For Jharrel Jerome, the film Unstoppable carries profound importance for two primary reasons. Firstly, it presents the chance to collaborate with Jennifer Lopez, and secondly, it allows him to portray the true story of Anthony Robles on screen. The actor emphasizes that the project's diverse landscape significantly influenced his decision to participate, expressing his desire to remain connected to his roots while advancing his career in Hollywood.

In a discussion with Hindustan Times, Jharrel Jerome reflects on his experience working alongside Jennifer Lopez in Unstoppable, the motivations behind his choice of the film, and his commitment to honouring his heritage through his artistic endeavours.

On the sense of responsibility towards diversity

Jharrel made his debut in the 2016 drama film Moonlight, directed by Barry Jenkins, and gained significant recognition for his role as Korey Wise in Ava DuVernay's miniseries When They See Us. Whether it is his initial project or his most recent film Unstoppable, Jharrel consistently selects roles that highlight broader and more diverse narratives.

When asked about his sense of responsibility towards promoting diversity, Jharrel responded affirmatively, stating, “100%.”

“I am Dominican, hailing from the Bronx in New York. There are certainly not many individuals who emerge from that area with success. I take great pride in this background. I will always honour it and strive to pass the torch for the Bronx and my community. I hope that the flame of that torch is bright enough to illuminate the path for those around me,” he further elaborated.

In the diverse world of Unstoppable

This is equally applicable to his most recent film, Unstoppable. The film serves as a biographical account of Anthony Robles, an NCAA champion who overcame the challenge of being a one-legged athlete. It also stars Jennifer Lopez. Produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, the film has recently premiered on Amazon Prime Video.

For Jharrel, the film provides an opportunity for individuals to momentarily set aside their daily challenges and immerse themselves in a different reality.

“Anthony’s journey is filled with inspiration and resilience. I am eager for the wrestling community to experience this film, as there are not many films centred around wrestling. The wrestling community, particularly in the United States, is quite extensive. I want their voices to be acknowledged. The prospect of being seen and heard is thrilling for me, especially for individuals with disabilities and single mothers. Regardless of your background, there is something in this film that you can connect with and find relatable. This is the essence of the film's diversity,” he states.

On working with Jennifer

During the discussion, Jharrel revealed that the pinnacle of his experience was the opportunity to collaborate with Jennifer Lopez.

"Collaborating with Jennifer, Ben, and Matt was an extraordinary experience. Once Ben and Matt began their production work, everything started to align perfectly. They genuinely care about their artists, ensuring that the necessary resources are available and that everyone feels at ease," he reflects on his time working with them. The 27-year-old further states, "Jennifer's dedication is remarkable. She was resolute in her mission to authentically portray Anthony's mother. I have immense admiration for her, but I had to set that aside and focus on the role."

He also acknowledges that the film allowed him to express vulnerability as an artist.

"Stories are conveyed not only through dialogue or physical actions but also through the eyes and what lies beyond them. As an actor, this requires a willingness to be vulnerable and to engage with emotions that may be uncomfortable... It may involve revisiting thoughts and memories that are not pleasant. However, this is part of the craft, and the effort is worthwhile when it leads to a genuine performance," he concludes.

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