Peter Bundic is back on Pop Culture Unplugged, this time diving into his latest film A Spartan Dream. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Greece, the movie tells the story of Brad—a passionate, slightly awkward Greek-American who embarks on a journey of cultural discovery, personal growth, and Spartan fantasy.
In our conversation, Peter opened up about connecting with his heritage, filming in Greece, and bringing Brad to life in this quirky, heartfelt coming-of-age film.
🇬🇷 Greek Roots Meet Greek Mythology
For Peter, this role was more than just another acting gig—it was personal. “My grandmother is from Sparta,” he shared. “So reading a script that tied in Greek culture and history? I was in right away.”
Not only is the film set in Greece, but much of it was shot on location in Athens and Sparta, giving Peter the rare opportunity to work and walk on ancestral ground. “There was no pressure—just pure excitement,” he said. “Every day after rehearsals I’d explore, speak Greek, and reconnect with the land.”
🛡️ From Daydreams to Spartan Speeches
Brad, Peter’s character, is an ancient Greek history nerd who regularly daydreams himself into the role of a Spartan war chief—complete with armor, battle cries, and horseback scenes. “Those were so much fun to shoot,” Peter laughed. “Even though Brad’s just a kid in the '80s, in his head he’s leading a Spartan army. And for a few scenes, I got to live that dream.”
Peter dove deep into Spartan history for the role, particularly the story of Pausanias, a lesser-known but legendary warrior referenced by Brad. “It gave me another layer to play with, and helped fuel those fantasy sequences.”
❤️ A Complicated Love and Quirky Chemistry
Beyond the battles and daydreams, Brad’s story also has heart. He falls for a local girl while in Greece, but things don’t go quite as planned. “There’s chemistry,” Peter said, “but Brad’s such a mess at times that he really pushes her away.”
Still, their final scene together leaves room for hope. “It’s quirky, not typical,” Peter added. “Just like Brad’s entire journey—it’s unique.”
🎬 Life on Set: Sunscreen, Sweat, and Spartan Armor
Filming in Greece in the summer heat wasn’t without its challenges. “The hardest part was staying out of the sun!” Peter joked. “I tan quickly, and continuity was a nightmare.” At one point, he resorted to jeans and hoodies in 40+ degree weather just to avoid a tan shift mid-shoot.
Despite the heat, Peter called the experience unforgettable: “Every day on set felt like a gift. Being with that crew, in that country, telling this story? I’ll carry those memories forever.”
🎭 What Brad Taught Peter
Brad’s thoughtful, sometimes slow, internal processing left a mark on Peter as a performer. “He really takes his time, and that was a good lesson for me as an actor. Slow it down. Be present in each moment.”
Would Peter be friends with Brad in real life? “Absolutely. I might have to tell him to chill out sometimes—but we’d get along.”
🎥 What’s Next and How to Watch
A Spartan Dream opens in select theaters (Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Detroit, Chicago) starting August 15, with a simultaneous video-on-demand release.
Peter hopes viewers—especially those in the Greek community—find something to bond over. “It’s a celebration of culture, identity, and those wild journeys of self-discovery. Kind of like our shared love for My Big Fat Greek Wedding—there’s heart and heritage here, too.”
Peter is also working behind the scenes on Sacrifice, a post-production film exploring Filipino folklore, with more projects in the works—including ones that might bring him back to Greece.
Until then, you can catch A Spartan Dream in theaters and online starting August 15. And as Peter says—“Let’s not wait another year. I’ll be back soon with more.”
Follow Peter Bundic on Instagram @peterbundic and stay tuned to Pop Culture Unplugged for more exclusive interviews.