Finnegan McCormack Says The Hunting Party Was a Collaborative Process, Interview

For his acting debut, Finnegan McCormack received a unique opportunity on the series The Hunting Party. Playing the same character as his father, Eric McCormack, Finnegan used the collaborative experience to hone his craft better.

While Finnegan grew up around the television industry, he had not previously appeared on camera. As seen in the Season 2 premiere of The Hunting Party, Finnegan steps into the role of a young serial killer, Ron Simms. In his first role, this layered, complicated, and sinister criminal showcases that the young actor has talent.

To build excitement around The Hunting Party Season 2, the creative team chose to tell both the origin story and the present-day crimes of Ron Simms, a brutal serial killer. Finnegan portrays Simms early in his criminal life, while Eric McCormack plays the character after his escape from prison.

Recently, Finnegan spoke with FlickDirect about his acting debut. When asked about working with his father, he explained, “It was always a dream to potentially work with my father in the future in some kind of production together. But, I never anticipated playing the exact same character over the course of a couple of decades, because that meant that we were creating the character together.”

This collaborative approach is evident in both portrayals of Simms. From subtle gestures to specific vocal inflections, each performance reflects the shared intent and connection between father and son.

Although Ron Simms may initially appear as a purely diabolical figure, Finnegan — along with his father — explored the character’s deeper emotional layers. He explained, “The biggest changes, I think, for us was that he starts so terrifying.” Finnegan emphasized the character’s heightened anxiety and loneliness, noting how Simms’ inability to communicate evolves.

Finnegan believes that although Simms appeared to be rehabilitated, “He’s never lost that same urge and same feelings and same insecurities. But, he’s become a whole lot better at communicating through problems.” That evolution, he says, makes the character even more dangerous.

By following Simms across decades, his flaws — and his charm — become increasingly apparent. The audience begins to understand how people could be drawn to him, missing the lethal consequences behind his carefully crafted persona. The performance challenges viewers to question their own perceptions.

As Finnegan described the character, Simms is “a charismatic figure that you’re going to want to go on a date with. That’s what makes him so scary. It’s that ego kind of buildup throughout the couple of decades he’s gone.” These layered performances leave a lasting impression.

Although this role marks Finnegan’s first on-screen appearance, he credits his father’s extensive career as an influence. While he hasn’t watched all of Eric McCormack’s work — including Will & Grace — one series stood out.

“One of my favorite experiences watching him ever was his show Travelers, which ran for a couple of seasons,” Finnegan said. “There was a lot of inner turmoil with the character. He had a very complicated role with a lot of mental conflict and a double life.”

Reflecting on that performance helped Finnegan better understand his own portrayal of Ron Simms. The complexity and duality of the character are key elements that make the role compelling. With a strong debut, Finnegan McCormack appears poised for a promising acting career.

Want to see this sinister character unfold on The Hunting Party? Season 2 debuts on NBC on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes will be available to stream on Peacock the following day.