as Will Trent Continuing to gain momentum in season four, Cora Lou Tran carves out a meaningful space on screen with her portrayal of Nico, a non-binary character who exists beyond labels and narrative tropes.
In an exclusive interview with Gatey, Tran reflected on his journey into the role, calling it a defining moment both professionally and personally.
“As cheesy as it sounds, this was probably the best thing that ever happened to me,” Tran said. “I won the lottery with the people I work with.”
Season 4 of the ABC drama features Special Agent Will Trent. Ramon Rodrigueznavigate increasingly high-stakes cases while preserving their chosen family, including Nico. Although not a series regular, Nico has become a steady presence in Will’s home, providing emotional stability while helping care for his dog, Betty.
For Tran, stepping into Nico’s shoes brought an instant connection. “When I booked the role of Nico, it resonated with me because it was a non-binary role,” they said. “We knew we could really care about this character, especially since LGBTQ representation is so important.”
Its authenticity resonated not only with viewers but also with those in Tran’s own life. They recalled the crew members choosing to remain on the show after reading about Nico’s character. “You never think about how much this role impacts other people,” Tran says. “But when people say things like that to me, I think, ‘Wow, maybe I’m doing something bigger than myself.'”
What sets Niko apart is how seamlessly the character exists within the story. Their identities are present, but not the sole focus, and Tran believes this difference is important. “It’s hard to put pressure on yourself,” they admitted. “But everyone was so welcoming. Everyone was really nice.”
Through this role, Tran also discovered more about their identities. “If I hadn’t played this role, I would never have asked myself these questions,” they said. “I realized that maybe my pronouns are they/them because it fits. It makes sense.”
Season 4 continues to test Nico in new ways, including a tense hospital hostage situation that puts Nico in direct danger. In episode 14, a desperate mother takes control of the emergency room, forcing Will to act as a negotiator, separating Will from the team and putting Nico at the center of the crisis. This arc highlights the growing trust and bond between the two characters.
Off-screen, that dynamic mirrors Tran and Rodriguez’s relationship. “He’s the person I go to for advice,” Tran said. “He’s seen me go through a lot of ups and downs…and I feel like that’s similar to Nico and Will’s relationship.”
Still, it’s the quiet ensemble moments that resonate most. “When we all come together for a common purpose…I love that moment,” Tran said. “It feels like family.”
as Will Trent Tran’s performance stands as a testament to the power of expression, nuance, and deep humanity done right.
new episode of Will Trent Airs Tuesdays on ABC.
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
