What is next for Michael Jai White? interview 2024
The multi-talented star is an actor, martial artist, director, writer, and producer with plenty of new projects on the horizon.
This year looks especially promising for White, who currently stars in BET's Kingdom Business as well as directing, writing, and starring in The Outlaw Johnny Black set to release in theatres later this year. White will also launch a fitness app for fans and fitness enthusiasts alike, a project he is proud to share. This should not be a surprise coming from the star whose martial arts background has taught him the advantages of adaptability, focus, and discipline, and is something that has come in handy in his career.
SWAGGER sat down with Michael Jai White to talk about his upcoming projects, the gift of martial arts, and look back at some of his legendary roles.
You currently star in BET’s Kingdom Business. What can you tell us about your character and the show?
I play a character named Caesar who is a gospel music producer. Working on Kingdom Business has been one of the greatest acting moments I've had in my career because I finally get a chance to play a character close to who I actually am. When I read the script I was blown away and am very proud to be a part of this cast alongside some of the gospel greats such as the queen Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin.
Your breakout role was playing Mike Tyson in 1995. Tell me about your experience getting started in the industry. Was being an actor always the goal for you?
No, I actually didn't realize it. Acting, directing and writing was always in my DNA but growing up I thought I had to do something more left-brained. I went to college and became a school teacher for a few years; but all the while, I was fitting in acting classes because I enjoyed it. Ever since I was 10 years old I’ve always been writing and creating. I naturally followed my passions and that is really what led me to where I am today.
You are a professional Martial Artist. Has martial arts helped you with your acting career at all?
Martial arts helps me in all elements of my life, even as a husband and a father. It's all about assigning discipline and is an internal notion that makes your intention and will strong. That's the component I always wish people could understand and embrace about martial arts.
To not be distracted by the prowess and physicality, but about its fortitude and discipline which is the nucleus of any success in life. Everything that I've accomplished I can attribute a lot of that to my focus and mental discipline that I developed through martial arts.
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When you first started acting, was it important for you to separate the martial arts roles from regular acting roles?
Absolutely, I felt like for my longevity as an actor that it was important. Being that I was a legitimate actor, and was on stage in New York, I didn't want to be pigeonholed in or be labeled the martial arts or action guy. I mean, because you know, you've been categorized into a very select group of people who just do that and people think that's all they're about.
Tell us about your experience making Spawn and how it was different from other movies that you would do later on. What was the costume and hair and makeup process like?
Here again is something that martial arts helped me through because I was quite claustrophobic up until this time. Then, filming Spawn, I was breaking a record for consecutive days in prosthetics and costume. I went from somebody who couldn't even wear a regular mask, to having my whole body encased in rubber.
That is about mental discipline, knowing you can get through it and putting your mind somewhere else which was an accomplishment for me and something that I'm very proud of. It was a great experience.
Would you ever come back as Spawn if the opportunity was there?
Out of respect for the audience, I absolutely would. I would not be where I am in my career today without that audience, so yes I would definitely come back as Spawn.
You are in Chrisopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, which is arguably one of the biggest movies ever. What was your experience like filming and when you were cast, did you have any idea that it was going to become the blockbuster hit that it was?
No, I had no idea whatsoever. I knew Christopher Nolan was a genius and I expected this mad genius on set, but he's the most approachable and nicest person ever. It was an amazing experience and was one of the most fun, creative, relaxed sets that I've ever been on.
You had scenes with Heath Ledger, who played the Joker. What was your experience like working with Ledger?
You know, he was just like Chris Nolan. He was just so affable and we were trading magic tricks and doing all kinds of goofy stuff in between takes. He talked to everybody and was having fun which I think shows in his performance. Heath was one of the nicest guys because I realized one day he was in costume all day, but not on camera. He spent 4 hours in makeup to not even be on camera just for the benefit of his fellow actors.
Of course you are in incredible shape. How do you find the time to practice the craft of martial arts with your busy schedule?
Martial arts is a gift, a right and is not a chore. I would feel off balance if I didn't train or work out. There are so many reasons why you can't keep me out of the gym or keep me from working out. I remember back when I wanted to have this opportunity to be in top shape and now I'm getting paid for it. There's really no excuse and there’s an expectation to my fanbase that put me where I am.
I'm so blessed that the way I look at it is, now it's time to give back. Since I've had to do this for a lifestyle I want to share it with other people so they can enhance their physicality and health which is why I’m coming out with a fitness app.
What can fans and fitness enthusiasts expect from your upcoming fitness app launching this year?
I'm going to be breaking down a lot of things for martial arts purposes and it’s going to be really comprehensive, breaking down the basics, and why they work. It will be centered around educating people in martial arts and being effective if you had to use it. App users will be able to learn how to defend themselves, and get physically fit at the same time.
What is next for Michael Jai White?
Well, I'm up to bat and I'm doing my own thing. I have the release of my fitness app and a couple of films in the works called Dead Zone and As Good As Dead. I've also started my own studio and am producing films, which I am very excited about. We're coming out with a Western film called The Outlaw Johnny Black which I produced, wrote, directed and starred in. The film will be released in theatres this year and is a return to movie making that I used to love when I was young. It’s a Western movie that has morality involved with it but has action, comedy, drama and romance all in one.
via https://swaggermagazine.com/home/selfmade/Michael_Jai_White/