SEATTLE — When the fourth and final season of popular Netflix series “The Umbrella Academy” debuts, one of the stars will be watching from Seattle.
Aiden Gallagher, who plays Five, moved to the Northwest a couple of years ago.
"The first time I went to Seattle, I was like, 'This really looks like the world of Umbrella Academy,'” he said. “There are a few buildings that are almost kind of steampunk-esque. I felt right at home, it was great."
Over the past few months, he's split time between acting and recording music at Robert Lang Studios in Shoreline.
"It's funny how that worked out, as soon as I got there I met one of my best friends (Aaron Rash) who’s the other half of my brain, musically," Gallagher said.
He stars alongside a cast of diverse actors in “The Umbrella Academy.” Based on a popular comic book series, it centers on a family of adopted superheroes tasked with saving the world. Their loving but dysfunctional relationships make for a funny contrast to big action sequences and otherworldly situations.
"Oscar Wilde said, 'Be yourself because everyone else is taken.' That's kind of the spirit of this show,” said Robert Sheehan, who plays Klaus.
After shooting together for seven years, the actors have become genuinely close in real life.
"We have a (group) chat, it's called 'siblings,'" said Tom Hopper, who plays Luther.
Justin H. Min, who plays Ben, added, "I was a baby when I joined this cast… It was our big breaks, and to kind of grow up together on the show and in the industry was such a joy and a pleasure."
The characters also become grown-ups in the new season, and finally feel “seen.”
The evolution is especially poignant for Elliot Page, whose real-life transition has been reflected in his character Viktor.
"Of course, feeling seen as a trans person has meant also understanding, allowing myself to fully see myself, which I was afraid and overwhelmed to do for a long time,” he said. "Feeling seen by those around you, by friends, by your family, that's what lets us feel like we can step into who we truly are and hopefully get to thrive in this world."
The varied storylines deeply resonate with fans, who get tattoos and flock to conventions to meet the cast.
"I've done conventions around the world, in Liverpool and Seattle, and I think every interaction, you just learn how much this show means to people,” said Emmy Raver-Lampman, who plays Allison. "It's wonderful. The excitement and the reach this show has had - the diverse reach this show has had - is really beautiful and really inspiring and it's been awesome."
Ritu Arya, who plays Lila, added, “Fans have made the experience a wild rollercoaster and we've been so grateful.”
Season Four also introduces guest stars Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, and David Cross.
While it’s the show’s “final timeline,” the actors hope what their characters represent will live on.
"It's okay to have flaws, it's okay to have all these faults in your life. And then, love people for all of that, regardless. That's what family is all about,” Hopper said.
“The Umbrella Academy” season four debuts on Netflix August 8.
Travel and accommodations provided by Netflix.
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