[Warning: The following contains MAJOR spoilers for Dark Matter Season 1, Episode 8 “Jupiter.”]
Is physics professor Jason Desson (Joel Edgerton) about to reach his happy ending? The June 19 episode of Apple TV+’s sci-fi thriller Dark Matter suggested as much when Jason reunited with his wife Daniela (Jennifer Connelly) and son Charlie (Oakes Fegley) at Chicago’s iconic sculpture, The Bean.
After using the safe word “Jupiter,” Daniela seemed sure she had chosen the right Jason, especially after dealing with three other alternate versions of him. However, the action-packed series, based on Blake Crouch’s 2016 bestselling novel, isn’t finished yet. With the finale, “Entanglement,” airing on June 26, fans are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the Desson family’s turbulent journey.
In a clip from the finale, Jason realizes the full extent of their multiverse predicament, facing numerous other Jasons with varying intentions. Edgerton offers insights into the complexities of playing multiple versions of the same character and teases what’s next for the Desson family. Watch below:
The Challenge of Playing Multiple Jasons
Edgerton reflected to TV Line on the daunting task of differentiating between the various versions of Jason. “It’s been over a year since we finished shooting, and I still wonder how we managed it all,” he says. “Every day was an energizing challenge, especially towards the later episodes where I played multiple Jasons with different agendas and traumas.”
The actor credits the support of the production team, including makeup and costume departments, creator Blake Crouch, and stunt doubles, for helping him navigate the intricate portrayals. “It was one of the most complicated and challenging roles I’ve ever undertaken,” Edgerton admits.
The Appeal of the Role
Despite the challenges, Edgerton embraced the complexity of the role. “The whole reason I took on the job was because I knew how challenging it would be,” he explains. The actor recounts a recent encounter in Paris with a fan eagerly anticipating the finale. “People are so invested in the story,” he says. “I just tell them to watch and see what happens.”
The Family Dynamics
As the finale approaches, the trust between Jason, Daniela, and Charlie is tested. Edgerton highlights the emotional trauma Daniela has endured and the cautious optimism as she begins to trust this Jason. “There’s a mix of relief and curiosity about returning to normalcy,” he notes. “But things have changed, and it’s not easy to navigate.”
The Multiversal Threat
In the exclusive clip, Jason learns the staggering number of alternate Jasons vying for his life. Edgerton describes the scene as a pivotal moment, emphasizing the scale of potential dangers. “It’s a neat and efficient way of showing the stakes,” he says. “Viewers will feel the same dread Jason 1 feels, questioning if he truly deserves his family more than the others.”
Edgerton appreciates how the show puts the audience in Daniela’s perspective, constantly questioning trust and identity. “All they have is a safe word, and she’s just going with her gut on the Jason she feels good about,” he adds.
Preparing for the Finale
Edgerton sets the stage for the climactic finale, describing it as a blend of “Straw Dogs” and “The Matrix.” “It’s a siege of Jasons,” he says. “As wild as the show gets with its sci-fi elements, it remains grounded in very human questions about choices and the paths our lives take.”
Reflecting on his own life, Edgerton relates to Jason 1’s fierce protectiveness of his family. “I wouldn’t exchange my life for anything,” he says. “I know what I’ve got, and I would fiercely protect it.”
Dark Matter streams on Apple TV+. Watch the exclusive sneak peek of the finale above.
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(Hero image courtesy of Apple TV+)
