Canadian actor Daniel Magder, best known to many for his role as Edwin on LIFE WITH DEREK, steps into a fresh role this year as Mikey in MUDPIT. The comedy blends live action and animation to tell the story of four teens who inhabit avatars in a virtual band as they chase a major record deal. A recent set visit offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the production, with Magder sharing insights about the show, his character, and what audiences can anticipate when it premieres this fall. The project mixes humor, music, and digital creativity in a way that feels playful yet sharp, inviting viewers into a world where performance and personality collide in new and exciting ways.
What is Mikey like? In the usual band setup the bassist often acts as the steadying force, the voice of calm in a fast-moving scene. Mikey breaks that mold. He is the loose cannon, the unpredictable spark that can flip a moment on its head. That fearless, impulsive energy is what drew Magder to the part, and he admits he relishes tapping into that edge on screen. Mikey’s rhythm comes from quick reactions and an appetite for taking chances, a combination that keeps the other band members on their toes and the audience guessing what he’ll do next. The choice to give Mikey such a bold, high-octane presence helps anchor the show’s humor and energy in memorable ways.
Does Magder play bass in real life? He does. He picked up the instrument in August 2010 when the opportunity to take on this role came along. He doesn’t perform vocals on the studio recordings, so his contributions there are relatively minimal. Still, he notes that if the role expands, learning more bass could be a smart move to reflect Mikey’s evolving part in the band and to keep his on-screen performances authentic to the character’s musical core.
Magder’s personal taste in music leans toward rock with a strong nod to Canadian acts. The Tragically Hip and Barenaked Ladies sit high on his list, and he also appreciates Britpop and anything with a compelling bass groove. He explains that a powerful bass line can drive a scene and shape a character’s mood, making the music an essential storytelling tool in MUDPIT as the virtual and real worlds collide on screen.
Set life comes with its moments of real laughter. There’s non-stop humor between takes, and Jeff Douglas, who plays Fitzy, brings a level of comic spontaneity that keeps everyone smiling. He’ll sometimes sing to a banana—yes, a banana—about a banana, a completely random moment that somehow lands in the day’s memories. The cast shares inside jokes that slip into scenes, giving the show a sense of lived-in camaraderie that audiences feel as the characters banter and bond.
How do the avatars relate to the characters? Mikey’s wild energy translates into Booch, Mikey’s animated counterpart, and the animation amplifies that craziness. When a live-action player is shy and awkward, their avatar becomes even more so, exaggerating traits to heighten humor and storytelling. The result is a vibrant interplay between what the audience sees in real time and what the animated world offers, allowing the characters’ personalities to breathe in two intertwined dimensions.
Staying grounded comes naturally to Magder. He has spent much of his life in front of cameras since a young age, and that long-running experience helps him remain balanced. Old friends who knew him before fame keep his perspective intact, reminding him that this craft is a passion rather than a pedestal. He loves what he does and feels blessed for the opportunities that have come his way, which keeps him focused on growing as both a performer and a musician.
Fans and readers can expect more glimpses into MUDPIT as premiere information becomes available. The show’s blend of live action and animation, its music-driven premise, and Magder’s bold portrayal of Mikey suggest a fresh and energetic addition to the teen comedy landscape. In the meantime, audiences can look forward to more updates about the series and the adventures of Mikey and Booch as they navigate the digital stage and the real world alike.