Ahead of its premiere on Monday night (February 17th) host of Network 10’s “Australian Survivor: Brains V Brawn, Jonathan LaPaglia, sat down with Variety AU/NZ.
LaPaglia told Variety AU/NZ all about the new season, what fans can expect and some of his favourite “Survivor” memories.
We can’t wait for the 10th season and the return of Brains Vs Brawn. The first round was a huge fan favourite, what made “Survivor” want to take on Brains Vs Brawn for a rematch?
Brains V Brawn was a fan favourite, so give fans what they want! Also, it’s a very easy theme to understand, which makes for a clear narrative in the show and it’s very easy to market. The smarts versus muscle debate is an age old one.
Treachery, loyalty, deception, lies, chaos – those are some big themes this season. How do you think these qualities will play out differently in 2025’s cast compared to previous seasons?
All these things are inherent to the mechanics of “Survivor”. A bunch of strangers must work together to survive the elements and the challenges while at the same time voting each other out every second day. And eventually those you vote out will decide if you deserve to win at the end. It’s a dog-eat-dog world where treachery, loyalty, deception, lies, and chaos are inevitable.
In the early seasons of “Australian Survivor”, I think some players shied away from these things, hampered by the concept of ‘mateship’. But as the seasons have gone by, this idea has melted away and players have embraced the need to do what it takes. Get before you get got!
It claims to be the most “explosive” season yet – and we have had a few explosive seasons! What’s the most unexpected or chaotic moment that’s happened on set during this season?
We had a player use an advantage in a very creative way that really caught the tribe completely off guard. It was a super fun, unexpected Tribal and had intense fallout back at camp. We also had a first for us, where we couldn’t complete a challenge because of lightning getting too close. That was particularly intense!
Without giving too much away, are there any alliances this season that will shock fans or redefine what it means to play strategically?
We have a couple unlikely alliances this season operating in the shadows. It’s not easy to do, but it’s definitely how you advance deep into the game.
Can you share any insight into how players leverage their personal backstories – like being an Olympic sprinter or AI expert – to gain an edge in the game?
Generally, players want to conceal backstories or occupations that may be perceived as giving them an edge for fear of becoming a target. In a game where the goal is to eliminate your competition you want to try reducing your threat level and fly under the radar. This season, we had a poker player who, by his nature, is good at reading people and understands calculated risk, obviously giving him an edge. He told no one.
What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve witnessed during a Tribal Council that didn’t make it to air?
All the good stuff makes it to air.
You’ve seen it all as host. How do you keep from picking favourites during the game, or do you sometimes find yourself rooting for certain contestants?
I enjoy all the players for the unique things they bring to the show. But I particularly like it when they are willing to take big risks.
If you were cast on “Australian Survivor”, would you consider yourself a Brain or a Brawn, and why?
I have T-shirt muscles which are pretty much useless in the field. And I’m a thinker, so I’d probably be better suited to Brains. That being said, some would argue I over think things… so, I’d probably be of no value to either tribe.
You’re a doctor, an actor, and a host for both “Survivor” and “Top Gear Australia”. Is there anything you’re secretly terrible at?
Time! I always think I have more time than I have. Just hopeless with punctuality.
If “Australian Survivor” had an Aussie track as its theme song, what do you think it would be?
‘Need You Tonight’ by INXS… perfect lyrics for Tribal. And a great song!
“Australian Survivor: Brains V Brawn” premieres Monday at 7.30pm on Channel 10 and 10 Play.