LOS ANGELES — Wicked has debuted the third episode of Seth Gamble’s “Goddess,” starring Kenzie Taylor alongside the performer/director.
“With the mythological themes of ‘Goddess,’ acclaimed filmmaker and current XBIZ Male Performer of the Year Seth Gamble is exploring the lush cinemacore imagery that earned ‘Money’ the 2023 XBIZ Best Sex Scene — All-Sex award,” said a rep.
The cast of the multi-episode saga includes Ivy Wolfe, Kenna James, Nicole Doshi and Scarlit Scandal.
The new installment is titled “Episode 3 - Persephone: Goddess of the Underworld.” The mythical daughter of Zeus and Demeter from Greek lore, Persephone has become something of a modern pop culture phenomenon. Famously portrayed by Rosario Dawson in the “Percy Jackson” film franchise, this intriguing figure has influenced such films as “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolutions” — in which a sci-fi variant of the character is played by Monica Bellucci — and television shows like ABC’s “Once Upon A Time,” where she is suggested to be the alter ego of Rebecca Mader’s Zelena.
“Persephone is a great character that allows you to use this pattern to your advantage,” said Gamble. “Her story, in which she is kidnapped by Hades and becomes the queen of the underworld, is known all over the world. Because we all have a shared, subconscious awareness of these symbols, I can tell these stories in completely visual terms.”
When it came to choosing someone to portray the being whose life-giving abilities allow her to become the goddess of the underworld, summoning and communicating with the other side, Gamble said he considered only one individual for the role.
“I knew I had to cast Kenzie in this,” he explained. “She’s not only a gifted actress and spectacular performer, she’s an incredibly visual artist. She fit the role perfectly, and I knew she had the passion to deliver an outstanding performance. She really went to a whole other level in fleshing out the mood required for the visual effects shots. The story of Persephone was the way the ancient Greeks explained the eternal cycle of death and rebirth, and she expressed all of this visually.”
Taylor declared herself “always honored” when Gamble asks her to help bring his visions to life.
“The goddess I was asked to recreate, Persephone, is by far one of my favorites. I loved everything about this day of shooting. Seth got all of us girls in the ‘Goddess’ film custom outfits, which added to making this an incredibly unique experience. I am incredibly proud of Seth and everything he has accomplished.”
The third episode of “Goddess” premieres today, exclusively on Wicked.
