A new action-packed thriller is hitting the big screen, and it’s Kerry Washington in a role—and with some moves—that we’ve never seen before. In “Shadow Force“, it’s “family over everything”, as we see an estranged couple, Washington and on-screen husband (Omar Sy), with a bounty on their heads. They must go on the run with their son (Jahleel Kamara) to escape a deadly shadow ops unit.
Born to Sierra Leonean immigrants, Kamara is a budding, young star in Hollywood known for his roles in “Manifest” and “B-Boy Blues”. Beaming with undeniable charisma and turning up the charm, we caught up with the “Nanny” actor while he was in Atlanta working on a new film. But first—it was all about “Shadow Force”, which hits theaters May 9.
Inspire N Style Magazine: So everyone wants to know…what was it like working with Kerry Washington? Was she everything you thought she would be?
Kamara: “It was phenomenal. She swam with me and gave me gifts. She even remembered my mom’s birthday and gave her a birthday cake. And you know boys don’t play about their mom. I love my mom.”
INS: In this film, your character experienced many ups and downs, highs and lows, and many emotions. How did you prepare for your role?
Jahleel Kamara: “The description [in the script] tells you everything. It tells you the emotions and what’s going to happen in the story. I got prepared for what’s going to happen, and I just switched and went to a kid who has no idea what’s going on with his mom, dad, uncle or auntie.”
INS: What was your absolute favorite moment in filming this movie?
Kamara: “My favorite part was when at the end, I got to say ‘Wu Tang Clan ain’t nothin’ to eff with.’ I felt so proud of that because it was amazing. I love the way the curse [words] slipped out of my mouth. It was…(motions chef’s kiss).”
INS: Although the film had a ton of action in it, your character sang quite a bit in the film. What’s some of your favorite songs that you love right now?
Kamara: “Some of my favorite songs are ‘Best Part’ by H.E.R., ‘Baby’ by Justin Bieber, ‘Love’ by Keisha Cole, and ‘Die with a Smile’ by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. Singing is one of my favorite hobbies—I sing in the shower, at night, when I’m eating, and when I’m dancing.”
INS: If you could work with an actor or actress in the world, who would it be?
Kamara: “Daniel Kaluuya. I get a lot of compliments saying that I look like him—and he’s pretty sharp. If he does look like me, then he’s handsome! I’m just saying.”
INS: How does it feel to be a rising star in films? When you act in movies, do all of your friends and teachers think it’s cool?
Kamara: “They do! Whenever I book something or I do a specific line from a movie, my teacher pulls it up on her SmartBoard, and the whole class gets to see it. Even at lunch, they’ll want me to say that specific line.”
INS: You’ve done quite a bit at such a young age. What’s next for you? What are you working on right now?
Kamara: “Maybe ‘Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother.’ I’m in Atlanta, Georgia right now shooting it. It’s by Mr. Bassam Tariq.”
“Shadow Force”, directed by Joe Carnahan opens in theaters May 9, where all can see Jahleel Kamara, and even Method Man in action—taking over the big screen in an even bigger way.
