He’s so smart and a very useful asset, but I don’t know why the Stones keep trusting him.

Lopéz-Sohaili: He’s so charming.

NL: I told you, he’s charismatic.

Lopéz-Sohaili: You know, I have to say he does help in some of these things. He does help find Eden. It may not be for good reasons or good intentions. But he can be useful.

NL: He definitely is. What do you think is his endgame or goal?

Lopéz-Sohaili: I think when we’re first introduced to him, he’s this alternative voice to the Stones. And he’s very cynical of just following this family and them choosing themselves to spearhead this campaign to save all the passengers. I think he’s someone who’s always kind of been in the outside circle. He’s never really fit in, and we learn a little bit about him growing up and being picked on post 9/11 coming from a Muslim family. He gets bullied at school. So he kind of has a cynical view of the world. And I think when he sees the Stones as this perfect family, things have happened so well for them. I don’t think he really likes the idea of falling in line and listening to them. That’s why I said I think he did care about the rest of the passengers, not just following along in the Stones’ footsteps. That’s where it started. But I can’t really give too much more because we do learn more. You’ll see more [of] where that’s coming from I think as the show progresses [in part 2]. But I do think in season 3, that was kind of the core of Eagan. We start to see him in survival mode in part 1 this season which is a little bit of a different place than he was when we first meet him.

NL: You said Eagan is misunderstood. Can you elaborate on that, and what do you want viewers to know about him?

Lopéz-Sohaili: I think we’re all redeemable to some extent, and he really challenges the audience. For good reason. You shouldn’t particularly like him. He does a lot of selfish things. But I think what I love about the show is that it’s about doing good in the world for the sake of all of us. And this family does keep trusting him because they do see the bigger picture in saving this community. There has to be some hope that all of these passengers can redeem themselves and do good, even with the little time that’s left. I think, hopefully, Eagan gives people an open mind when they watch the show.

NL: What I’m hearing is there’s hope for him to come through at the end.

Lopéz-Sohaili: I feel like there should be hope for all of us to come through if you want this boat to make it.

Manifest has been a “life-changing” event for the actor

NL: For my last question, we’ve unfortunately reached the end. You guys have filmed the last episode, and hopefully part 2 is coming out soon. So what has the Manifest journey been like for you?

Lopéz-Sohaili: When I got this role, it came at such a crazy time. So much had happened to me in this past two years. To be a part of a show that gets cancelled, the personal things that have happened during COVID, and to reach this point where these people have become my family and my friends. It wasn’t just a job. It was a lot more emotional than I thought to get to that last moment. To be wrapped from a show, it was surreal. And luckily, it’s a job that even though it’s done, we still had the premiere come out, there’s still the second part. So it still feels very much alive. I still hear from some of the cast and some of the crew. It’s a life-changing event in my life, so I’m deeply grateful and appreciative for this blessing that happened in such a difficult time in the world.

Manifest season 4 part 1 is now streaming on Netflix. Stay tuned to Netflix Life as we bring you all the updates and news about part 2!