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EXCLUSIVE Wizards of Waverly Place star reveals the shock impact his new Hulu show has had on his life
Gregg Sulkin may have made name in Hollywood on Wizards of Waverly Place, but there is no Disney magic involved in his new series.
The Kollective, which premiered on Hulu last week, tells the story of a group of young journalists who are inspired to expose government corruption and lies through a dangerous investigation after an unimaginable tragedy.
It was a new kind of role for Sulkin, 33, who previously played Alex Russo's (Selena Gomez) love interest on the popular Disney series.
'[Filming] was very physical, especially when you watch the first episode,' he exclusively told
'The show is about a group of young citizen journalists who sort of get caught up in this sudden tragedy and then they have to go and take matters into their own hands,' he continued.
'I think people in this day and age are starting to realize that not everything that is written is accurate and it should be checked and verified. There's a lot of bias when it comes to media,' Sulkin explained.
The actor added the show reiterated how important is 'that journalism and media is told accurately.'
'One of the main reasons that I did the show, to be honest, was because I personally, look at the news nowadays and I get very saddened by it,' he admitted.
'I don't think that a lot of the information being spread is accurate,' he continued.
Sulkin added that 'on top of that, we have a whole other battle, which is social media and misinformation being spread.'
'Also, we all have always dealt with - and will continue to deal with - the power of government and corruption,' he said passionately.
The series takes the journalists (played by Natascha McElhone, Celine Buckens, Felix Mayr, and Grégory Montel) around Europe - however Sulkin says Africa - which they shot as the Congo - has a special place in his heart.
'During the first episode, we highlight the dangers that are going on in Congo and the, and the conditions that especially the children have to work in the Congo,' he explained.'
'Kenya was an unbelievable experience,' the actor reflected. 'So blessed to have this job, so blessed to go and travel the world and, and do what I love.'
Sulkin said shooting in Kenya - where his character Joshua plays a pivotal part in the formation of the series - is a memory he'll have 'forever.'
'When you watch it on screen it's so cool because I'm watching it and I'm thinking I can still smell the streets, I can still taste the food,' he said enthusiastically.
The actor added the show reiterated how important is 'that journalism and media is told accurately'
Sulkin said the nature of the series and the important topics they cover made him even more grateful for everything he has.
'I think one of them is how blessed we are to live in the United States, and the conditions that certain parts of Africa that people still have to face,' he said.
'So I think I came away from the experience, extremely humbled.'
The Kollective is currently streaming on Hulu.
