Noah Centineo and Teo Yoo on chemistry and brotherhood in ‘The Recruit’ Season 2

The stakes are higher in “The Recruit” Season 2, but for lead star and executive producer Noah Centineo, it’s not pressure — it’s excitement. A big reason for that? The arrival of co-star Teo Yoo.

The hit Netflix spy thriller returns with Noah reprising his role as Owen Hendricks, a rookie CIA lawyer caught in dangerous international affairs. But this time, Yoo joins the action as Jang Kyun, an officer for South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) with deadly skills masked by a calm and collected demeanor.

But Jang Kyun is more than just an intelligence operative; he’s also a husband desperate to save his wife. His personal mission puts him in direct conflict with Owen. Sometimes, that means fighting alongside and against Owen. What starts out as an adversarial relationship, however, becomes a professional teamup — a brotherhood even — out to unravel a global conspiracy that can possibly cost their lives and those of their loved ones.

Now streaming, the spy-action thriller is currently one of the most-watched titles on Netflix Philippines.

In a Netflix Tudum feature, Noah shared how his partnership with Yoo began with a virtual chemistry read that “really, really went well.”

He further described Yoo, 2023 BAFTA Best Actor nominee for “Past Lives,” as “phenomenal,” having embodied his character’s deceptive naiveté so convincingly that he initially thought that was just who the South Korean star was.

“We had all seen ‘Past Lives,’ and that was just such an open and honest performance from Teo… In ‘The Recruit,’ he brings that vulnerability, but he hides it behind a wall of anger and fear,” Noah was quoted as saying.

In an exclusive Zoom interview, The STAR got to ask the stars more about their chemistry and collaborating with each other for the first time.

When asked first about his experience of having to both topbill and produce the show, Noah said stepping into Season 2 was a thrilling experience, thanks to the incredible team assembled by creator and showrunner Alexi Hawley.

“We shot in Vancouver — this is actually my fourth project there, so not many, but enough to feel familiar,” he shared with this writer.

“We also got to assemble a fantastic team, including a camera operator, I had worked with before and an incredible line producer, Jay Marchant.”

With a solid foundation already in place, Noah felt more excited than pressured. “Alexi deserves a lot of credit for putting together such a strong team, which provided a lot of support. Season 1 was such a rewarding experience — something I’m really proud of — so I was more excited than anything,” he explained.

The addition of Yoo to the cast was another highlight for him.

“We had a great cast, a fantastic crew, and an incredible showrunner delivering episodes rich with dynamic characters. Having Teo join us was especially exciting — he elevated the entire show and blew the doors open.”

As for Yoo, joining “The Recruit” was both a challenge and an opportunity.

“Up until that point, I hadn’t really gotten offers yet, so I auditioned,” he recalled to The STAR when asked how he became part of the show.

“I sent in a self-tape, and by the second round, I had a chemistry read with Noah — that was the first time we met. Even then, I could tell there was something there, some real chemistry.”

That first meeting was a turning point. “I remember thinking, ‘This is going to be fun if I get the part,’ and I was pretty sure we’d become friends. Luckily, I got it, and I was so excited,” he added.

On set, that connection was just as strong.

“It was such a fun experience. Noah was the coolest guy on set — he never made it feel like there was any pressure. He trusted everyone, and that made the whole experience feel really natural. He’s a great leader,” Yoo shared.

Noah was quick to return the compliment.

“Oh, thank you. From the chemistry read to the first time we met in person, it was a no-brainer. Teo is an incredible actor — so soulful and honest,” he told The STAR.

“He has this way of conveying emotion with just his eyes, telling a story effortlessly. It was an honor to work with him.”