Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.
Reunion of Stars
The iconic phrase from “Friday Night Lights” rings true for Michael B. Jordan and Jesse Plemons. After the show wrapped in 2011, Jordan transitioned to feature films, starring in “Fruitvale Station” in 2013 under Ryan Coogler. The duo collaborated on two “Black Panther” films and three “Creed” movies, culminating in the upcoming “Sinners.” In this film, Jordan portrays twin brothers in a vampire-laden Jim Crow South, which has garnered both critical acclaim and box office success.
Plemons’ Evolving Career
Plemons has excelled in various television roles, notably in “Breaking Bad,” “Fargo,” and “Black Mirror,” alongside films such as “Game Night” and “The Power of the Dog.” In his latest project, he takes on a quirky character in “Bugonia,” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, where he kidnaps a Big Pharma CEO to thwart an alien takeover. This offbeat role suits Plemons, who has made a name for himself as a versatile indie actor.
Supportive Friends
While Jordan and Plemons haven’t collaborated much since their time on “Friday Night Lights,” they’ve consistently cheered for each other’s achievements. As they reconnect, they reminisce about their shared experiences, discuss creative influences, and express admiration for one another’s journeys.
Memories of the Past
Michael B. Jordan: It’s great to see you again after all these years.
Jesse Plemons: Our last real conversation might have been at an industry event.
Jordan: I recall our last genuine talk was in Austin, Texas.
Plemons: It’s amazing how many memories are coming back to me. We were young and didn’t realize it at the time.
Lessons from “Friday Night Lights”
Plemons: That show felt chaotic in the best way, pushing us to explore our creativity.
Jordan: Joining the established cast was nerve-wracking, but that dinner we had together eased my anxiety and taught me the importance of adaptation and improvisation in acting.
Character Exploration
Plemons: Playing Teddy in “Bugonia” brought its own challenges. How did you prepare for your dual role in “Sinners”?
Jordan: It was essential to differentiate between the twins. I focused on each brother’s unique childhood experiences to guide my portrayal, using tangible elements like wardrobe and music to enhance my performance.
Final Thoughts
Plemons: It’s inspiring to see how far we’ve both come since our early days. Congratulations on your journey!
Jordan: Thank you! We should definitely keep in touch.
This conversation was part of Variety and CNN’s Actors on Actors. Full video available on CNN’s streaming platform and Variety’s YouTube channel.
