Jharrel Jerome Knew ‘Unstoppable’ Would Be His “Most Challenging” Role

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2011 saw the crowning of a remarkable NCAA wrestler in a specific weight class, not just for his one-legged birth but more so for the journey he traversed to reach glory. This exceptional individual is Anthony Robles, who has long inspired aspiring athletes and dreamers alike since his athletic reign, moving on to become an acclaimed author, motivational speaker, and official Nike Athlete. His captivating life story, chronicled in his autobiography titled “Unstoppable,” will soon be brought to the screen as a biopic on Prime Video.

Renowned actor Jharrel Jerome (notable for his roles in “Moonlight” and “Beyond the Spider-Verse”) portrays Robles with a resilient spirit that is poised to rejuvenate the sports movie genre, which experienced a surge in 2024 with films like “The Fire Inside” and “Day of the Fight”. MovieWeb recently had an exclusive chat with this rising star to delve deeper into his preparation for such a challenging and distinctive role. Jerome shared with us, “Upon receiving the part, I watched a YouTube video of Anthony, and then I looked in the mirror and saw myself, but I realized I was quite far from where he is, both physically and mentally, due to what he’s managed to achieve in his life,” adding:

I realized that this task would be my toughest yet, but instead of deterring me, it sparked my interest in taking on the role. As an actor, such challenges are what drive me, similar to Anthony discovering he’s about to wrestle the top wrestler from Iowa. It’s a test I was ready to face, and I’m grateful that Anthony was by my side throughout the journey, helping me overcome it.

“Transforming” for Real-Life Characters Like Anthony Robles

As a supporter of Ava DuVernay’s remarkable work, I can’t forget the moment Jerome won an Emmy in 2019 for his outstanding role in the critically acclaimed Netflix series “When They See Us”. Similar to his performance in “Unstoppable”, this series was based on a true-life story that tugged at our heartstrings. Occasionally, Jerome delves into fictional characters, like in the exceptional series “I’m a Virgo”, but he shared with us the unique advantages of portraying real people on screen and television from time to time.

Acting is something we genuinely enjoy, and it gives us a sense of authenticity, as if we’re truly living the role. When we delve into character creation, we draw from our experiences or imagination, but for real-life characters, we must detach ourselves completely. This transformation and shaping process is what keeps my passion burning.

Jerome went on to say, “Indeed, I’ve carried out this task not once, but twice, and I must admit, I’m eager for more. Particularly when it comes to tales as extraordinary as this one, or those that echo from diverse corners of our world.” Starting January 16, 2025, the captivating tale of Unstoppable will be available on Prime Video, courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios.

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2025-01-07 02:31