Nicki Micheaux, RJ Cyler, and Freddie Gibbs spoke about the intensity and creative ambition behind Night Patrol.
During our conversation that took place last month, they all described the film as a bold and unconventional production that challenged them both physically and emotionally while offering audiences something unexpected.
Micheaux said the concept of making a vampire film set in the hood, with police officers woven into the story, immediately stood out to her as both daring and exciting. She described the project as provocative and said she is drawn to art that confronts audiences and pushes boundaries. Micheaux noted that Night Patrol marks her third collaboration with director Ryan Coogler, a creative partnership that began with his student thesis film. She said Coogler’s work has consistently been unflinching and in your face, from earlier projects centered on organ trafficking to later films that explored gritty, heightened worlds. For Micheaux, Night Patrol continued that tradition, requiring her to balance grounded, authentic performances with the fantastical elements of the genre. She added that this combination makes the film a thrilling experience for both actors and viewers, offering a wild but emotionally honest ride.
Cyler said the action driven nature of the film made being on set especially fun. He explained that the physical demands, including wire work, explosions, and blood soaked scenes, tapped into his sense of play and brought extra energy to his performance. While stunt doubles were part of the production, Cyler said Coogler trusted the cast to perform much of the action themselves in order to keep the performances feeling natural and uninterrupted. He pointed to moments like his character wearing a bomb vest as scenes that forced him to tap into a more intense mindset. Cyler added that the practical effects and the energy of his co stars, including Micheaux, helped fully immerse the cast in the world of the film and fueled their imagination throughout the shoot.
Gibbs described Night Patrol as one of the most action packed projects he has worked on, noting the constant movement and physicality required on set. He said working alongside performers like CM Punk added another layer of challenge, pushing him to stay sharp throughout the production. Gibbs said the film’s heavy use of blood, gore, and horror elements was a major draw for him creatively, calling the experience something he had long wanted to explore as an actor. He added that the role was a meaningful opportunity to expand his range, especially as he continues to build momentum following his recent appearance on Power Book IV: Force.
