Conor Merrigan-Turner stars in Peacock’s new limited series “Apple’s Never Fall,” opposite Annette Bening, Sam Neill, Allison Brie, and Jake Lacey. The show premieres March 13th and is based on Australian author Liane Moriarty’s (“Big Little Lies, Little Fires Everywhere”) bestselling novel “Apples Never Fall.” Conor stars as Logan Delaney. The story revolves around the disappearance of Joy Delaney (Bening), a 60 something mother and retired tennis coach who suddenly vanishes on Valentine’s Day. All signs point to her moody and volatile husband (Neill), however, as days pass and a police search ensues. The story evolves into the psychology of a dysfunctional family, with four grown children harboring grudges and bitter resentments of their own.

He starred as Luke Cole in the Netflix limited series, “Thai Cave Rescue,” produced by Jon Chu’s SK Global, which reached number one in territories around the world. He was also seen in “Tomorrow, When The World Began.” Conor graduation) from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting). His 2020 performance at the Roundhouse Theatre as John Merrick in “The Elephant Man” gained widespread acclaim from audiences. Conor is Australian and currently splits his time between Los Angeles and Melbourne.

Tell us about your experience working on the limited series Apple’s “Never Fall” and your role as Logan Delaney?
It was a whirlwind experience; I'm still processing it all. I’ll get back to you when I’ve got my head around it. The reality far exceeded my expectations, and beyond. Regarding my approach to the role, I aimed to maintain the initial intuitive response I had when reading the book for the first time. It's a wonder that writers can give you a couple sheets of old trees, your imagination replicates the lines and builds a world in your mind's eye. Logan was already fully formed in a way, I just had to tap into that. Linking to Logan --- a man searching for his footing in a world filled with expectation and disappointments was certainly not unachievable to relate to. I was excited by the reality of his circumstances and I doubt I’m alone in saying there are times we find ourselves lost in our objective in life and all pursuits forward can be unclear, I hope Logan’s progression through his experience can offer some support to audiences. You’ll see Logan is a little susceptible to fogginess, he can be paralyzed by indecision but finds a way through. His journey mirrored by his surroundings, his quaint little houseboat docked at the local marina, offering the illusion of freedom while still tethered to familiar shores. Despite the frustrations, navigating his development was a joy; after all, smooth seas don't make skilled sailors.

Considering 'Apples’ “Never Fall' is based on Liane Moriarty's bestselling novel, please describe your process of translating a character from the pages of a book to the screen?
My engagement with the book predates my casting; I’m certainly not one of those actors who is overwhelmed with auditions, So when they do come along I’ve tried to hack a habit and use it as an opportunity to test out how quickly I can knock out a book. I saw the audition come through on my phone while up on the ladder at work, quickly it stood out as a big opportunity. I googled if my local bookshop had it in stock and as soon as I finished work I picked it up and went straight to the nearest pub, sat down and began reading. It was a little surreal reading through it and as the description of Logan ensued “He wore paint-stained track pants, an old t-shirt and runners. He hadn’t shaved and he was a man who looked like a criminal when he didn’t shave. His hair stuck up in tufts. His mother would say he looked like a hobo.” Looking across at my reflection in a nearby window, this wouldn’t be far off a description one might make of my own appearance, so I gathered I may be in with a shot.

After hearing the news I’d be a part of the project, it was a rush to learn as much I could about Florida, so I could better understand the composition of someone who grew up there as opposed to the book's original location, North Sydney. I then started taking stock of the parallels and contrasting features of who Australian Logan and who American Logan were. By doing this I started to understand a little more about their internal makeup. Recognizing Logan's overall temperament and familial role was a priority that lay at the crux of a lot of his decision making so I really started there. I tried to adhere closely to the character's essence as envisioned by Liane, with limited episodes available during initial filming, Grounding Logan's internal structure in the book was pivotal, then tying in Melanie Marnoch’s adaptation that offered some beautiful, expanded characteristics. His switch from failed Tennis Pro to a practitioner of yoga, that resorted to the boat dock for work and a place to call home allowed me to gather a pretty clear idea of what he is all about. I find that hobbies are a useful clue, as they provide insights into their persona and coping mechanisms. So, for the TV adaptation, Logan's coastal lifestyle symbolized both freedom and constraint, using yoga as a tool for stress management and a way to move the body without the competitive edge from which he separated himself from when he left the pursuit of professional tennis.

In portraying the complexities of family relationships with deep-rooted grudges, what challenges did you face, and how did you approach balancing the emotional dynamics of the Delaney family?
Mapping out the dynamics across two timelines proved challenging initially, requiring a fair amount of time to break down. However, once clarified, the key moments and relational shifts became palpable. Crisis often reveals our true alliances, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses within familial bonds. Despite Logan's vulnerabilities, his siblings' strengths complemented his journey, fostering unexpected growth. As someone with only one brother, embracing three new sibling dynamics was exhilarating. The plethora of personalities around the table intensified the familial conflicts, prompting reflection on whose support to seek and from whom to retreat.

What was the dynamic like working alongside acclaimed actors like Annette Bening, Sam Neill, Allison Brie, and Jake Lacey, and did they offer any valuable advice?
Rather than seeking a few quotes for my journal, My big takeaway was their genuine and loving nature that began on day one, that authenticity and generosity continues to this day. Their openness and receptiveness were invaluable during those six-months of shooting, irrespective of their accolades I’m just so glad I was able to spend that time with such great people and moving forward they’ve left a high standard on how to carry yourself through the world and industry.

You've previously worked on the Netflix limited series 'Thai Cave Rescue.' How did your experience on that project differ from your work on 'Apples Never Fall'?
Apple’s “Never Fall' provided ample time to explore a fully fleshed-out character and delve into their personal journey took place amidst crises. In contrast, my role in 'Thai Cave Rescue” as Luke Cole, based on real-life Special Tactics Officer Mitch Torrel, involved a more rudimentary portrayal with a focus on military tactics and analysis. The work environment also contrasted significantly, as “Thai Cave Rescue” was shot in Thailand, embracing the country's cultural customs and involving the local community in the production was such an eye-opening experience, I was just so thankful to have been a part of it.

Are there specific genres or character types that particularly resonate with you as an actor, and why?
I'm drawn to narratives that unfold slowly and deliberately. There's a profound beauty in patient storytelling, where subtle nuances and authentic moments are given time to captivate the audience. The final scene of “Call Me By Your Name,”' with Elio (Timothée Chalamet) gazing into the fireplace, encapsulates the power of a lingering moment, I could watch that scene in isolation for hours. However, I'm also not too picky. I can be won over and moved by almost anything depending on the right mood.

When considering new projects, what criteria do you prioritize in choosing roles, and how do you navigate the decision-making process?
The decision-making process up to this point has been.. ooh first audition in a few months, Lemme do my best and fingers crossed I get a call back or some result from the audition. That’s it. beggars can’t be choosers, but my mum always said what’s right for you won’t pass you by. If I’m so lucky to have the chance to prioritize choosing roles, I think I’ll chase the dragon and continue searching to work with good people doing good work.

With the rise of streaming platforms, how do you see the landscape of the entertainment industry evolving, and how does it affect your approach to projects?
It’s exciting, we’re starting to be exposed to its evolution, the industry seemingly has opened up and audiences are demanding more range and variety because of it. With all of these streamers and production companies garnering new ways to fund projects, there are incredible opportunities that allow diverse storylines providing a place for emerging talent to flourish alongside the seasoned actors. Technology is accelerating at an exponential rate so who knows what entertainment will look like in five years’ time. I’m certainly curious to see how things progress, I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.

Can you share any memorable moments you encountered while working on Apples “Never Fall” that had a significant impact on your overall experience?Gold Coast is undeniably one of the more exceptional places in the world to work. A blessing of the adaptation is Logan’s transition to a Seafarer, I had to the chance to become a qualified Scuba Diver in order to shoot underwater sequences, this meant being sent off on a little getaway trip with a fella named Pirate Pete to Jungarra Ngarrian (Cook Island), I saw some incredible marine wildlife. Being submerged fifteen feet underwater, in total silence, submitted to witnessing the incredible creatures below was a real insight into Logan and how he chooses to move through the world.

Looking ahead, are there specific goals or types of roles you aspire to take on in the future?
I think I’ll follow the work that offers a space for me and I can serve positively.

PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Byron Martin
Talent: Conor Merrigan-Turner
Fashion Stylist: Victoria Knowles
Groomer: Claire Thomson
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Ethan Engh, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
RADAR Created by Ayoka Lucas