Why Kerry Washington says Olivia Pope helped her play an assassin in ‘Shadow Force’
Washington and Sy’s fight sequences, along with their witty banter, keeps viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats. Washington says working on the film was both “thrilling and so exciting,” and she thanks those who helped make those moments memorable.
“I’m so grateful to our director, Joe Carnahan, because he’s such an action movie expert and auteur. I felt safe in his hands and with our incredible stunt team,” she says.
Along with the director and stunt team, another person who was pivotal in bringing “Shadow Force” to life was Leon Chills, who co-wrote the film’s script with Carnahan.
In an interview with TODAY.com, Chills, whose credits include producing “The Black Godfather,” explains how he came up with the idea of “Shadow Force.”
“My experience growing up was just having a mom who was working, so I think that’s what came out in the character Kyrah,” he tell TODAY.com while noting that some of his parents’ dynamic was also reflected in his story. “She was definitely the biggest inspiration for her.”
When Chills wrote the script, he handed it to Carnahan, who added characters Auntie Clanter (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) and Marcus “Unc” Owens (Method Man). As for the lead, they both knew that Washington was perfect for Kyrah.
“She was definitely the first choice,” he says.
“We wanted to have a trailer where, when you saw it, you were like, ‘Huh? I don’t normally see this person do this type of thing,’ and we haven’t got a chance to see Kerry do action in this way,” Chills explains. “And so in addition to her being a phenomenal actress, it was also an opportunity for her to do something new, which we thought people would be interested in.”
Washington was also quick to sign onto the project, especially after the proud mom of three read the heartfelt script.
“I thought it was so perfect, because it is a big, flashy action adventure, but at its heart, it’s about family,” she says. “We’re telling a story about love and about sacrifice and about parents, who love each other and their child enough to really do whatever it takes to protect each other.”
Chills agrees, and notes that at the center of “Shadow Force” is heart.
“The overarching message of the film is that love can conquer all,” he says. “It is through that mutual love that Kyrah and Isaac share for their son that makes them able to overcome all of the bullets and bombs that come their way. It shows that you can achieve anything through togetherness.”
“Shadow Force” is now out in theaters nationwide.
