Jake Stormoen Discusses ‘The Outpost,’ Shipping, and More [Exclusive Interview]

Captain Garret Spears is having one crazy journey on The Outpost Season 2. He has been tortured, killed, revived, and even brainwashed — all in a matter of a few episodes. As fans, we aren’t sure what is going to happen to the poor guy next, so we tune in every week to find out — and each episode is more surprising than the last. 

Fortunately, Jake Stormoen isn’t going through the same ordeal as the character he plays. His warm demeanor and friendly smile welcomed fans to his table at this year’s Wizard World Chicago. Among all the clamoring fans, Stormoen found a few minutes to answer some of our most burning questions about his on-set experiences and fellow castmates.

When asked what drew him to the role of Garret, Jake Stormoen replied quickly with barely a second to think. “I’m a huge fantasy fan and have been my entire life.”

“As a kid, I wanted to be nothing more than a knight or Indiana Jones. Getting to audition for the role was so exciting. When I found out I booked it, I was stoked. I’m having the best time — I’ve loved that stuff my whole life,” he continued. 

He further went on to discuss characters he tries to emulate while playing the role.

Stormoen explained as a child he was always reading anything from Forgotten Realms. “I’ve loved those kinds of characters my entire life. It isn’t necessarily anyone in particular that I can think of, but definitely one of those fictional characters that I read and daydreamed about as a kid.”

“I’m trying to relive that childhood and put that into the work,” he added. That’s a great way to never have to grow up if I ever heard one.

It turns out that playing in these worlds and learning their lore is actually what got him into acting in the first place.

“I wanted to live in those fantasy worlds that my imagination always kept me in. I wanted to be a knight and a treasure hunter — acting was a way to do that,” Stormoen said.

He then mentioned that this kind of work is exactly what he wants his career to be known for. “I’ve been really fortunate in a ton of my work already. A lot of it has been in these fantasy worlds or period pieces — and I love that stuff!”

“If I could play a character that lasted through the ages in these worlds, that would just be the dream for sure,” he stated.

He does such a wonderful and believable job as Garret, that I could imagine him doing just as well in similar roles.

Moving on from life in other realms, Stormoen played a bit coy when it came to the question of who Garret’s heart belongs to. “You can’t ask me that! We have shippers on both sides — that is a dangerous question,” he laughed.

After composing himself, Jake Stormoen continued, “I would say that Garret has had a chance with Gwynn, and has probably given it a lot of thought. He has missed that boat and was drawn to aspects of Talon that maybe surprised him.”

“Ultimately I think he and Gwynn would be a really great match, but I don’t think he sees that. I don’t know that it could happen until he can recognize that and have confidence in himself,” Stormoen extended.

To not suffer the wrath of any certain fanbase, he concluded, “I can see arguments for both sides. I’m not sure that I’m allowed to cast my vote fully.”

If you read my weekly reviews, you’ll know I’m team Gwynn all the way.

When that subject was exhausted, Mr. Stormoen answered what he has in common with the character he plays on The Outpost. First approaching it as a joke, “This season or last season?”

He then went on, “I’ve tried to put a lot of myself in Garrett. I think he wants to do the right thing, and jumping before thinking is something that we share sometimes.”

I think we all have a little of that in ourselves if we are willing to be honest.

This then transitioned into the topic of his other castmates.

“We get along so well — maybe too well,” he informed me. “Imogen loves to troll me on social media, and Jess is super fun. Everybody is great. We really have a fun time.”

“Season One was the first time we all met, and we bonded very quickly. The fact that we got renewed for Season 2, it was like a family reunion. It is a lovely group of people.” 

Their love for each other shines through on the screen. You can tell they are all having a wonderful time.

Shifting from the topic of the show, Jake Stormoen touched on a few hobbies he had outside of acting. “I think you probably heard, I play D&D, Magic, and other tabletop games,” he said with a smile. “I love gaming — both tabletop and video games.”

“I’m also a super outdoorsy guy. I love hiking — nature recharges me,” he continued.

“Rock climbing, hiking, and gaming of some sort.” Stormoen reiterated. 

Before our conversation came to a close, Jake Stormoen left with a shoutout to the fans. “Thank you for supporting our little show that is growing rapidly.”

“I love these types of worlds and playing this character, so being able to do that for a second season is because of the fans. Thank you truly from the bottom of my heart,” he said sincerely. 

The twinkle in his eye proved without a doubt he meant this. It was clear he truly appreciates where he is in his life right now and knows for certain who put him there. 

As I suspected in the first place, Jake Stormoen came off as an earnest and down-to-earth man who seems to be enjoying the ride as far as it will take him. I sure hope he goes a long way.

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Be sure to catch Jake Stormoen on The Outpost airing Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW.

And don’t forget to check back for more coverage on Wizard World Chicago! Find out more about Wizard World here.

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