Things are heating up in Miami Beach as ABFF makes a return for their 27th annual film festival! With They Cloned Tyrone being the opening night film, movie goers got to see actor John Boyega, who played Fontaine in the film, get into character by serving three separate red carpet looks.
With his final red carpet appearance, The Knockturnal had the opportunity to speak with him about his role and rise to success.
“It’s a celebration of blaxploitation films! This movie was fun to make and made us connect so well,” He shared. “I play the role of Fontaine, and he’s going through an early life crisis after finding out he’s a clone. [This movie] shows the process of that investigation.” he further explained. As Boyega continues his rise to fame, we can’t help but to notice how authentic he remains while navigating the industry as a British actor.
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – JUNE 14: John Boyega attends as They Cloned Tyrone opens The American Black Film Festival at New World Center on June 14, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Netflix)
“It first starts with the ability to be comfortable being yourself. There are a couple of obstacles you have to
go through; your personality may not make everybody happy. Once you’re confident in yourself, whatever
that process is, you can step into those spaces and don’t care about what anyone says.”
Teyonah Parris, who plays yo-yo in the film, also stopped by to give us more insight into her character. “We shall say
[yoyo] is a…. pro at what she does. She’s ambitious, intelligent, and doesn’t take no for an answer.” She goes on to say that Director Juel Taylor gave them the space to make their own creative choice which allowed the cast to play around with the boundaries in cinema.
With this being his first directorial debut, Juel Taylor praises ABFF for the support and positivity they constantly show him.
“It’s amazing, and I love the energy; you know how it is when black folks get together. I’m blessed!” He
continued emphasizing how collaborating with the cast has been an excellent experience. “They all bring so
much more to the characters than I ever imagined. I’m constantly surprised by the choices they
make.”
Although Jamiee Foxx wasn’t able to attend the carpet, his co-stars made sure to give him his flowers while he is still making a recovery.
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – JUNE 14: John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, and Juel Taylor attend as They Cloned Tyrone opens The American Black Film Festival at New World Center on June 14, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Netflix)
Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone will be premiering on July 21, 2023.
