The long awaited revival of the cult classic “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp” has been released on Netflix – and it brought its original comedic ensemble along with it. The series acts as the prequel to the original 2001 film, which was considered somewhat of a flop by critics, nearly two decades later. The storyline, however, remains the same, and follows the same troupe of misfit counselors enjoying their time at camp in the summer of 1981.
In the original film, the cast was made up of actors who, at the time, were highly unknown to the world of entertainment and nearly all of which hadn’t yet had their big break. It included young talent like Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, Paul Rudd and Elizabeth Banks, to name a few, all of whom are back.
Within the near two decades since, the original cast has acquired Oscar nominations, Emmy wins, SNL status and more. And so, it only seems fit to make room for the next generation of comedic talent, and to debut the many new and young stars among the series cast.
That leads us to Thomas Barbusca.
At only the peak of his pre-teen years, this young actor has a resume that would put actors twenty years his senior to shame. Following appearances on shows with some serious chops (he was even on “Grey’s Anatomy”) Barbusca joins the likes of Bradley Cooper and Paul Rudd for a trip back to 1981 summer camp.
He plays the kind of kid that leaves most of us dreading the concept of summer camp: the bully who pranks you in your bunk, mocks you in front of other campers, and worst of all, challenges you to a burp-off.
His insults are iconic, he swears all of his burps are real, and he’s only just getting started.
303 Magazine had the opportunity to chat with the 13-year-old big shot, so here’s a little bit of what he has to say.
303 Magazine: First of all, the celebrity status of some of these actors is incredible — there are Oscar nominees, SNL veterans, you name it. Despite trying your best to keep your cool around these actors, can you talk us through what it was like the first time you were on set with everyone for the first time?