All American Boss Shares Who Will Make a Cameo in Season 7

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[This article contains mild spoilers from season seven of All American.]

The seventh season of “All American” will get an early release, as the premiere episode titled “Reborn” was shown on January 29th (Wednesday), a full five days before its usual Monday night broadcast slot.

The upcoming 13-episode season represents a change as Daniel Ezra, who’s played Spencer James in the CW sports drama since its premiere in 2018, is no longer the main character. Instead, it introduces three new characters – KJ Jeremy (Nathaniel McIntyre), Cassius Jeremy (Osy Ikhile) and Khalil Edwards (Antonio J. Bell) – whose stories at South Crenshaw High School and Beverly Hills High School will now drive the ongoing series. Additionally, the experiences of three original characters, Jordan Baker (Michael Evans Behling), Layla Keating (Greta Onieogou) and Coop (Bre-Z), will also be a significant focus moving forward.

According to the showrunner and executive producer, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, our show is all about introducing a fresh cast during a shortened season. She adds that they’re really enjoying the process of sharing these captivating tales with us.

In the conversation with THR that follows, Carroll unveils the plotlines for the new characters and the original cast members who will appear as guests in season seven. She also expresses her aspirations for the future of the franchise, which marked its 100-episode milestone in season six, after the termination of All American: Homecoming.

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Last time we spoke, you mentioned that Taye Diggs was leaving. Now, Daniel Ezra is not here either. Can you tell me about your experience returning to the set without your main co-star who you’ve worked with for a while?

Since we had previously arranged it, upon our return, we were bursting with excitement over the revamped series and seeing my children step into adult roles. To be honest, Daniel was popping into my office almost every other day before he went for Running Man. I jokingly said to him, “Hey, your pass is no longer valid!” (Laughs.) All in all, it’s been a delightful transformation. It feels like reality mirroring art as the original cast transitions from young adults into full-fledged adults and simultaneously guides the newcomers. I often find myself mistakenly referring to the season seven premiere as a pilot. Michael Behling finally pointed out, “It does have a bit of a pilot feel to it.” It has that fresh, brimming with potential, new vibe that even the original cast can’t help but be thrilled about.

In the opening episode of the new season, Jordan (played by Michael Evans Behling) finds himself grappling slightly with his role as an authority, as he assumes the position of assistant coach at South Crenshaw.

As a devoted fan, I’ve always seen Jordan as a man with a youthful spirit. His journey over the past season and a half has been one of finding his identity as a Baker man, dealing with his father’s passing, preserving Billy’s legacy, and learning to stand on his own. Now, this recent move where he chose this job not because of a desire to emulate or appease his dad, but because it resonated deeply with him, feels like a complete circle. It’s as if Jordan is fully embracing Crenshaw as his home in a way that Billy initially found challenging.

Additionally, one aspect of his unique abilities lies in his ability to empathize with [the players], as he was in their shoes not too long ago. However, this isn’t always recognized as a superpower by others. Like any superpower, there are limits that Jordan is learning to navigate during the early part of this season. He and Layla have been married for more than a year now, and they’re enjoying their newfound freedom and challenges that come with marriage. They’ve taken possession of their entire house, filling each room with joy and responsibility, experiencing both the excitement and responsibilities of adulthood that we all grapple with.

Let’s jump into the new cast members, starting with Nathaniel McIntyre.

Nate is an extraordinary talent, well-known for his roles in “The Equalizer” and as Young Simba on Broadway. He’s set to star in the upcoming Michael Jackson movie, and when I saw his audition tape, I couldn’t believe he was available. His character, KJ, serves as our entry point into a fresh chapter of the “All American” narrative at Beverly High School. Although football remains central to the series, KJ harbors big Division 1 dreams. His father is a coach, and he’s an exceptional quarterback with what appears to be a perfect life. However, this idyllic existence is shattered in the first episode, leading KJ on a new journey with his father. He yearns for family unity, as they are his source of strength. Throughout the season, KJ discovers that things may not be as they seem, and he must navigate these challenges while still pursuing his dreams, forming bonds with his new friends who are gradually becoming like family, all while dealing with personal issues and a changing relationship with his father, who has been more like a best friend up until now, but is revealing a different side of himself in their move to Los Angeles.

And his dad is played by Osy Ikhile, right?

Affirmative! The individual you’re referring to is Cassius Jeremy, the latest coach at Beverly High School. He brings an infectious enthusiasm that I can’t help but admire – not because we’re both Nigerian, but because of his impact on the team and the school spirit. His presence adds a delightful twist to Beverly and its football team. In truth, he embodies the ideal competitor. There seems to be an air of underestimation surrounding this role, as if it were a casual affair. However, that’s not a compliment. It implies they don’t anticipate much success from you. Coming from his background and carrying a history of triumph, he finds such dismissiveness deeply offensive. He’s determined to challenge the Baker legacy, Jordan Baker, South Crenshaw High, and the low expectations for Beverly. He has something to prove, not just for himself, but also for the Beverly team. For Cassius and KJ, it’s about revitalizing Beverly and making this new dynamic thrive.

And then we have Antonio J. Bell.

Antonio Bell, whom we introduced previously as Khalil, serves as our resident troublemaker at South Crenshaw. Interestingly enough, in one episode, Coop seems to gaze at him and recognizes that he embodies the potential of Shawn [Scott]. Sadly, Shawn’s life was tragically cut short [in season one] due to his past choices, and by the time he aimed to focus on other aspects of his life and change his path, it was already too late. For Coop, this is her opportunity to set things right for Shawn. This is our chance to ensure that Khalil’s future doesn’t mirror Shawn’s fate.

Khalil develops a strong connection with Jordan since Jordan is the initial stranger who recognized his potential where others saw flaws. Jordan didn’t perceive Khalil as the troubled teenager everyone else did, but rather saw past his facade to something exceptional. In a way that resonates with his father’s legacy, Jordan reaches out to Khalil and becomes dedicated to helping him excel in football. This marks the beginning of a meaningful journey for both of them, one that challenges Khalil’s lifestyle, beliefs, and the code he lives by, as well as his father’s, who is a gang member. As Khalil battles for a future he never thought was possible, Jordan encourages him to embrace it, ultimately complicating Khalil’s life in profound ways.

16-year-old Amina, portrayed by Alexis Chikaeze, significantly contributes to the plot due to her youthful innocence and self-discovery. Beyond her romantic feelings for Khalil, they share a genuine friendship. However, my favorite narrative trope – the love triangle – is introduced as Amina accidentally encounters KJ early on. Despite her initial focus on Khalil, there’s an undeniable chemistry between Amina and KJ that neither can ignore. At 16, Amina’s impulsive decisions, though she believes she’s making the right choices, will lead her into precarious situations where she realizes, oh, I might have missed something significant and now things are more complicated. Thus, we have an entertaining love triangle involving Amina, KJ, and Khalil, with football acting as a central element.

Spencer’s (Ezra) voice is heard in this premiere episode, will we see him onscreen this season?

Indeed, several familiar faces are gracing our screens again this season: Spencer, Olivia (Samantha Logan), Laura Baker (Monet Mazur), and Patience (Chelsea Tavares) have all returned. Although their characters might not be mainstays anymore due to their stories unfolding elsewhere, they remain integral to the show’s essence and roots. This season also sees Daniel taking the director’s chair, while Karimah [Westbrook (Grace James)] is directing as well. It feels like a family reunion, with everyone pitching in. This continuity has made the transition smooth, as both new and old cast members have been supported and nurtured. The family has merely grown larger, not changed, and it’s been a joy to witness this evolution and everyone thriving in their roles.

Season seven was renewed for an abbreviated 13 episodes, are you expecting an eighth season?

We have lots of tales to share, and we’re optimistic about a potential eighth season! To pique your interest, we introduced a fresh generation and rewound the storyline to the intense world of high school football and romance. I shared my initial concerns with my producer when he mentioned watching the first episode, but instead of hearing problems, he expressed love, awe, and excitement – he’s been with us since season one! After seeing the director’s cut, I can confidently say that I’m deeply invested in these characters, particularly Jordan and Layla’s marriage, Coop, and her new friends. I’m also drawn into the love triangles once again, finding myself shouting at my TV like before. We hope our long-time fans, who have been so dedicated and supportive throughout the past six seasons, will extend their backing to this new cast too, as they truly are exceptional.

Have there been any recent developments regarding potential new spins-off now that All American: Homecoming has been cancelled?

Possibly, that’s about all I want to share for now. My roots go back quite far – over 10 seasons, with 31 episodes per season. The YA shows I am referring to are my origin. As much as they allow me, I will continue weaving the tale. I plan to expand the universe. There are numerous side stories waiting to be told, and I’m eager to see where these new narratives can take us.

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The seventh season of “All American” will kick off on February 3rd, airing at 8:00 PM on The CW. Fresh episodes will be available every Monday.

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2025-01-30 05:25