Skylan Brooks Talks Archenemy Movie (Interview)

Archenemy is starring Skylan Brooks (The Darkest Minds, The Get Down, Southpaw) and Zolee Griggs (“Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” Bride Wars). The film is about Max Fist (Manganiello) who claims to be a hero from another dimension who fell through time and space to Earth, where he has no powers. No one believes his stories except for a local teen named Hamster. Together, they take to the streets to wipe out the local drug syndicate and its vicious crime boss known as The Manager.

Archenemy is in theaters and currently available on VOD and Digital.

PVM Magazine had the opportunity to interview actor Skylan Brooks about his role in the new movie Archenemy.

What motivated you to pursue acting as a career?

Skylan: I started off at five years old. My mom put me in acting classes, kid’s pageants, modeling, and dancing just to keep me busy. Then, my dad got me into theater. I got my first agent around eight years old. Back then, I didn’t necessarily like or dislike acting; I just did it. Over time I realized that besides great pay and the rest of the perks, I could influence the world with my talents in a positive manner. Whenever a fan writes to tell you that your performance prevented them from committing suicide or influenced them to stay in school, you realize this is more than just an acting job.

What attracted you to the role in Archenemy?

Skylan: It was a different type of character in a sci-fi world. I never played one like Hamster before. It was not a typical superhero movie. Plus, I like the sci-fi world.

Out of all the roles you played in the past, which is your favorite?

Skylan: Ooh, man, that’s a tough one because I enjoyed all the characters I played so much. But if I had to choose, I’d say RaRa from Netflix’s “The Get Down.” The reason is that I got a chance to do everything I enjoy in one character. That’s acting, dancing, rapping, singing, and performing on stage all in one show.

What was the most challenging part about your role?

Skylan: Just making sure the character always came off genuine.

What do you love most about this character?

Skylan: Hamster is chill with a little edge. He’s passionate, considerate, and determined to set out to get what he wants–the story; but not at the expense of others if he can help it. Hamster is a true friend for the right reasons.

What do you think viewers will love about the movie?

Skylan: The colors, the story of trust and friendship that develops between Hamster and Max Fist. The way Indigo takes a risk. The villains in the story are funny too, just to name a few.

Who do you look up to?

Skylan: I can’t say right now that I look up to anyone in particular. But I am motivated by those who do good work and are dedicated to what they do, no matter who they are or what they do.

In what ways has the COVID pandemic affected your career? How did you overcome it?

Skylan: It definitely caused me to take an assessment of my present and future with all things considered. After possibly even having COVID myself while filming Archenemy in December of 2019 (I had pneumonia and had all of the classic symptoms before it became a pandemic) and at one point, I thought I wasn’t gonna make it. I was hurting so bad I didn’t think I could finish the movie. Production shot around my parts to get the movie made. But eventually, I still had to show up sick. I am happy with the performance from all the hard work. I’m also glad I was able to finish the movie. Even though I was very ill, I still had some fun filming it. It’s a great film. With that, I was reminded just how fragile life could be. Gratefulness helped me overcome. I realized that we need to live our lives to the fullest. We need to be good people and be grateful every day God gives us to create.

Archenemy trailer: