Terry Crews Talks Hilarious ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ Sequel and Getting to Play “The Baddest Dude Ever” in ‘The Killer’s Game’

In reflecting upon Tyler James Williams’ words, it’s clear that his journey in Hollywood is nothing short of remarkable. With three successful series spanning over 100 episodes each, he has undeniably left an indelible mark on television comedy. Yet, as he rightfully points out, the landscape of entertainment today seems to be vastly different, making it a challenge to replicate such feats.

This September has been quite significant for Terry Crews. He’s celebrating 25 years in Hollywood, a journey that began on the competition show similar to American Gladiators, known as Battle Dome, back in 1999. The character of T-Money was particularly fitting for him, aligning with his longtime aspiration to become an action movie star, a dream that came true yet again with his role in the action-comedy film “The Killer’s Game”, produced by his long-term friend Dave Bautista.

In the film titled “The Killer’s Game,” released on Sept 13, Ice Cube (Crews) plays the role of assassin Creighton Lovedahl, under the direction of J.J. Perry. Interestingly, both Crews and Perry had previously collaborated in the 2014 movie “The Expendables 3”. This film is an adaptation of Jay Bonansinga’s 1997 novel of the same name. The plot revolves around a seasoned assassin (Bautista), who, upon learning that his terminal diagnosis was a mistake, sets out to evade the hit he placed on himself. Alongside Crews, the movie features Sofia Boutella and Ben Kingsley, two actors whom Crews has admired for some time.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Terry Crews expresses his excitement about working alongside these talented individuals on a film like this. He notes that not many films like this are being produced nowadays, and he feels incredibly privileged to be part of the select few movies currently playing in cinemas.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be back on cable television when “Everybody Still Hates Chris,” the animated sequel to the beloved live-action UPN/CW series “Everybody Hates Chris,” debuts on Comedy Central on Wednesday. Reminiscent of old times, this project is another opportunity for me to collaborate once more, as I now lend my voice to the character of Chris’ diligent father, Julius Rock, a role I played onscreen in the sitcom from 2005-2009, along with many of the original cast members.

Below, Crews discusses with THR his readiness to embody an action hero in “The Killer’s Game”, the excitement of rejuvenating the character of Julius in “Everybody Still Hates Chris”, and his aspirations regarding his acting career’s enduring impact.

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What led to your involvement as Lovedahl in The Killer’s Game, and could you share some insights about your character in this series?

For many years, Dave and I have been acquainted, dating back to when UPN was still around and he was grappling on that channel while I starred in “Everybody Hates Chris.” If I hadn’t chosen acting as a career, there might have been a possibility that I would have found myself in the wrestling arena too. As a result, we formed a friendship – if you remember, it was an era when both of us still had hair – and we always admired each other reciprocally. Whenever our paths crossed around town, we’d exchange words like “we should collaborate,” and Dave would always reply with, “but it has to be truly epic,” to which I’d respond, “you can count on me.

In simpler terms,

Have you always maintained an excellent physical condition, given that you’ve been under public scrutiny? Was there any specific training needed for the part you played?

As a dedicated fan, I wholeheartedly resonate with the wisdom encapsulated in the phrase, “Stay prepared so you don’t have to scramble.” Opportunities, be it in TV, film, or hosting, often knock when least expected, and being ready is key. For instance, when Dave approached me about his project, I was ready, able to grab the opportunity without delay. If I had been caught off guard, perhaps saying, “Give me a moment, let me get myself together,” it might have slipped away. Preparedness isn’t just physical readiness; it’s also mental and emotional preparedness. It means preserving energy for my aspirations, for the roles I long to play, like becoming an action star and a movie icon. Believing in oneself and being ready when the moment arrives, that’s the secret.

Could you tell me about the initial conversation regarding the possibility of reviving Everybody Hates Chris as an animated show, and how did you initially feel about it?

Initially, Tichina [Arnold] and I had read in an article on Deadline that Chris might consider reviving the show. Curious, I asked her if anyone had contacted her, to which she replied, “No, did they contact you?” I responded, “No, we can’t let this opportunity slip by without us.” We waited for quite some time, unsure whether it would materialize or not, and eventually, as the pandemic hit, things started moving forward. They found a showrunner in Sanjay Shah who was exceptional. Since everyone couldn’t gather physically due to the pandemic, we met on Zoom. It was an emotional reunion with Chris Rock, Tichina Arnold, Ernest Lee Thomas, Jackée Harry, Jacqueline Mazarella, and other cast members from Everybody Hates Chris. It was truly heartwarming.

Afterward, we introduced some fresh faces: Tim Johnson Jr., taking on the role of Chris, along with Drew (Terrence Little Gardenhigh) and Tonya (Ozioma Akagha). These newcomers truly left an impression on me. Since our show is two decades old, they grew up watching it, and their enthusiasm was contagious. It made us realize the significant impact we had made. It felt surreal, like a dream come true because we weren’t done telling the story. We had four more years planned, and there was so much more we wanted to express and achieve. Unfortunately, our show got canceled, leaving us feeling that it was all over. But then, this opportunity presented itself – a second life for my character – and I feel incredibly fortunate, almost as if I’m the luckiest man in Hollywood.

As a gamer, I’m curious about the vibe of the latest game installment. Does it continue from where we last left off, or is it taking us on an entirely fresh journey?

Well, many folks may call it a fresh start, but it’s not. It’s essentially a follow-up, a continuation of the storyline. We dive right back in at the exact point where the previous episode ended and move on to the next moment. That’s one of the aspects that I adore about this series, and the atmosphere is simply outstanding. The aspect that made the original show so popular, our live performances, was the inclusion of surreal elements. There were these unexpected cuts and truly outrageous things we could incorporate. And now in animation, there are no limits to how far we can push for a joke. It’s hysterical! Reading through the scripts would leave us in stitches. Now, we have two generations who can appreciate this show – those who grew up with it initially and the new audience. I strongly suggest everyone revisit the first four seasons before diving into the revamped “Everybody Still Hates Chris”.

Did the revamped cartoon version of Good Times fail to impress viewers? Should fans of Everybody Hates Chris anticipate any specific issues with the upcoming show?

As a gamer diving back into the world of “Good Times”, I can confidently say it wasn’t quite the same experience. Whether folks loved or loathed it, it felt like a fresh start, a reboot. But for us, we’re bringing the original magic back! The sets are identical, the characters – well, Tyler James Williams can’t join us because he’s grown up, but the vibe is still undeniably the same. It’s mind-blowing to walk onto set and see faces I haven’t seen in two decades. This show? It’s ours. When you listen to the voices, close your eyes, and let the nostalgia wash over you, you’ll know – we’re home.

You’ve been the main cast member in three TV shows that have each reached over 100 episodes, including “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Are we there yet?” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” Do you believe it’s possible to achieve a similar milestone in today’s entertainment industry?

I’m not involved, but I’m deeply passionate about the topic. After spending a significant amount of time in front of the camera, it feels analogous to being in a band. You know, just like bands, will we ever truly be able to tour again? It’s an unusual situation. I’m not suggesting it’s superior or inferior, but it’s distinct. Currently, sitcoms are limited to 10 episodes per season and often only last for two seasons before being canceled. For instance, Brooklyn Nine-Nine ran for eight years, with 22 episodes per year, which is a substantial number that almost reached 200. This extended period allowed me to hone my acting skills and boost my confidence, as continuous practice in what you love is key to improvement. I can’t help but feel empathy for actors who only get 10 episodes and then are off the air because they don’t have enough time to fully develop their characters. I believe they yearn for more, which stirs a sense of compassion within me.

Previously, we completed four seasons of Everybody Hates Chris, but there was more we wanted to share. Telling a complete story in just a few episodes felt challenging. That’s why I find it difficult to return to sitcoms again. However, with the new series titled Everybody Still Hates Chris, we have 20 episodes ready! This allows us to continue our previous work, and I’m grateful for the animation format. While I understand the financial constraints, I’m appreciative that we can still produce what we love and are able to do so. Collaborating with Tichina and Chris is a dream come true, and I believe everyone will be delighted to see us back together. I think viewers will find it very rewarding.

Celebrating your 25-year milestone as an actor in Hollywood, one might reflect on the mark you’ve made and envision what you aspire for your lasting impact to be. What, in your opinion, has been your enduring contribution, and what do you hope to ultimately leave behind?

I would love my legacy to be that he gave everything he had to every role he got because you can never accuse Terry Crews of mailing it in. Love him or hate him, this dude gave everything he got, from Old Spice to AGT, you can’t accuse me of being boring. You may not like it, but you ain’t bored by it, I’ll tell you that. I love giving my all and serving people. I feel as an actor it’s a privilege and honor to serve people and make people happy, make people feel emotions, and when you’re being a bad guy, make people scared. When you’re being dramatic, make people sad. That’s a beautiful power, to make people feel and process emotion. That’s my job, and I love, love, love this job. I want my legacy to be that he did it with all his heart.

Everybody Still Hates Chris premieres on Comedy Central on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 10 p.m.

2024-09-25 00:55

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