For years, it’s men who have predominately held positions of power in the world, but imagine if one day that changed in an instant.
That’s the concept behind The Power, the new science fiction series starring Toni Collette and John Leguizamo.
In an interview with TV Week, the actors explain how they’ve never read a script like it.
”The series is very reflective of life at the moment,” Toni, 50, tells TV Week.
”I really love that it’s about a potential sense of equality, as that’s something I’ve always believed in, and something that’s essential for humanity. I think the premise is original and essential viewing right now.”
WATCH NOW: The Power’s Toni Collette shares what attracted her to the role. Article continues after video.
Based on the best selling 2016 novel by Naomi Alderman, The Power follows a group of teenage girls who develop the ability to produce electricity from their hands.
But they’re just the start of what would become a worldwide phenomenon.
With this new skill, the girls discover they can excercise more power than they ever thought possible.
But will they abuse it, or use it for good?
Rob and Margot must deal with the personal and political consequences of daughter Jo’s new abilities.
(IMAGE: Getty)The actors play married couple Margot and Rob Lopez.
Their daughter Jos (Auli’i Cravalho) has inherited the gift and is now being hunted by the government who want to contain the ”outbreak”.
As parents themselves, both Toni and John agree that gender equality is more important than ever as the new generation forge their future.
”Having a daughter [Allegra, who’s 24], and being a father, in this modern world, I want her to feel empowered and not like there are obstacles or anything that can hold her back,” John 62 says.
He and wife Justine Maurer also have a 23 year old son, Lucas.
”I know the world is still not completelyy equal and there’s still sexism. Women are half the planet; everything should be 50 percent and it’s not there yet. This series will show you what it could be like.”
WATCH NOW: The Power’s Toni Collette and John Leguizamo on the show’s impact on their parenting styles. Article continues after video.
Toni has two children – Sage, 15, and Arlo, 11 – with her former partner, Dave Galafassi, and says she tries to instil values of equality in them both.
”I’m very aligned with this story and where it’s going, and hope for a sense of equality,” she says.
”I infuse my daughter with so much love and power and tell both my kids I’ll support them in anything they’re passionate about.”
”With close to 200 acting credits between them – including Romeo + Juliet, Chef, Muriel’s Wedding and About A Boy – Toni and John have worked with scores of Hollywood stars, yet their paths haven’t crossed profesionally until now.
”I didn’t know until I worked with him how bloody funny he is,” Toni enthuses.
”I loved Romeo + Juliet [the 1996 Baz Luhrmann hit]. It was to be my favourite [of the films he’s done].”
The Power is streaming now on Prime Video. Subscribe here with a 30 day free trial.
