When it comes to the Hallmark Signature Mysteries, it has never been a secret that I adore every one of them with a passion. However, there is something special about the Hailey Dean Mysteries, and it just so happens that Matthew MacCaull is one of the reasons that these films are so exceptional. Over the two years or so that these mysteries have graced our screens, Matt has portrayed Hailey’s potential love interest, Jonas, and there honestly could be no one better to fill that role. Recently, I was honored to speak with Matt again in anticipation of this trio of new films based on the books and characters originally conceived by Nancy Grace.
Matthew MacCaull Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allister Foster
RH: So nice to chat with you again, Matt!
MM: Always a pleasure, Ruth. Thanks for continuing to reach out.
It has been so great to see you in Hailey Dean on Hallmark this month. And we have one more coming up this weekend!
Yes, it’s been great for this series to come back.
Hailey Dean Fam
I talked with Viv {Leacock} before the movies premiered, and he gave me a good overview of the trio of movies. He also spoke very highly of you. Josh Sabarra also praised you quite a bit. In the same way, the Hallmark fans have simply loved seeing you back on the series.
I’m so glad, Ruth. It sounds like you’ve talked with some great guys who I’m privileged to work with on Hailey Dean. And I just love the Hallmark fans.
Now, two films have already aired, but of course, we don’t want you to spoil anything. What can you tell us about these three Hailey Dean films without revealing too much?
Matthew MacCaull, Kellie Martin Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allister Foster
You might remember that Hailey found her fiance’s killer last year, so that particular storyline is done. These three films develop the storyline even further since Will’s killer has been dealt with. You will see my character’s relationship with Hailey developed much more. It’s all about determining where our relationship might be headed. You’ll get to see where our relationship goes and where it doesn’t go. I think the first two have already shown some of that.
I was thinking that might be happening, and of course, we’re all delighted with what we’ve seen so far. Will we see Jonas more actively involved in the murder cases with Hailey?
Well, in the past, I have been helping her at various times. Sometimes I have gone to the sites with her and have helped her investigate. She always seems to abscond with me on a date. But instead of going on the date, we go investigate the crime scene. You will certainly see more of that in these three films. But the main focus is the relationship aspect.
Matthew MacCaull, Kellie Martin Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allister Foster
I think we Hallmark fans will enjoy that. I know that whenever you are mentioned in Hallmark circles, I never see anything negative stated about you. In fact, the only time people didn’t seem to like you was when you were in When Calls the Heart.
Oh, right! Exactly! That makes sense.
I know many Hallmark fans have been suggesting that Hallmark put you in as a romantic lead in one of their movies. They love seeing you in Hailey Dean, but the fans want to see you as a romantic lead, and I am certain you could do it. I’m thinking that maybe some of it is that on Hallmark Movies Now, the fans can watch you in Heart Felt. I think that the fans who have seen you in that really have enjoyed it and would like to see you in more roles like that.
Oh, I hadn’t realized that. That’s good to know, Ruth.
I am definitely in agreement with the Hallmark fans on this subject, and I plan to push for that to happen with Hallmark. You never know. They do listen to their fans after all.
I have to say that I would love to do that if the opportunity presented itself.
Alvina August, Lucia Walters, Kellie Martin, Lauren Holly, Matthew MacCaull Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allister Foster
Maybe even in a Christmas movie. You haven’t made one of those yet, have you?
No, I haven’t been in a Christmas movie at all. I would love that. And if it were a Hallmark movie, I would be honored.
Well, Josh and Nancy are teaming up to do a Hallmark Christmas movie, so maybe that would work out.
Oh, that would be fantastic! I would definitely love that.
I guess we’ll see what happens.
I am so glad you’re letting me know all this, Ruth. I get direct messages now and then from fans who tell me how much they love me in this or that part. I don’t always have a really good sense of what’s out there or if there’s even a big enough demand amongst the fans to want to see me in other things. It’s just wonderful to hear how much the fans love Hailey Dean, and it means a lot to know that they love my character so much. I owe a lot to the fans, and I would be honored to be involved in other productions with the network if it works out.
Matthew MacCaull, Lucia Walters Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allister Foster
Well, I really try to keep up with what the fans want, and I really hope that we can help to bring it about. And seeing the significance of your character, Jonas, in Hailey Dean has been just terrific! Plus we still have one more to go. I’m so glad they keep bringing you back. And that it works out with your schedule.
Me too. I know that in this business those kinds of things don’t always happen. Sometimes you get to be in a couple of episodes, and then they choose to go a different direction for whatever reason. So when I get to keep coming back to a series like Hailey Dean, I see it as a blessing.
According to Viv, you guys actually hang out together not just on set but off the set as well.
Yes, that is correct.
He said that makes a difference in how cohesive the cast is as a whole.
I agree with Viv for sure. We have been together for all these episodes, and when we are able to build a camaraderie both on and off the screen, it helps us do a better job of bringing authenticity to our characters on screen. I think it makes for a better product overall because of the main cast.
Matthew MacCaull, Kellie Martin, Lauren Holly Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allister Foster
Lauren Holly also guest stars on all three movies, correct?
Yes, that is correct. I had never had the chance to work with her or even to meet her before this, but I was excited to see her added to the cast. Even though we didn’t share any scenes in these three movies, we did get to meet on set. And that, for me, was just fantastic.
According to Josh, there are more Hailey Dean movies in the works.
That’s good to know. I think there are still many more stories to tell. And as long as Hallmark and the fans want more in the series, I am willing to do them.
As far as other things you have worked on since the last time we chatted, we did get to see you in the series Take Two. That was on last summer, and even though it only ran one season, I loved getting to see you along with many Hallmark actors on the show.
Take Two (ABC/Jeff Weddell)
I had almost forgotten about that show. Yes, it was a joy to guest star on that series.
Even though the series was canceled, a lot of people found it after it first premiered. And you can stream the series on Hulu, Amazon Prime, iTunes, and more. So if people want to see you, they can look it up.
That’s great to know, Ruth. Sad it was canceled, but I’m glad people can still watch it.
Counterfeiting In Suburbia
Also, if people have not seen you in the Netflix movie Counterfeiting In Suburbia, I highly recommend it.
That’s right! I loved getting to make that movie.
Even though it is characterized as a thriller, I never found it scary or anything like that. I thought it was a fun story.
It is not a scary thriller. And I do play a different kind of role.
BTS Counterfeiting In Suburbia
Lots of Vancouver actors are involved with that movie. And Jason Bourque, who directed the Hallmark mystery The Chronicle Mysteries: Recovered was also the director of Counterfeiting In Suburbia.
That’s right. Jason is such an incredible director. I have worked with him several times, but I usually play the darker character when I do.
Except in Woman On the Run! I fully expected you to turn into the psychopath, but you were a nice guy for once.
That’s true. Always fun to switch things up a bit.
Picture Credit: The Portrait Sessions
So, your movie Midway is still coming up. Is that right?
Yes, that’s right. It is coming out in November, right around the time of Remembrance Day/Armistice Day.
Oh, that looks really cool. Is it going to be a theatrical release?
Yes, it had a huge budget, so it will be a wide theatrical release. I’m pretty sure there have been sales in practically every country of the world so far.
Now, where was this filmed?
It was filmed mainly in Montreal and Hawaii.
Did you get to film in both of those places?
Not Hawaii, unfortunately.
So is this historical fiction or is it based on actual fact?
Well, it’s a bit of both. It’s creative nonfiction. It is based on the story of a pilot named Dick Best, who was a real pilot during WWII, and about many of the battles that took place. Even in the script, the preamble was, “This is as accurate as we can get to what actually happened.” But you still have to take some creative license.
I understand that completely. What exactly is your role in the film?
Photo: Matthew MacCaull Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman
I play the first in command for Admiral Chester Nimitz, who’s played by Woody Harrelson. While it wasn’t a super main character, it was still a fantastic experience working with Patrick Wilson and Woody Harrelson. It was really lovely to work with those guys and see them do what they do.
That sounds like something for us to definitely look forward to. I’m so glad you mentioned it. Is there anything else that you have coming up?
Yes, there is another thriller. Hush Little Victim is the working title. I can’t really say much about it at the moment. I’m getting ready to work on it right now. We start filming very soon.
Just don’t tell us if you’re playing the good guy or the bad guy. Keep us surprised!
Of course, I won’t spoil it for you.
I love the fact that you have played such a diversity of characters in your films and shows, Matt. I personally love you as the romantic lead, but you play a psychopath and a villain very convincingly as well.
Thank you, Ruth. I love getting to play so many different kinds of characters. It can be very interesting to play the “bad guy.”
I seem to remember that you’ve been working on some of your own writing too, Matt. Isn’t that right?
Yes, I am definitely still working on my writing. I have a couple of different projects that are in various phases. Nothing is in production right now. I am still talking with people to get a few things off the ground. It’s fantastically difficult to be able to do that.
Oh, yeah, I’ve heard the stories. I know exactly what you mean.
It’s not a fast process by any means.
No, it’s not, but we will keep looking out for your upcoming writings and hoping that something happens for them soon. I notice you’ve also been doing some music stuff.
Yeah, for the past few months, I’ve been working to put together a bunch of new songs. Hopefully, I’ll be able to come up with an album. I’m working on writing all the songs right now.
That would be amazing, Matt. I watched one of the videos you posted, and I really enjoyed it. I think the Hallmark fans would enjoy it if you released an album. They like it when the Hallmark stars release music. Until I saw the video, I hadn’t realized you had all that musical talent.
Thanks, Ruth. I hadn’t even thought about how the Hallmark fans might like it.
Well, we look forward to the newest Hailey Dean Mysteries film on Sunday, and we’ll watch for more from you in the future.
Thank you, Ruth, for your continued support. And to the Hallmark fans. I appreciate all of you, and I hope you enjoy all of our Hailey Dean films.
While it is an indisputable fact that Matt is one of the most handsome Hallmark hunks around, the fact that he is exceptionally gifted and immeasurably kind are two of the other reasons he continues to be a favorite amongst the fans. Matt is one of the most humble and potentially underrated actors that I know, and reveling in his depiction of Jonas continues to entertain me to the nth degree. There is no doubt that Matt and Kellie {Martin} have irrefutable chemistry, and as we know, that kind of trust is not manifested overnight. While Hailey and Jonas have been a genuine favorite from the inception of the films, it is as though we fans cannot get enough of this amazing artist who continues to embody everything that a woman could ever want in a boyfriend and lifelong partner. After all, if Hailey turns down Jonas’ advances, I am fully convinced that there could undoubtedly be an interminable queue of women who would gleefully take her place!
I hope that everyone who has access to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries will tune in May 19th to watch the final installment (for now) of Hailey Dean Mysteries, subtitled Killer Sentence. (I am certain Canada will eventually show the trio of films, but as of now, there is nothing scheduled.) Additionally, I invite you to check out all of Matt’s links below and consider following him via Twitter and/or Instagram in order to keep up with all of his future works. While Matt may not be the most prolific social media influencer on either platform, you can bet that if he posts something, it will be meaningful and worthy of note. I can only hope that Hallmark will consider giving Matt the chance to play a romantic lead in one of their upcoming films this year (maybe even a Christmas movie!!), and I greatly anticipate even more Hailey Dean Mysteries yet to come. No matter the trajectory of Matt’s career, it is an honor to connect with someone so pragmatic, gifted, and benevolent, and here’s to more distinctive roles for this extraordinary man in the weeks, months, and years to come!
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Check Out My Other Interviews With Matt!
Interview With Actor Matthew MacCaull, “Hailey Dean Mystery”
