Whereas I’ve many questions for Joe Hunter as we sit down in Fiji, he has loads of them already going by means of his head. We’re solely two weeks faraway from the finale of Survivor 48 when, regardless of fixed claims that he was the frontrunner within the latter half of the sport, he solely obtained one jury vote. This has left the 46-year-old in admittedly a complicated headspace, as he tries to determine what went awry for him to rapidly course-correct in his second season. Happily, the hearth captain’s not planning to douse his earlier recreation utterly. Certainly, as we discuss by means of the competitors, the kindhearted Joe is raring to work with nearly everyone this season. The identical can’t be mentioned, nevertheless, for the 2 individuals who know him essentially the most, who simply, as he places it, “pantsed him on nationwide tv.”
Learn on for my interview with Joe, and examine in with Parade every day for interviews with this season’s contestants and different tidbits. Survivor 50 premieres on Feb. 25 with a three-hour episode on CBS.
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Survivor 50 interview with Joe Hunter
The previous month has most likely been a whirlwind for you, to say the least. You’ve got been concurrently reliving Survivor 48 by means of watching the episodes and discovering out a bit extra about what really occurred on the island. And also you’re additionally getting ready to go on Survivor 50. So what has your headspace been within the midst of current in each timelines?
I imply, it is unreal. Since you’re coping with simply profound gratitude being a part of 48, being part of the Survivor household, and all all the things that comes together with it. And it is transferring at lightning tempo. And then you definately get to the finale, however then you definately principally watch it stay. I imply, individuals do not perceive. For me, it is contemporary. I am seeing issues I’ve by no means seen earlier than, conversations. And in order that actual time, such as you mentioned, then you definately’re like, “Wait a minute. What?” You’d assume, once you watch the finale, I do know what occurs. No large deal. But it surely’s nearly like, “Wow.” I would like a while, as a result of I did not actually know what occurred. Unexpectedly, we’re leaving for 50, which is that this superb, nervous, excited vitality that you just’re making an attempt to funnel.
Let’s speak about the way you left the island the final time you have been right here. As a result of, from our perspective, it appeared such as you had performed this dominant recreation, solely to seek out out on Day 26 that the jury is wanting in a very completely different route. How are you making an attempt to research that as you are approaching your second season, particularly contemplating, as you talked about, all of the issues that’re being revealed to you thru the edit?
I imply, it is brutal, since you stay on this state of confusion. As a result of after I have a look at all of it going again, after I have a look at these confessionals and I have a look at exit interviews, I get blamed for lots of people leaving. Should you have a look at a whole lot of these interviews, they’re like, “Why are you in Ponderosa?” “Joe, Joe, Joe.” You have a look at the confessionals, “We have to get Joe out. He is head of this factor. Joe, Joe, Joe.” And I am like, “Okay, that is nice!” And then you definately see the top results of one vote.
I do not really feel that I bombed the ultimate Tribal. I imply, clearly, you are able to do issues higher. I do not assume it was a whole failure. So what occurred? I believe that is going to be a query that is going to take me a very long time to determine.
So it leaves you within the state of now what? As a result of on one hand, you bought to the top; you’ll be able to’t deny that. However you did not win. So it is like, what do you? It is really a difficult, difficult spot, however a blessing now. But it surely’s actually troublesome. You did not get a printout of your errors. “Okay, this is the precise record. Do these in another way.” I can let you know what I believe.
Please!
Okay, so before everything, I believe in any consequence that you just did not win, I have a look at it like I made it to the Tremendous Bowl, however I simply did not win the sport. So you do not wish to change all the things, but it surely begins with accountability. I wish to be the one who goes as an alternative of blaming everyone else, Jeff, or the island, or all these items. I clearly did or did not do one thing the jury needed or did not need. I did that. So I’ve simply acquired to personal that. That is on me. And I believe how I repair that transferring ahead, sure, is that if I am lucky sufficient to be able to be in entrance of the jury once more — oh my God, how epic that might be. As an alternative of specializing in what they’re asking, give attention to the why? Why are they asking this query? So then I can provide them what they need.
Throughout our exit interview, we mentioned your want to play with honesty and loyalty in Season 48. And also you had mentioned that you just needed to play in a manner that made your loved ones proud, which you succeeded in doing. However you additionally mentioned, “If I get an opportunity to exit once more, and there is a completely different vibe on that seashore, I am gonna change it up.” We’re again on the seashore, and I think about there’s going to be a distinct vibe. So how do you’re feeling about taking that strategy?
So this is what I actually imply. I can solely be me. I can solely play the way in which that’s snug for me. And to be sincere with you, it was real final time after I performed on 48. This honor and this belief recreation is basically me. And I believe the one factor I have to do now’s I’ve acquired to learn the room by way of, you do not have to throw that in somebody’s face.
That is what I will do. You possibly can nonetheless play that belief recreation. I’ve simply acquired to verify I choose the best individuals to play it with. So as an alternative of now saying, “We will do that. Let’s all get this group.” I believe on the finish of the day, I’ve exhausting forex. I’ve money in my hand in belief. In some unspecified time in the future, everyone needs it. Everybody loves that. That is what I will be promoting. That works for the Genevieves on the market and the Emilys which can be nice strategic gamers. And it really works positively with Coach and Colby and Stephenie from the old-fashioned. I really feel it is exhausting to show down belief. That is gonna be my recreation.
Let’s speak about your notion. On the one hand, you would be seen as somebody who simply dominated a season that ended solely a few weeks in the past. However, you would be seen as somebody who was so loyal to their group that they took all of them the way in which to the top. How do you assume you will be checked out primarily based on what occurred in 48?
Once more, nice questions as normal, my man. Here is how I am it. Kyle and Kamilla, I really feel, are the larger targets out of the three of us. As a result of they could say, “Yeah, Joe is perhaps a bodily menace.” However then examine this out. Ozzy has received 5. Colby has received 5.
Are you cheerful you did not win 5 now?
[Laughs.] I do know, precisely. Jonathan, smallest man on the island. [Laughs.] He’s clearly a bodily menace. So I believe that, though it may need been perceived by some as “Joe was an enormous menace on this recreation,” on the finish of the day, I did not win. And I believe this group actually focuses on that. Kyle received. And I really feel that, regardless that I is perhaps a menace, I really feel that on the base of each group, even when it is like, “Hey, I wish to construct this on deceit and lies,” they all the time have to have a look at Kyle and Kamilla. They trusted one another unequivocally. So I believe it is gonna work. It is simply being me.
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Properly, let’s get into a number of the individuals you talked about. We’re gonna play a recreation known as “Buddy or Foe.” I will provide you with a reputation of somebody on the forged, and it’s a must to inform me in the event that they’re somebody you wish to work with, or somebody you see as an enemy or menace. Beginning with Jenna.
Buddy. Once I consider Jenna, I consider an old style participant that has performed in an extended season, that has performed and made alliances with individuals like on this neighborhood, Colby, Coach, Chrissy, Stephenie. So Buddy, as a result of she has an old style mindset, I believe she’s going to wish to vibe with belief.
On that notice, are Colby and Stephenie each Pals to you as nicely?
Buddy.
How about Cirie?
100% Buddy. As a result of that is Mama Bear! And what I imply by that’s this will likely be her fifth time taking part in. You must Buddy that. It is nearly like you will have one thing, no matter it’s, you’ll be able to’t deny 5 instances.
She’s that fixed within the Survivor equation.
Yeah! And I believe that she has a delusion about her that you just simply wish to usher in no matter if she has affect. And she or he performed with all of these gamers at completely different instances. Yeah, she has a connection simpler than I do. It is advisable to use that. So I really feel Buddy for positive.
What about Ozzy? An old-school participant you talked about earlier than who’s acquired that problem document.
Buddy. Old style vibe. 5 immunity wins. Looks as if a chill dude. And he is a vet. That is gonna be his fourth or fifth time. That is superb.
How about Coach? As a result of there have been some comparisons drawn between the 2 of you as a result of making an attempt to play with an analogous mentality of honesty and loyalty.
100% Buddy. I imply, it could be magical if we may each come along with that, as a result of look proper, improper or detached, mine is not gonna be some large flip. If everybody’s ready for me to [turn], it is simply not gonna occur. However I believe that Coach will follow it too. So, I imply, who is aware of? That is why it is so nice, however I am going to die on that hill. So Coach, Buddy.
Aubry.
Ooh. She may have a look at me as a Foe, however she’s my Buddy. 4-time participant. Actually nice strategist and a vet, which suggests she is aware of how you can navigate all of this drama. 4 seasons means you’ve got handled the jocks, the quiet individuals, the aggressive individuals, the drama. So that’s someone that, for those who’re not cautious, takes the win. Buddy.
Chrissy, whom you talked about earlier than.
Buddy, as a result of once more, old skool received a number of challenges, understands the sport, and I believe is type of determined. They perhaps will likely be unsettled slightly bit. In these new 26 days [with] younger youngsters, I really feel that that is perhaps intimidating. Here is someone that I can belief, that may assist bridge that hole.
Angelina.
[Laughs.] Oh, man. It is robust as a result of you have not performed with these individuals. However I am going to say Buddy. As a result of truthfully, she’s related to lots of people: Mike White, Christian. Don’t underestimate that. And she or he was actually good with individuals. Buddy.
Christian.
Oh, man. Good dude. He is like an excellent human being. I am saying Buddy. You by no means wish to mess with a man that wears a sports activities coat regularly. [Laughs.] I am saying 100% Buddy.
Mike.
Buddy. The affect he has, he has an air about him that, I believe, along with his success in life, he is clearly needed to cope with a whole lot of BS. He is clearly needed to cope with making mates. He is clearly needed to play a recreation socially in actual life n his profession. I imply, he is extraordinarily profitable. He wrote Nacho Libre; he wrote Faculty of Rock. I imply, clearly White Lotus. Like, wow, man, wow! So I might say Buddy for that man. He is just like the Godfather.
Rick.
He is just like the, “Hey, hey” [vibe]. He is charismatic. He is aware of how you can fireplace ’em off. He was on the podcast, so I acquired to hearken to his analytics behind the sport, which is an enormous inform. You want a man like that in your group. As a result of his mental aspect of the sport was very spectacular, how he was in a position to break down each participant. And in case you have that type of mind, you would be an enormous menace. So I wish to make my threats my pal. In order that’s a Buddy.
Robert Voets/CBS
Let’s head into your new period colleagues, beginning with Jonathan.
Buddy. I imply, like I mentioned, him being the smallest man within the forged, I’ve acquired to guarantee that he isn’t afraid or been taken benefit of. So, in all honesty, he looks like a very good dude. He looks like he does nice issues outdoors of the sport. He looks like a humanitarian and a very good dude, and I gotta be part of up with him.
Dee.
Dee is, aspect notice, most likely the largest menace out right here. I believe that she has essentially the most strategic a part of her recreation on the market. She is a bodily menace. She’s mentally robust, and she or he is aware of how you can convey a gaggle to the top. And I can inform she has a social recreation already; she’s gonna be heck to reckon with. And in her season, when someone mentioned her identify, it was like fangs got here out. I don’t need any a part of that. I am going Buddy.
Emily.
Emily, too. Emily is a type of ones after I watch [where], for those who have a look at her transition in her season, it began off, as some would say, type of struggling to seek out her footing within the recreation. Kaleb was an enormous assist in that. After which I actually grew to understand that wrestle for her, after which her change. And man, I believe that is actually beneficial. She’s seen each methods to play a recreation. Buddy.
Charlie.
Charlie is tremendous spectacular to me. There’s solely actually two Foes. Once more, I acquired to listen to him on the “On Fireplace” podcast. And once you hear somebody narrate a complete season on every participant, it is like a cheat sheet. I imply, I get into their mind. And as soon as I noticed how he performed, and the way far he went, and what occurred at his Tribal Council, and all of that blended in, I am like, “That is a dude you want as a pal.” An legal professional. He is younger; he is in his late 20s. He is perhaps the youngest one with Dee. They is perhaps the 2 youngest, which simply implies that’s harmful. They’re peppered, they know how you can assault, they usually may come after the outdated ones. Buddy.
How about Q?
Oh, man. Q is a tricky learn since you do not play with him. Lot of quiet, looks like a very good dude. And then you definately have a look at the season, you go, “Wow.” It was up and down. I imply, let’s be sincere, it was up and down. Looks as if an ideal dude, but it surely’s like, what is the learn? What am I gonna get? However he influenced lots of people to finish up on the jury. He had an enormous half in lots of people’s exits. So I am saying Buddy.
Tiffany.
Oh, Tiffany’s a beast. And once you noticed her on the jury, simply livid. I don’t need any a part of that. I do not need any a part of her fangs. Buddy.
I’ve to level out that you’ve got picked everybody as your Buddy to date. But it surely looks like some you’ve got performed as nearly preventative measures to keep away from them focusing on you.
It is like, “I do not wish to step on that snake!” 100%.
What about Genevieve? You talked about her earlier than.
Like to pal. As a result of once you actually watch her total thoughts on this recreation, it was spectacular. And this is the factor about Genevieve. Why I say Buddy is I really feel that one of many issues she mentioned later that she regrets shouldn’t be constructing a few of these alliances. As a result of, at first, I might say Foe, as a result of she did not need a whole lot of precisely what I would like. She would not need the closeness. She would not need these tight bonds, so she will reduce [people]. I really feel like a few of her reflection after was like, perhaps she ought to have had extra of these bonds. In order that’s why I am gonna say Buddy, as a result of I really need that to occur within the recreation too.
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Properly, let’s get into your fellow Season 48 forged members. How are you feeling about Kamilla proper now?
Ugh. It is like Kamilla walked as much as me and pantsed me on nationwide tv, after which Kyle pushed me over. That is how they each made me really feel. They gave me a Melvin, like an enormous wedgie. Pay attention, it is exhausting. I imply, let’s be sincere, my identify was on her mouth for your complete season. She was like, “Joe, Joe, Joe. Get him out. Get him out. Get him out.” So it is exhausting to say Buddy, as a result of she needed me out, regardless that it was simply gameplay.
So then I am going to say, primarily based on that, primarily based on the very fact she would have completely acquired me out 100 instances, I’ve to imagine she’s gonna assume the identical factor. And Kyle was actually the one which was driving maintaining me in. It will be troublesome, however I gotta say Foe. And it is exhausting as a result of she’s from my season. However for those who look again at it, wow, you’ll have completely reduce me many, many, and even use the phrases, “He is the enemy.” So I gotta go Foe.
So then discuss to me about your relationship with Kyle. As a result of it’s totally clear that you just two have been shut out on the island. However he’s a part of that pantsing duo you simply talked about.
I could not be extra conflicted, is the sincere reality. As a result of I believe individuals need this tough “I would like revenge.” Properly, pay attention, on this recreation with these professionals taking part in, you’ll be able to’t are available in and shut any door. I admit that. You possibly can’t stroll in and say, “I would like this particular person out.” It is simply an excessive amount of. However that is the difficult half, my man. He shared with me intimate, actual issues, however then wrapped round lies and deceit within the recreation. It is like an ex-girlfriend that broke your coronary heart and cheated on you, however is basically scorching. You are like, “Wait a minute. You are so nice, however you cheated on me. I do not know what to do.”
And Kyle additionally acquired me to the top. However was it strategic? Was it simply because Kamilla could not go? Wouldn’t it have been me if it was someone else? Would he have introduced me? And that is exhausting to say, as a result of I consider it was real. However you’ll be able to’t not “what if?”
I gotta say Buddy for Kyle, only for the truth that he introduced me to the top. That is a tricky one. And I do know that most likely sounds harsh to individuals like, “Oh, he is in your season.” However you have to keep in mind, watching it from the edit aspect. It is troublesome to say Buddy. However…I might say Buddy.
Any ideas on the 49 gamers?
Oh yeah! I am gonna say this proper now, simply off swag alone. It is a guess, however I am going to let you know why considered one of them received, interval, or and the opposite one was two or three. Savannah, I believe she received. She has some winner calves.
Did you say “winner calves”?
Yeah, she has this presence about her [where] I am like, “That is an athlete.” She appears like she’s cruising round, and it is as a result of she is so assured. It looks like the way in which she cruises round. I’m going amongst these gamers. I imply, this man performed 5 instances. This girl performed 5 instances. And to cruise in because the contemporary meat, the most recent, with nothing? I am lacking one thing. You’ve gotten one thing.
And why would they bring about you again this quickly? That is an enormous sacrifice. After which I take into consideration what life can maintain that. You probably have youngsters, or for those who do not, in case you have a major different. To show proper again round in principally two weeks means you’re dedicated to this recreation; you’re all in. To show round that fast could be exhausting for anyone, mentally, emotionally, bodily. And why are you right here? Nobody’s seen you play but, which suggests you dominate it. As a result of there is no interviews. The one those that know are the individuals which can be vital. And you probably did one thing sufficient to show their head to say, “We would like you proper again amongst the best.”
So I might truthfully say, out of these two, consider it or not, each could be Foe. Solely as a result of I do not know! They usually can play any narrative they need. What in the event that they acquired second and first they usually have been the perfect duo ever? What if she received 5 immunities and he received 4? I imply, actually, the sky is the restrict. And right here they’re in our season. Harmful!
Let’s go from the unfamiliar again to the acquainted. Which earlier participant do you want have been out right here on the island with you proper now?
Apart from Eva, I am going to say Boston Rob. And I do know persons are like, “He is performed rather a lot.” And I get why not. He has just about performed all the things you’ll be able to on the season. However once you consider Survivor, I really feel there’s sure names that come up. He is considered one of them. We trip on that coattail rather a lot, and it is simply out of honor. It will simply be cool to have him out right here, whether or not he needed to or not.
What celeb or fictional character would you convey out for a Cherished Ones go to? Final time, you mentioned George Clooney. Do you wish to double down on him, or choose another person?
Tyler Perry. Nice human being. Nothing however constructive issues to say about that man. That will be superior. And I believe everybody could be like, “Whoa!” He is gifted. I believe it could shock everyone right here.
Lastly, the final time you have been out right here, you mentioned you have been taking part in on your late sister, Joanna. Who’re you taking part in for this time?
It is twofold. And I did not get to place to relaxation that dream, as a result of I did promise her a win, and so I have to make proper on that promise. And I by no means talked about that as a result of I simply thought I used to be gonna should put that to mattress. Clearly, you play as soon as, I gave it my sincere, and that was a peace I made along with her. However I acquired one other shot, and I could make it proper, and I can convey house a win for her.
After which the final piece of that’s really my youngsters on this degree and my spouse is that I’m going, “Hey, I am scared, I am nervous.” It is a dream come true, and I wish to present them that it’s a must to take an opportunity. Step in entrance of your dream. Do not be afraid. Dad’s nervous. Dad did this. You possibly can all the time look again, it doesn’t matter what occurs. I did not run from this chance. I wasn’t afraid of it. And I would like them to all the time go, “Dad, I am afraid to check out for this group, Dad, I am afraid to go to school. I am afraid, I am afraid.” I can say, “Keep in mind after I chased my dream? It doesn’t matter what occurred, I chased it.” It is a dream. So I am honored to indicate my household you have to hold leaning into it. Chase your desires.
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