Ryan Phillippe Embraces Father Role in New Teen Drama ‘Motorheads’

LOS ANGELES, May 20 (UPI) — Ryan Phillippe stars in the new teen drama ‘Motorheads,’ debuting Tuesday on Prime Video. The 50-year-old actor plays Logan Maddox, a mechanic who helps his sister Samantha (Nathalie Torres) and her two children, daughter Caitlyn (Melissa Collazo) and son Zac (Michael Cimino), navigate life in their hometown.

Phillippe discussed his character’s role as a mentor in the series during a recent interview. ‘I think having three kids of varied ages and having been a father for a long time, that’s a natural space for me,’ he told The Post. He finds it fulfilling to share his experiences, both good and bad, with the younger cast members.

The show follows Zac and Caitlyn as they explore their interest in cars, with their uncle Logan providing a space to work on their projects. ‘It requires commitment and patience,’ Phillippe said about the skills learned through auto work. ‘Any time kids have a project that means something, that they’re passionate about, is a good point of focus.’

Phillippe reflected on his own journey through film, recalling his early roles in classics like ‘Cruel Intentions‘ and ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer.’ He remarked, ‘It’s crazy that [Cruel Intentions] still has new fans today, and that it holds up the way that it has.’

As the show premieres, Phillippe brings a wealth of experience from his past roles while also stepping into a more paternal position. He jokingly referred to feeling ‘a little bit like Yoda’ on set. His co-stars often ask him about the movie industry and his previous work.

‘Some of them are afraid of being replaced by AI,’ Phillippe shared. ‘And I’m telling them that that’s probably not an issue for me — because I will already be face down by the time that happens.’

Phillippe’s character in ‘Motorheads’ communicates themes of growth and resilience, encouraging viewers to appreciate the challenges and rewards of maturity. The series illustrates how working on cars can serve as a metaphor for personal development.

In the interview, he emphasized the importance of mentorship: ‘I like to share whatever I can in regards to my experience to help them with where they’re headed. So it’s a really nice position to be in.’

‘Motorheads’ premieres with a story that resonates with many young viewers, combining the excitement of car culture with valuable life lessons.