Pop Culture Unplugged caught up with actor Mark Feuerstein to dive into his role as Rabbi Mo in the upcoming thriller Guns & Moses. Known for his diverse career across drama and comedy, Mark shared how this unique film combines spirituality, mystery, and action.
A Story with Heart—and a Message
Mark expressed excitement for audiences to finally see Guns & Moses:
“As an actor, you’re considering everything from the story to the role to the message. This movie has all three. It’s like Chinatown meets The Chosen. There’s comedy, drama, and badass action, all with a great message about community and standing up for yourself.”
Becoming Rabbi Mo: Spiritual Core Meets Action Hero
Playing Rabbi Mo allowed Mark to explore new territory:
“I didn’t know what to expect when I read the script. Indie scripts can be hit or miss, but this was a great script with a lot for me to do. I got to learn how to shoot a gun, but at the same time, Mo is a man of peace who doesn’t want to hurt anyone. That inner conflict was so interesting.”
He prepared by researching Jewish leaders like Rabbi Menachem Schneerson and reading about the Hasidic community, ensuring he captured Mo’s spiritual and communal dedication authentically.
Portraying a Complex Hero
Mark loved the multi-dimensionality of his character:
“Rabbi Mo is comedic, dramatic, and an action hero all in one. He’s a reluctant detective who won’t stop until he finds the truth. He’s like Jake Gittes in Chinatown, but he’s also a man of faith who believes in kindness and protecting his people.”
The Gala Scene and Its Emotional Fallout
Discussing the pivotal gala scene where violence erupts, Mark shared:
“It’s terrifying. Mo is trying to bring his community together in a time when there’s an epidemic of loneliness and growing anti-Semitism. Seeing someone gunned down forces him to realize the importance of standing up for yourself, while still holding onto love and kindness.”
Collaborating with Director Sal Litvak
Mark and director Sal Litvak built a strong creative partnership:
“We first met in his Sukkah to talk about Mo. Sal trusted me to bring him to life, and I trusted Sal’s vision. It was a great collaboration from start to finish.”
Working with Friends and Legends
Mark was thrilled to reunite with former Royal Pains co-star Paulo Costanzo and act alongside Neil McDonough and Dermot Mulroney:
“Getting to work with Neil, who is so passionate about faith-based stories, and Dermot, who brings such depth, was incredible.”
Where Would Rabbi Mo Go Next?
When asked about a possible sequel, Mark smiled:
“Let’s throw Mo into the fire—send him to Israel, Hoboken, Ghana, wherever. He loves all human beings and is curious about everyone. I’d love a trilogy with Rabbi Mo.”
Ranking Rabbi Mo Among His Favorite Roles
After roles in Royal Pains, The West Wing, and In Her Shoes, where does Rabbi Mo rank for Mark?
“It’s up there. Rabbi Mo is the full enchilada—the full catastrophe of human experience. Especially at this time, it’s an honor to play a character who honors my Jewish pride and faith.”
Guns & Moses releases July 18 in select theaters and on demand.
▶️ Watch the full interview and more exclusive cast conversations on Pop Culture Unplugged’s YouTube channel.
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