Peter Dager and Lilli Kay Spill on Santi & Pryce’s Hidden Romance in ‘Stick’

In the new comedic sports series on Apple TV+ titled Stick, Peter Dager plays the role of Santiago “Santi” Wheeler, a talented young golfer. He is discovered and coached by Owen Wilson’s character, Pryce Cahill, a former professional golfer himself.

The series showcases the generational clash and differing philosophies between Santi and Pryce. Santi often ignores Pryce’s conservative advice, preferring instead to make bold plays. Despite their frequent disagreements, Dager explains that their relationship develops a deep, almost familial bond throughout the series.

“Santi and Pryce initially clash because they both have valid reasons to resist working together,” Peter Dager shared with Deadline as the series premiered on June 4 with its first three episodes. “It was great to explore the subtle affection between them early on, which becomes more apparent through their various challenges.”

As the series progresses, particularly during the Sparkling Meadows Championship Tournament, Santi gains confidence but falters during a crucial moment. This mistake leads to a significant bout of self-doubt, exacerbated by Pryce’s critical approach, reminiscent of Santi’s absent father. This tense moment concludes the third episode, introducing a new character, Zero, played by Lilli Kay. Zero immediately resonates with Santi’s struggles, intriguing viewers about future developments in the series, which also features Marc Maron and Mariana Treviño.

“Zero can relate deeply to Santi’s emotional state and challenges,” Kay explained. “They both know what it’s like to feel marginalized and have had to fight for their place.”

Below, the actors delve into their roles and the dynamics of their characters after the first few episodes.

DEADLINE: Peter, did you undergo any golf training for your role?

PETER DAGER: Yes, I started taking golf lessons immediately after landing the role. I began in New York with several coaches, but mainly worked with Beau Lardner. After about a month and a half, I felt quite proficient in my swing. In Vancouver, I continued refining my technique with Nathan Leonhardt, our golf coordinator, focusing particularly on my swing mechanics.

DEADLINE: Lilli, your character Zero makes a strong stand early on. What did you aim to convey in that scene?

LILLI KAY: Zero is uncompromising and stands firmly by their beliefs. From the beginning, Zero confronts the situation head-on, refusing to tolerate injustice. This sets the tone for their character throughout the series.

DAGER: You’re welcome.

KAY: [Laughs]. That strong sense of integrity is crucial. Zero becomes somewhat more adaptable as the series progresses, influenced by Santi.

DAGER: And Santi grows too, thanks to Zero.

DEADLINE: How do Santi and Zero instantly connect when they first meet?

DAGER: It’s really about that initial moment where Zero stands up for what’s right. Zero’s keen observation skills and empathy allow Santi to feel understood and supported, fostering a strong connection between them.

KAY: It’s thrilling to support someone on such a transformative journey. Beyond just clicking, it’s about being there for each other in pivotal moments.

DAGER: They meet at a very real and vulnerable time for both, which sets the stage for their honest and open relationship.

KAY: It’s a moment of true vulnerability.

DAGER: Exactly, and from there, our characters just naturally progress to having deeper conversations and understanding each other’s challenges.

DEADLINE: At the end of episode three, Santi and Pryce are at odds. How does Zero affect their dynamics as the series progresses?

KAY: Zero shakes things up, but ultimately helps strengthen the bonds between characters. The challenges they face deepen their relationships and foster growth.

DAGER: Zero acts as both a disruptor and a unifier, leading to some unexpected developments as the series continues.

DEADLINE: Peter, how do you balance playing a young adult who is initially resistant to coaching?

DAGER: It’s about capturing those rare moments of connection and understanding between Santi and Pryce. These moments are fleeting at first but become crucial as their relationship evolves.

DEADLINE: Finally, the theme of moving forward is prevalent in the show. How does this theme play into your characters’ development?

KAY: Both characters are navigating crucial points in their lives, learning to not dwell on the past but to embrace new beginnings. This mindset is essential, particularly in golf, where focusing on the present shot is paramount.

DAGER: It’s about understanding and accepting your past, but choosing to live in the present and make decisions that align with who you are now.

KAY: It’s not about ignoring the past, but not letting it define your present and future choices.

DAGER: Right, it’s about using your past as a guide to make better choices for your current self.

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