For Jake Austin Walker, who currently stars in the Disney + series National Treasure: Edge of History, the classic noughties movies that the show is based on were a really important part of his childhood years. “They serve as a trigger to a time in my life I always look back on fondly,” explains the Mississippi-born actor. “The adventure and spectacle of these movies always filled me with excitement. As a kid from a small town, I was itching for escapism, and those films always delivered.” Now, Walker got to fulfil his ultimate fantasy and become part of the mythical treasure-hunting universe - for us, he talks about carrying on the NT legacy, the qualities he found most relatable about his character Liam and the adventures he’s dreaming of going on in the future.

Your show is a continuation of the cult adventure film series, National Treasure. Were you a fan of these films and if so, what did you love about them?

I was a huge fan of the first two films growing up! The first film, in particular, my brother and I would watch all the time. It holds a special place in my memory for that reason alone. That film serves as a trigger to a time in my life I always look back on fondly. The adventure and spectacle of these movies always filled me with excitement. As a kid from a small town, I was itching for escapism, and those films always delivered.

What did you enjoy the most about stepping into this larger-than-life universe?

First off, just knowing I was carrying on the Sadusky legacy was enough to set the pressure. Harvey, who played Peter Sadusky in the first two films, is a total legend, and I wanted to do right by what he set up in the first two films. Now that we're taking on the mantle of this franchise, I think the cast and I care about doing right by the show. It's always been a dream to work under the banner of Disney, and to carry the torch for National Treasure was the cherry on top!

In one of your previous interviews, you said that Liam has been the character that you have related to the most in your career. In what ways are you two similar?

I love the struggle of the artist. It's an insanely relatable journey. Liam's longing to make something of himself in his music and climb out of the shadow of doubt cast on him by his peers and family felt like it hit close to home for me. I was always lucky to have a strong support group along my journey, but that didn't come without some of its own obstacles as a byproduct of the path we choose as artists.

Which of the scenes on the show was the biggest challenge for you?

Honestly, every scene where I had to perform was probably the hardest for me from a technical standpoint. I wanted to have the guitar playing down and make sure everything lined up, while also making sure I focused on the scene at hand. Graceland was a huge challenge in a very rewarding way for those reasons alone. Playing Suspicious Minds through the crowd, and enjoying their energy, while keeping the playing synced to the click in my earwig were all challenges I never thought of until I found myself in that situation.

What’s the biggest adventure that you have been on so far?

I went to Italy with a handful of my best friends for about a month. We were sleeping just about anywhere we could, meeting the locals, enjoying the food, and maybe drinking a little too much wine. It was a trip I'll never forget and my first time out of the country. The whole experience was one of my favourite adventures so far. It just reminded me how small this world is and how fundamental travelling is to break those barriers of empathy and knowledge.

And what is an adventure that you’re dreaming of going on?

I still talk about wanting to backpack around Europe regularly. I've also heard some friends talk of taking motorcycles down the entire coast of South America, which would be an absolute must for me. As you can see, anything that involves travelling across the world. That's where the good adventures are.

Do you have a character from the history of TV or film that you wish you could have your take on?

Wow, that's an awesome question. So, I'm a huge Marvel fan. That said, I've always wanted to take a crack at Ghost Rider or Johnny Blaze. Now if we're talking movie classics, I think it's every actor's itch to want to try their hand at a masterful character piece like Taxi Driver or Drive. I live for the tortured soul archetype, and there are so many well-written ones out there, so I'd love my pass at any of them.

“I live for the tortured soul archetype, and there are so many well-written ones out there, so I'd love my pass at any of them.”

What is the biggest treasure that you have in your life?

As I get older, I've realized my life's greatest treasure is the time I spend with the people I cherish most. The conversations and feelings of being seen and heard are priceless. No money can ever buy that.

Your bio on Instagram says that you’re a 'Certified Fun Uncle material'. What, in your opinion, makes you a fun uncle?

I believe the best way to live life is to never take it too seriously. Ups and down come; it's the natural flow of things. So I want my nieces and nephews to enjoy being weird and imaginative. There will be plenty of time to stress about 100 things your brain will eventually come up with. So in the meantime, why not laugh a little?

Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Lucca Dahan-Fletcher