Jussie Smollett’s ‘Lost Holliday’ Team Supports Star Despite Ongoing Legal Issues: “You Never Turn Your Back on Family”

by

As a long-time fan of Jussie Smollett, I’ve been through quite a rollercoaster ride with him over the past few years. From his groundbreaking role as Jamal Lyon on Empire to the controversial events that unfolded, it’s been an intriguing journey to say the least. But, if there’s one thing that never wavered, it’s Smollett’s unwavering dedication to his craft.

In the context of his 2021 conviction for disorderly conduct, stemming from accusations that he orchestrated a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lied to Chicago police about it, being reexamined by the Illinois Supreme Court, Jussie Smollett is once again appearing on the big screen in the movie “The Lost Holliday“, where he takes on multiple roles as star, director, co-writer, and producer.

The movie, debuting in selected AMC cinemas on September 27th, features the former Empire star portraying Jason Holliday, a member of a married pair whose spouse, Damien Holliday (played by Jabari Redd), tragically passes away. While Jason grapples with this tragic event, he crosses paths with Cassandra, Damien’s long-lost mother (Vivica A. Fox). To her shock, she discovers that her son was actually married.

Prior to a preview showing in Harlem recently, Smollett, Fox, along with the movie’s cast and creators, appeared eager to put behind them the legal troubles that Smollett has faced since his alleged attack in early 2019.

Smollett referred to the past six years, marked by his arrest, charges being dropped and later refiled, and eventually being convicted of five felony counts of disorderly conduct, as “challenging” and “tumultuous.” However, he emphasized that he has still managed to find ways to express himself artistically amidst these hardships.

Smollett stated to The Hollywood Reporter that he never ceased pursuing his passion. Although it may appear from the outside as if he took a prolonged break, he insists he did not. He was consistently recording, writing, and directing projects – some yet to be released, others already out. Essentially, he has always been busy with creative endeavors.

Furthermore, Smollett expressed his intention to keep pursuing acting roles, directing projects, scriptwriting, producing films, and even creating music in the future.

Smollett expressed a desire to be thoroughly involved in all aspects of his work. He’s not compelled to star in every movie or direct each one, but he knows he’ll contribute creatively to whatever he takes on.

During the screening, Fox and producer Tressa Azarel Smallwood openly expressed that they weren’t deterred by Smollett’s recent legal issues when deciding to collaborate with him.

Fox, who had worked with Smollett since his childhood days on Empire, promptly agreed when Smollett requested her participation.

In response to his phone call where he said, “Vivica, I need you,” I replied, “Just let me know when you’re prepared to move.” Family always comes first, as Fox, who also served as executive producer for The Lost Holliday, explained to THR. “I’ve known him since he was eight years old, and I understand his intentions.

According to Smallwood, who was reached out to by fellow producer Mona Scott-Young, who had collaborated with Smollett on “B-Boy Blues”, expressed her thoughts about working with Smollett as follows: “I believe everyone deserves a chance for redemption. Our society often prefers to condemn and discard rather than truly listen to an individual. And he needs to earn his way like everyone else. I think he has already made his statement clear. At times, we must embrace people and offer them another opportunity. That’s what women, as nurturers, do.

Both Smallwood and Scott-Young spoke about being impressed by the script.

Smallwood tearfully admitted that the script moved her deeply,” she shared, explaining that as someone who reads many screenplays, this one was exceptionally impactful. “It made me laugh, it stirred feelings of remorse for my past mistakes, and it left me with a swirl of emotions.

However, perfecting the story took some time. Smollett told THR that this lengthy, more-than-decade-long journey to the big screen, during which eight years were spent in development, was an enjoyable challenge he referred to as a “joyous task.

Through AMC’s theatrical collaboration, Scott-Young is optimistic that positive word-of-mouth will lead to a broader release.

She shared with THR that we’re eager for our film to play in all cinemas nationwide. AMC has been fantastic in collaborating with us and providing a platform for this project on the big screen. We are deeply appreciative of their support. We hope the movie resonates with audiences, sparks conversations, and ultimately expands our presence in more theaters,” she said.

Read More

2024-10-10 01:25