Disney XD launched a fresh and engaging series, GAMER’S GUIDE TO PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING, capturing the attention of young audiences and families alike. This show isn’t just about video games; it delves into the world of friendship, challenges, and growing up in the digital age. Let’s explore what makes this show a hit and why it resonates with viewers beyond just the gaming community.
At its heart, GAMER’S GUIDE TO PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING tells the story of Conor, initially known as the professional gaming prodigy “KidFury.” His life takes an unexpected turn when a thumb injury sidelines him from the competitive gaming circuit. Forced to navigate the unfamiliar terrain of high school, Conor encounters three fellow gamers: Franklin, Wendell, and Ashley. Together, they embark on a mission to establish their school’s first gaming league. While the thrill of high scores and digital victories is ever-present, the show cleverly highlights the importance of real-world connections and the enduring value of friendship. The writers skillfully use the gaming backdrop to explore universal themes of camaraderie, personal growth, and the balance between virtual and real life.
As the show’s creator aptly stated, “Storytelling is always about the characters, the connections, the interactions. The comedy and gaming is a big part of the world, but it’s just the backdrop. It’s really about the connection between the four characters.” This emphasis on character development and relatable interactions is a key element of the show’s success.
Meet the Gamer Squad: Characters and Cast Insights
The charm of GAMER’S GUIDE TO PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING is significantly boosted by its talented and relatable cast. Each actor brings a unique dimension to their character, making the gamer squad both diverse and engaging. Let’s hear from the cast themselves about their roles and their personal connection to the world of gaming.
Murray Wyatt Rundus as Wendell: The Confident Strategist
Murray Wyatt Rundus, who portrays Wendell, reveals a strong personal connection to gaming: “I’ve been gaming since I was 7 years old. Gaming has been a big part of my life. When I get home, gaming is all I do.” This passion translates directly into his portrayal of Wendell, a character brimming with self-confidence. Wendell sees himself as the mastermind, often believing he’s the most knowledgeable person in the room. Murray describes Wendell as “very aggressive when he plays video games with the crew, and that really describes him.” This intensity and competitive spirit adds a dynamic layer to the group’s interactions.
Sophie Reynolds as Ashley: The Supportive Gamer Girl
In contrast, Sophie Reynolds, who plays Ashley, admits to being less of a hardcore gamer: “I’m not so much a gamer, but my older brother is. So I play a few video games, but it’s not really my thing.” However, Sophie perfectly embodies Ashley’s character – a supportive and grounded presence within the group. Ashley might not be book-smart, but as Sophie explains, “she’s got a really good heart, and she’s just a good friend, and she’s a great gamer, super-smart gamer. That’s her strength.” Ashley’s strengths lie in her loyalty and her surprising gaming skills, making her an invaluable member of the team.
Cameron Boyce as Conor: From Pro Gamer to High School Rookie
Cameron Boyce, who played Conor, shared his limited personal gaming experience: “Gaming’s not really my thing, so there’s only a couple I play. 2K is one I play, because I’m a big basketball fan. Madden sometimes during the football season.” Despite not being an avid gamer himself, Cameron masterfully depicted Conor’s journey. Conor’s backstory is rich: a former professional gamer who toured globally before a thumb injury forced him into a regular high school setting. Cameron elaborates, “He was homeschooled and other stuff to do his gaming, so his mom tells him, ‘Okay, well you’re going to go to regular school.’ So he’s like, ‘Okay, I don’t really know how to be a regular kid.'” Conor’s initial attempts to use his new friends to reignite his solo gaming career evolve into a genuine appreciation for their camaraderie, leading him to choose team gaming over individual glory.
Felix Avitia as Franklin: The Enthusiastic Newbie
Felix Avitia portrays Franklin, the most enthusiastic and fashion-conscious member of the group. Felix’s personal gaming habits align more closely with his character: “I’m a big gamer. I love to play games on console, console games, which is like PS3, PS4, XBOX. I love the advanced warfare like Call of Duty. I love the FPSs, which are first person shooters. I also love racing games and sports, too. I can pretty much play everything and anything.” Franklin is characterized by his positivity and eagerness to fit in. As Felix describes him, “Franklin’s very positive, very energetic. He wants to fit in. He’s not the best gamer like these guys who grew up like that, but he really wants to be, he wants to fit in with people, and he wants to be a part of the group.” Franklin’s intelligence, style, and unwavering optimism make him a lovable and integral part of the gamer group.
The Production Behind the Scenes: A Collaborative Effort
Creating a show like GAMER’S GUIDE TO PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING is a collaborative process involving writers, producers, and the talented cast. The showrunners prioritized authenticity by employing “two hardcore gamers” on staff to ensure the gaming aspects were accurate and relatable. The writers’ room itself was immersed in gaming culture, equipped with consoles and games to provide constant inspiration and reference.
Cameron Boyce offered insights into the fast-paced production schedule: “This is our 9th episode, so we’ve been here for about 9 weeks. We work 5 days a week… Wednesday ’cause that’s when we do our table read… Thursday we have run through. Friday we have run through. We have a weekend, and then Monday, Tuesday we come in and shoot.” This demanding schedule requires the cast to be quick learners and adaptable, especially with frequent script changes, as Felix Avitia pointed out: “Don’t forget that we have the script changes four times every episode, so we have to keep learning it.”
Showrunner Jim O’Doherty praised the young cast’s professionalism and adaptability: “Cameron has been on TV for a while, but the rest of the cast is amazing and there’s always just so much respect from the writers because they are so new and fresh and young and not a lot of experience… And they’re on top of their lines. They’re on top of who they are and what they’re supposed to be doing.” He emphasized the respectful and appreciative atmosphere on set, contributing to the strong on-screen chemistry among the cast. Cameron echoed this sentiment, stating, “And that shows up on screen too. You can tell the cohesiveness we have, we share as a group. You can tell in the results really.”
Transition and Teamwork: Gamer’s Guide vs. Jessie
For Cameron Boyce, GAMER’S GUIDE TO PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING marked a transition from his previous role on “Jessie.” He noted the scheduling differences as a significant adjustment. While he cherished his time on “Jessie,” he found a similarly welcoming and familial environment on the set of “Gamer’s Guide.” “It’s really weird to kind of go from a family to another family, but instantly feel like family at your second family, if that makes sense… the transition has been really smooth and these guys make us all feel like we’re at home here, and we all feel it.” This smooth transition and the strong bond within the cast further contributed to the show’s positive and engaging tone.
Witnessing the Episode Run-Through: The Magic Unfolds
Experiencing a network run-through of Episode 9 provided a firsthand glimpse into the energy and dedication of the cast. The set, encompassing various locations like Conor’s basement, a restaurant, a game store, and even a high school, showcased the detailed world of the show. The actors’ enthusiasm and talent were palpable as they brought the Halloween-themed episode to life. It was evident that the cast genuinely enjoyed their work, and their passion translated into a captivating performance.
GAMER’S GUIDE TO PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING premiered on Wednesday, July 22nd, on Disney XD. It quickly became a must-watch for its blend of gaming culture, humor, and heartwarming stories about friendship and growing up. The show’s success lies in its ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels, offering entertainment that is both fun and meaningful.
