Tyler Alvarez, who co-stars in the brand new Netflix comedy “Blockbuster,” said that the solid didn’t see it as ironic for the streaming giant to make a show a couple of business that died partly due to Netflix.
“I feel [the show] is a homage to Blockbuster,” Alvarez, 25, told The Post. “I feel it’s a love letter to that point, and it’s a love letter to movies. That’s what it means to me, and for all of us involved in making it. We stayed accurate to the uniform within the costumes. We desired to portray it accurately.”
Now streaming, the workplace comedy was created by Vanessa Ramos (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) and revolves around the staff of the last remaining Blockbuster video rental store on the planet.
There’s manager Timmy (Randall Park); Eliza (Melissa Fumero), who’s recently separated from her husband and can also be Timmy’s longtime crush; eccentric Connie (Olga Merediz); ditzy Hannah (Madeline Arthur); and Carlos Herrera (Alvarez), an immigrant who learned English by watching movies and dreams of being the subsequent Quentin Tarantino.
“The show has lots of heart and it’s hysterical,” said Alvarez. “I enjoyed everyone [in the cast] but especially Madeline, since we’re around the identical age. We connected and formed an incredible friendship. We’re planning on going to Europe only for somewhat trip; we’re traveling together at the highest of next yr. I also think Melissa [Fumero] is sort of a cool older sister.”
Alvarez, who grew up in The Bronx and is Cuban and Puerto Rican American, said he could relate to his character’s backstory.
“He’s dealing along with his parents being immigrants, and my dad is an immigrant. I’m aware of the pressure that immigrant parents placed on their children, which is something that Carlos deals with,” he said.
He said he could also relate to his character because they each discover as queer. “But what I liked about Carlos specifically was that it didn’t define him. I find with lots of queer characters, their queerness defines their storyline,” he said. “But with this, it’s just a bit of who he was. Carlos can also be a filmmaker, and so am I. I really like what I do, and that zeal for his dreams is something that I find relatable.
“Loads of my friends are in careers that they’re not necessarily blissful with. That’s something Carlos is coping with. He’s studying to change into an accountant and is like, ‘Should I stay the course or do something I really like?’ I feel that’s a matter every human being has to ask sooner or later. ‘Do I’m going for what sets my heart on fire, or do I go along with what’s secure, and what I do know is secure?’ I find that dilemma to be very interesting, especially at this age.”
Alvarez, who can also be known for “American Vandal” and “Orange is the Recent Black,” said he has childhood memories of visiting Blockbuster.
“I remember renting video games, and the candy. Those are the things that stick out to me,” he said. “I remember it being a hot summer day, and going to the Blockbuster in Washington Heights, and the air-con hits you within the face — and the joy of picking out a movie, and the competition of who will pick it out and narrowing it down.”