INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

Netflix has captivated audiences with its latest K-Drama sensation When The Stars Gossip—a riveting series with plenty of celestial intrigue, heartfelt romance, and imaginative storytelling.

Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the cosmos, When The Stars Gossip weaves a mesmerizing character-driven tale of love and the cosmic mysteries that unfold as humanity reaches for the stars. The series boasts a stellar lineup of industry icons, including the charismatic Lee Min-Ho and the talented Gong Hyo-Jin, both known for their captivating performances in past (and recent) hits across film and television.

Adding to the excitement of this space-centric series is the addition of Alex Hafner as Santiago Gonzalez, a well-developed Astronaut who contributes a unique, nuanced perspective to the story. And through this role, Hafner's portrayal of Santiago is both engaging and relatable, as he navigates the challenges of space-themed storylines with a charisma that leaves viewers with a desire for more.

Now, the talented actor is opening up about his charming character, experiences working with the cast, and what makes this series particularly compelling.

What initially drew you to the role of Santiago in When The Stars Gossip?

Alex Hafner: It was love at first sight with Santiago! I mean, how often do you get the chance to play an astronaut who’s equal parts genius and goofball? His quirky blend of intellect and emotional openness immediately stood out to me. Plus, the idea of tackling space — a realm so vast and mysterious — felt like an irresistible playground for an actor. Santiago’s dreams, his vulnerabilities, and even his awkward moments made him feel so human. It’s like he’s constantly orbiting between two worlds — his aspirations and his heart — and that push and pull really resonated with me.

How did you prepare for the unique challenges of playing a character involved in space-themed storylines?

Alex Hafner: I’ve always been a curious soul, so diving into astronaut life was pure joy! I binged NASA documentaries, obsessed over space station blueprints, and even practiced moving like I was in zero gravity — trust me, it’s harder than it looks. But it wasn’t just about the science; it was about capturing Santiago’s emotional journey too. I created these mini rituals to embody his sense of awe, like meditating on images of the cosmos or journaling as if I were him. Playing an astronaut is like dancing with the unknown, and honestly, I loved every second of it.

The series has a great lineup–including a few industry powerhouses like Lee Min-Ho and Gong Hyo-Jin. What was the highlight of collaborating with this particular roster of talent?

Alex Hafner: Honestly, it was how insanely welcoming everyone was. From day one, they made me feel like I belonged, even though I was stepping into a totally new culture. Korean culture has this amazing balance of being bold, yet super thoughtful and down-to-earth. Everything has a purpose, but there’s also so much heart in how they go about things — it’s hard not to be inspired by that.

What really blew me away, though, was how natural it felt when we were acting. Sure, we came from different worlds, spoke different languages, and had different approaches, but the second the cameras started rolling, all of that just melted away. It was like we were all plugged into the same wavelength, speaking the universal language of storytelling. That connection, that flow — it was pure magic. There’s nothing I can add about Min-ho or Hyo-jin that people don’t already know, it was an honor to share the screen with them, and I am honored I can call them my friends.

Given your extensive experience in the industry, how does When The Stars Gossip compare to your previous projects?

Alex Hafner: This show feels like a constellation of everything I love about storytelling. It’s ambitious yet intimate, blending larger-than-life visuals with deeply personal themes. Unlike anything I’ve done before, When The Stars Gossip isn’t just about space — it’s about what happens when we dream big but forget the beauty of what’s right in front of us. The entire experience was unique for me, not just on set but in my daily life and routine.

From the way shoots were run to the little details of how I adapted to a new culture, it gave me a chance to reflect on my habits and examine myself on every level, which was incredibly special. There’s something about combining K-drama’s heartfelt storytelling with Sci-Fi’s boundless imagination that feels so fresh, like it’s charting new territory in TV. Even visually, the series is like nothing I’ve ever seen before, and that’s what makes it so electrifying.

What kind of audience do you think will resonate most with When The Stars Gossip?

Alex Hafner: Dreamers — this show is for the dreamers. If you’ve ever stared at the night sky and wondered about your place in the universe, this is for you. Whether you’re into science, romance, or just great storytelling, there’s something here for everyone. Santiago’s journey, in particular, speaks to anyone trying to reconcile their big ambitions with their inner struggles. And hey, if you’re the type to cry over a good story or laugh at a perfectly timed space pun, welcome aboard.

When you were working on the series, was there anything specific that you hoped viewers would take away from your character's journey in the series?

Alex Hafner: I wanted Santiago’s story to be a reminder that sometimes; in chasing the stars, we overlook the light right next to us. He starts off so laser-focused on his dreams that he forgets to appreciate the people and moments that ground him. But through his “space family,” he learns to balance ambition with connection. I hope viewers see that it’s okay to dream big, but it’s just as important to stay rooted in love, kindness, and the here and now.

Outside of When The Stars Gossip, are there any upcoming projects you're particularly excited about?

Alex Hafner: I’ve got a few things in the works, but I’m a bit superstitious about sharing too much before the cameras start rolling — I don’t want to count my chickens before they hatch, if you know what I mean. That said, I’d love to take on something romantic or dive into a comedy — something totally different from anything I’ve done before. I can’t wait to flex some comedic muscles and explore a new side of myself. Beyond that, I’m staying open to whatever the universe throws my way. Every role is an opportunity to grow, and for me, it’s all about enjoying the ride!