COLLIDER: Congratulations on Swarm!
This series is so amazing, and your episode is such a standout one.
I loved it, especially with the documentary-style feel.
Image via Jefferson Chacon, Amazon Prime Video
HEATHER SIMMS: The thing is, I felt like I hadnt seen a character like this, right?
But then I was like, Wait a minute, is this me?
Is this me inserting the humor in this character?
Image via Amazon Prime Video
But no, it was there.
It was really there.
It was alive, and I just wanted to be able to get in there and play.
Image via Prime Video
Thats so interesting how you mention that because I feel like she was a lot like us.
Now, I love how Donald Glover and Janine Nabers made this.
We dont even really think about it we just see it happening every day on social media.
Image via Amazon Prime Video
Were you shocked when you read the script, especially by how they inserted you into it?
We would not have seen you coming until maybe the actual episode, which is so crazy.
SIMMS: Well, the thing is, I didnt know about the other episodes.
I hadnt read the other episodes when I arrived on set.
I just knew what they told me.
So for you, it must have been like, Okay, well what is this really about?
What is this whole series doing?!
Im like, Oh, again, we fall through again.
And listen, no one wants someone from their community to be a serial killer.
No ones like, Hey!
I think that Episode 6 gives us a moment to breathe.
Is there even a dialogue or does it reject the idea through Dre?
SIMMS: I think that the way I viewed the whole series was not about… And without that, lots of things can go awry.
I cannot help but think getting into the mindset of a detective is easy.
Did you listen to a lot of true-crime podcasts or watch documentaries?
SIMMS: You know what, Ive watchedThe First 48; I watchedDateline.
I listen to a lot of different kinds of podcasts… [and] serial killer shows.
I think that weve grown up with them.
And I realize they dont have a commercial between the first one and the second one.
They just kind of slide into it and so youre like, Dang, dag-nabbit, Im stuck.
I was shocked, it was just written so strongly and the performances are again, so stellar.
Why do you think audiences are lovingSwarmso much?
Because Dre isnt the most likable character.
Did this really happen?
But could it happen?
And how you’re able to get lost in it.
But I think its always been there.
When you look at those screaming women for The Beatles and people falling over… for Elvis or whoever.
That is so true.
You deserve a nomination or award, that critical acclaim, all of it.
So, how do you feel?
Because that must be so humbling for you.
[laughs] Yes!
You were so great inSwarm, you deserve awards for it!
I really do believe that.
And, so would I want a Loretta Green spinoff?
My sister has been saying to me for years, I need to do the remake ofThe Rockford Files.
I dont know how she choseThe Rockford Files.
But I really am grateful for that kind of love and appreciation.
And Im on Twitter when I see it, I thank everyone.
But I agree with them, Loretta Greene needs a spin-off.
Well, I hope that if theres any news, you will share it with us on social media.
So, before I let you go, the most important question now is whos your favorite artist?
Is it NiJah or Beyonce?
I dont want any problems.
Swarmis now streaming onAmazon Prime Video.
