'Dark Matter' Season 2 Interview: Jimmi Simpson

Jimmi Simpson in 'Dark Matter' season 2, now streaming on Apple TV. Photo: Apple TV.

Premiering its final episode of its second season on Apple TV October 30th is the popular science fiction series 'Dark Matter', which was created by Blake Crouch ('Wayward Pines').

The series stars Joel Edgerton ('Train Dreams'), Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly ('A Beautiful Mind'), Oakes Fegley ('The Fabelmans'), Alice Braga ('The Suicide Squad'), and Jimmi Simpson ('Westworld').

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jimmi Simpson about his work on 'Dark Matter' Season 2, the challenge of playing multiple versions of the same character, working with the cast and series creator Blake Crouch, and what fans can expect from a possible season 3, as well as looking back at his time as "Lyle the Intern" on the 'Late Show with David Letterman'.

Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about how Ryan2 has changed since the first season and what has it been like for you as an actor to play multiple versions of the same character in this series?

Jimmi Simpson: Ryan 1 in season 1 was this victim of his own brain power. He's a brilliant neuroscientist and he's had the rather unfortunate experience of being betrayed by his best friend and abandoned in another universe. So that's a difficult phase in his life. But season 2, one of the beautiful things Ryan gets to experience in season 2 is this relationship of someone else trapped in this situation. It's that relationship with Amanda, and they're both trying to navigate a thing that nobody else could possibly understand. There's a lot of intimacy comes from that. So you have the self-assured season 1 Ryan who's won his whole life, and then you have the second half of that season where he's so lost in a way that he's never even experienced because he's always been a winner. So, to have that relationship with Amanda, it really allows him to discover who he really is and that he actually is more of an explorer than he would've thought beforehand. He lived a successful, but a safe life before this experience.

(L to R) Alice Braga and Jimmi Simpson in 'Dark Matter', premiering August 28, 2026 on Apple TV. Photo: Apple TV.

MF: What has it been like for you working with Alice Braga to create Ryan and Amanda's relationship?

JS: It's just been great. Alice and I have known each other very casually through friends for years, and we'd always said, "Oh, I hope we work together." This was not either of our choices. It's just Blake saw us both and brought us in to play these roles. Who knew how extensive their relationship would get? Probably Blake, but Alice is just such a wonderful actor because she brings so much emotional truth to these very bizarre circumstances. You can have a scene where we're discussing something completely insane, like traveling between universes, and then somehow it feels like two people talking about a very personal problem. It's like the ultimate support group. It's very exclusive, and there is terrible parking.

Joel Edgerton in 'Dark Matter', now streaming on Apple TV.

MF: I also wanted to ask you about working with Joel Edgerton and the challenges of working with an actor who is playing multiple versions of the same character? Does it ever get confusing to you knowing which Jason you are in a scene with?

JS: It never gets confusing knowing which Jason you're talking to because Joel Edgerton, he's one of the best actors I've ever known and certainly worked with. His preparation is nonstop. When he's on that show, there's not a moment that he has down besides to be with his family. So, he's at work all day, every day. The gentle nuances between the different Jasons, it's wild how palpable they are. It's literally a flash in his eyes. He knows how to live and inhabit these characters even though they're so wildly similar. So weirdly, no, it's really clear which Jason Joel's playing and what a testament to his acting ability. I find him stunning.

(L to R) Jimmi Simpson and Alice Braga in 'Dark Matter' season 2, now streaming on Apple TV. Photo: Apple TV.

MF: What has your experience been like working with series creator Blake Crouch and watching him build the incredible world of this show?

JS: Well, it's that he's written this brilliant book, but it's also just incredibly exciting because that same man, Blake Crouch, is still the guy driving the car. For instance, with season 2, normally when the show runs out of source material, that's a possibly terrifying moment. But in our case, the brain that created the universe is still writing it. Now he's just free to explore questions and fears that the original story didn't have to answer, which is just an interesting thing about 'Dark Matter'. The premise is almost infinitely expandable, but Blake's always interested in the human cost of all of these extraordinary circumstances. Not just what happens when you open a door, he's interested in what happens to the person who walks through it, if that makes sense.

MF: Where would you like to see Ryan go in a possible third season? Is there more of Ryan's story to tell?

JS: I mean, I think there is. I think season 2's awakening his capacity, like I said, as an explorer. He's a brilliant scientist. Unfortunately, he's often surrounded by people who are brilliant at complicating his life. So maybe there's a calmer way to explore. Maybe he goes solo exploring and we get to learn even more about where he comes from.

(L to R) Jimmi Simpson and David Letterman on 'Late Show with David Letterman'. Photo: CBS. — (L to R) Jimmi Simpson and David Letterman on 'Late Show with David Letterman'. Photo: Worldwide Pants.

MF: Finally, I'm a big fan of your work as Lyle the Intern on the 'Late Show with David Letterman'. Do you have any funny memories from working on the show?

JS: That's so funny, man. I was actually just in the city shooting a show. I was with a friend and I said, "Oh, I have to make this phone call." He wanted to grab a beer. So, I said, "Just pick a place." He goes, "Oh, I got a place." We walked 15 minutes to this place. I look up and it's McGee's Pub, which is a line I said as Lyle. I wanted Dave to be my wingman at McGee's Pub but I'd never been there. So, all of a sudden I was there 15 years later. I'm going to post a photo of it actually soon. "Don't want to get your yam bags in a bunch, man."

(L to R) Joel Edgerton, Jimmi Simpson, Alice Braga and Jimmi Simpson in 'Dark Matter', premiering August 28, 2026 on Apple TV. Photo: Apple TV.

What is the plot of 'Dark Matter' season 2?

In season two, the Dessens settle into a quiet life in a world that finally seems safe, until the unimaginable forces them to run once again. As Jason's (Joel Edgerton) obsession with the Box deepens, Daniela's (Jennifer Connelly) growing paranoia pushes her to the brink, threatening to tear their fragile stability apart. Elsewhere, Amanda (Alice Braga) and Ryan (Jimmi Simpson) join forces in a desperate attempt to find their way home. With Blair (Amanda Brugel) determined to stop him, Leighton relentlessly chases his grand vision of creating a perfect world.