The Black Dagger Brotherhood is back with a second season that dives deep into the epic love story of Rhage and Mary, and the actors bringing these beloved characters to life are opening up about the emotional toll and the joy of portraying such a passionate romance.
Alexander Cubis (Rhage) and Audrey Hare (Mary) sat down with Collider to discuss the new season, which follows the events of J.R. Ward's Lover Eternal. While Season 1 focused on Wrath and Beth's story, Season 2 shifts to the intense connection between Rhage, the Brotherhood's most powerful warrior, and Mary, a human who unexpectedly captures his heart.
One of the most talked-about moments in the early episodes is the first meeting between Rhage and Mary, a scene that is both electric and unsettling due to the sheer physical proximity between the characters. Cubis and Hare revealed that the scene required a lot of trust and a few takes to get right. "We used a lot of Listerine strips, that's for sure," Hare joked, adding that they filmed it later in the shooting schedule when they were already comfortable with each other.
Director Tosca Musk was careful to create a safe environment, ensuring that the actors felt secure in their boundaries. "It's all in service of the story," Cubis explained. "We just really wanted to do justice to Rhage and Mary. It's such an important setting to the fans of the book, but also sets the stage for the rest of the show."
The scene is also notable for the humorous reaction from Tohrment and Bella, who watch the encounter from the hallway. Cubis noted that the humor helps balance the intensity of the moment, which could otherwise feel over-the-top. "It's almost like The Hulk is about to come alive," he said, referencing Rhage's inner Beast. "You need that humor to take the edge off and to make an audience feel like what's happening is okay and entertaining."
Beyond the initial spark, the actors are enjoying the journey their characters take together. "They learn to be completely vulnerable with each other," Hare said. "That's what makes their relationship so compelling." The season explores how two people from vastly different worlds can find a deep, abiding love, and the challenges that come with it.
Fans of the books will be thrilled to see how faithfully the series adapts key moments, including the heartbreaking scene in Mary's kitchen that leaves a lasting impact. Cubis and Hare also teased what's still to come, promising more action, more romance, and more of the Beast's destructive power.
For those who haven't yet tuned in, The Black Dagger Brotherhood Season 2 is available on Passionflix. And if you're looking for more supernatural romance, check out our list of other shows that blend passion and danger.
