Hallmark Channel brings Karen Kingsbury’s beloved book, The Bridge to life just in time for the holidays. The beautiful story is set in a charming bookstore that serves as much more than a place to buy the latest best-seller. Its proprietors Donna and Charlie (Faith Ford and Ted McGinley) created the store as a place where its patrons can find a sense of community and count themselves members of an extended family.
“It really focuses a lot on community and people all supporting each other through the tough times in life that we sometimes find ourselves in,” says actor Wyatt Nash, who plays one of the shop patrons, and is a special part of The Bridge’s community. He adds that the story “Is really just about supporting and loving each other.” Nash and Katie Findlay play two young college students who spend their study hours dreaming about their future and sharing a special bond with everyone they meet.
Nash and I chatted about the role and the unbelievable connection he found to his character.
Channel Guide: Wyatt, tell us a little about your character, Ryan.
Wyatt Nash: Ryan grew up in Franklin, TN, and is a big friend of The Bridge bookstore, and as he goes into college his freshman year he’s sort of trying to decide which path to take, whether he wants to play it safe, or if he wants to pursue his true passion, music. In his freshman year, one of the first days, he meets a girl named Molly Allen, and kind of turns his life upside down a little bit. Together they both just sort of try to find their way and help each other decide which path they truly want to go on, and The Bridge is sort of a center stage for their relationship.
CG: This is the second time you’ve brought a famous literary character to life (Nash played Christopher Dollanganger in the 2014 TV film, Petals on the Wind, a sequel to Flowers in the Attic.) Tell us about giving a face to someone who comes from a beloved book…
WN: I read the book in about two days, before I even read the script, and I definitely empathized with Ryan’s plight, and his life, and the character of who he is. I felt a strong connection to him, and a lot of similarities to myself, so I was just really excited to bring a lot of myself to the character.
CG: You mention that you felt connected to Ryan, how so?
WN: Well, he’s from Franklin, Tennessee, and I’m from about ten minutes north of Franklin, so I grew up in the same area, which was pretty ironic to me. My jaw dropped when I started reading the book and I read that. He’s really torn between, like I said, playing it safe — pursuing a different type of type of degree — and supporting those around him, or to pursue music, which is his true passion.
I found my self in a very similar situation in college; I had to decide whether I wanted to continue down the pathway to medical school, or if I wanted to become an actor. Ultimately, I’m an actor, but it’s not an easy decision to figure out what direction you want to go sometimes. You don’t want to let people down in your life, but you also want to be true to yourself. I definitely strongly felt that tension.
Photographer: Duane Prentice
CG: You mentioned Nashville. Karen Kingsbury lives in Nashville too. Is that a world that you two could talk about? Did having a location as a touchstone for the character, and knowing that that’s where Karen’s heart is, make it easier to know your character?
WN: Oh, definitely. There were several times in the script where Ryan would be talking about something from his past, be it a festival or a history of the area, and I remember, as a kid, going to these festivals and going on field trips, learning about the history of Franklin and of Nashville. It was definitely a touchstone.
I was able to talk with Karen a lot. She was on set for a couple of weeks, and I spoke with her beforehand, as well. She continued to encourage me to keep going down the path that I was on, because to her, she said, it was just kind of spot-on, and to keep doing what I’m doing. She was really great.
Photographer: Duane Prentice
CG: Tell me about working with Kate, who plays Molly. How were you able to build that friendship that’s so paramount to the roles?
WN: That was kind of nerve wracking, because I hadn’t met her. I met her right before we filmed the first scene, which, ironically, was the first time that we met on camera … I was really nervous, because I didn’t know how she was, or anything like that, but as soon as we starting taking to each other — and just kind of joking and laughing and being absolutely ridiculous — I wasn’t worried about that anymore. She’s a wonderful actress and I learned a lot from her, but she’s a great person, too, and we got along really, really well.
CG: Did you have that same kind of fun chemistry with Ted and Faith?
WN: Yes, for sure. Ted McGinley makes me laugh like no other person I’ve met. He is always joking around and always playing games, and is just so much fun to be around on-set. He just brings a great energy, as well as Faith. They’re just both so professional and so seasoned, and know exactly what they’re doing, and so they were so much fun to be around on-set, for sure.
CG: Having read the books, did you think that Ted and Faith were the perfect casting choice for the roles?
WN: Yeah, I think they were perfect. I think Ted fully embodies Charlie and Faith is definitely Donna, in my mind. They did a great job with what they brought to both the characters, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the final cut. It’s so much fun to watch on-screen, and they have great chemistry themselves.
Photographer: Duane Prentice
CG: Did you all become an on-set family? In the book and film, The Bridge becomes kind of a home away from home for a lot of people. Did you find yourselves falling into that family?
WN: Yeah, in a way. We were away from L.A. — we filmed up in Canada — and you hang out with the people that you know, and the only people you know are the people you work with. I got to spend a lot of time with both Ted and Faith outside of filming and especially Katie. We all definitely enjoyed getting along together up there. Yeah, I think we had a real strong connection between the four of us.
CG: Hallmark is calling this The Bridge, Part One. Is there going to be a part two, is the story left unfinished?
WN: Yes. Yes, it is, indeed. They took Karen’s book, The Bridge, and split it into two parts. There’s so much juicy story in her book, it’s so dense, there’s so much to tell, that they thought it would be better if we split it into two pieces, instead of brushing over and rushing through it. I think they made the right call. We actually filmed both parts back-to-back, and this year, you’re only going to be seeing the first half of the book. I believe the second half will air sometime next year around the same time.
CG: That’s incredible; so next year we’ll have another movie to look forward to?
WN: Yes. It’ll be The Bridge, Part Two — basically the second half of the book.
Karen Kingsbury’s The Bridge > Hallmark Channel > Sunday, Dec. 6 at 8pm ET/7pm CT
All movie images Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Duane Prentice
My husband and I watched the movie and were so surprised to learn about Part 2 in 2016. Ms. Kingsbury will have a lot of people buying her book. I include myself in that grouping. Merry Christmas!
I have put the book on reserve at the library and will pick it up tomorrow. Not waiting a year.
Maybe that’s what the object of the movie was, to push sales of her book, well I won’t be buying it!
Loved the movie The Bridge, but I hate that the 2 part won’t be on until 2016..I thought they had made an mistake and looked it up on here. wish they would change there minds and put the 2 part on here Christmas day.
This is ridiculous! Why not make it a little bit longer or air them both this season. My elderly mother is worried she won’t see the end. It’s a ploy to sell more books!
I agree, to sell her books, pretty cheesy
I have to say I agree with many of the previous posts. I cannot believe Hallmark would do something like this. Yes, hold off for a week but not a year! If I had known it was a two part movie to be shown a YEAR apart, I would never, ever had started watching it. I’ve been watching Lifetime movies for fear I’ll get another two-part story. Most people that sit down to relax and watch a touching movie want to see it in its entirety. These are feel-good movies. Who can feel good about a movie that ends part 1 and tells you part 2 is coming–next Christmas. Feel good became feel bad.
loved the movie but HATE that we have to wait a whole year to see part 2! I would have waited till next year to watch part one and two. I will have lost the connection with the characters waiting a year to see the end! DUMB MOVE!
I agree, dumb move to bring a two part movie one year apart. One week maybe, but not one YEAR.
I have to say… I Just finished watching this movie and was really upset that it was not disclosed that it was a 2 part movie.. BIG MISTAKE! I spent 10 minutes trying to find the second half only to find out its out NEXT YEAR!!! I cannot imagine who came up with this idea, But, it was a very bad one!!! Lost trust!
Watched it and enjoyed it. The revelation about the story continuing a year from now seems a daring idea. These Hallmark movies are the wholesome alternative to the rest of what’s out there, but an unannounced delay in resolving all the loose ends at the conclusion of the first episode should be accomplished, ideally, in the following week. Just my thoughts.
There are so many good new Christmas movies out in 2015. I would not have WASTED my time watching half a movie.
Thanks for letting us know in the show description that Part 1 will be shown in 2015 and Part 2 will be shown in 2016!
Glad there are other station that show full length Christmas programs.
After reading all the negative responses it will be interesting to see how the Hallmark listens to and respects customer input!
Redeem yourselves!
Why did you need our email addresses in order to post a response? I doubt we will ever hear from you! Show me I’m wrong please.
I am so words can not describe. Why on earth would you show such a good movie and then not air Part 2 for an entire year. Unheard of. You need to change your mind and get on the air this year. I am a loyal fan of the Hallmark station and love the positive subject matters and just the feel good feeling you get when watching. However, now that you did this. CRAZY…. I really thought I misheard the date last night after Part 1.
You are going to lose your strong fan base. RECONSIDER.
Seriously! This isn’t some major block buster movie! Its the Hallmark channel. You have or had a loyal following and this is how you repay your customers? I am leary of watching any of your other movies from here on out because 1) the description of the movie is not what is truly being shown and 2) you do not tell the fans up front, that this a 2 part move and the second part isn’t going to be shown for a full year.
Shame on you Hallmark! Shame on the actors/actresses for not letting fans know of this deception!
I agree, stupid idea, I guess any future Hallmark movies I will “look up” first to see if they are 2 parters that you have to wait a whole year to see the ending, most ridiculous thing ever !!
I have to agree with every one , it was a big disappointment. A movie or book like that should never be that far apart. That’s not fair to the viewing public. Do you just care about selling a book or making people happy. Very sad
Part 2 next year? That is rediculous. If I would have known that before watching the first part I would NOT have watched the first part. I guess that was the idea, huh? Well I won’the trust watching any of your movies again. It is one thing to have the same characters with different adventures, but you left us hanging, and, for a year? Not very nice.
Sincerly, angry!
I know, can you believe it?! I sure am glad I am not the only one who feels this way. Very deceptive.
What in the world!? What a TOTAL let down. Tell me its a typo when we say Part 2 coming Christmas 2016.
You really expect your viewers to be anxiously awaiting for Part 2 NEXT Christmas? A whole year away?
I agree with one of the viewers, nowhere does the description of the movie says there were multiple parts.
This is what Directv says “A woman reunites with an old flame while trying to save a beloved bookstore.” We didn’t even see that. VERY, VERY deceptive on your part Hallmark. I know for a fact had I known this from the beginning, my husband and I would not have watched it.
Had I known the second part won’t be shown til next year I would not have watched the first part…..very disappointed.
What a disappointment indeed! Had I known there were going to be two parts, a year apart, I would NOT have watched this movie. No where does the description of this movie says Part 1 or Part 2. As a matter of fact, when I went to go find Part 2, the description of the movie says 7 years later….blah blah.
I don’t know if it is a marketing strategy for people go run out and purchase the book or what. But I think this is really lousy.
My mother and I were very disappointed that the movie was divided into two parts with the second one not showing until next Christmas!! If it had to be in two parts, they should be shown back-to-back; not a year apart. We both stated we would not have watched Part 1 if we had known that. That’s another thing … the advertisement was very misleading. It did not state it was Part 1. It lead you to believe it was a movie about the book in its entirety. Very disappointed.
What a disappointment that we have to wait a year to see part 2. I may not even be alive next year while part 2 is already to go. Losing a lot of respect for Hallmark.
I thought the same thing, that I may not be alive next year, I guess this has been a rude awaking, note to self, make sure its not a 2 part movie with a year in between !! very disappointed, Its good to see all the negative comments maybe Hallmark will learn something from this too !! we can only hope
Please show The Bridge Pt. 2 sooner than next year!!!!
Like everyone else I was very disappointed that not only is the Bridge movie continued but continued until Dec., 2016. I’m so busy that I can barely remember what happened last week much less a year from now. One week is long enough to wait for part two. Shame on you Hallmark.
My husband and I both really enjoyed the movie but were so disappointed to hear that the next half won’t be til next year! My husband looks forward every year to all your Christmas movies and watches every night. He is really upset that we may have to wait a year to see the end of The Bridge. We are in our late 60’s and may not be here next year. Please reconsider and show the second half sometime soon!