Currently airing on Hulu is their latest drama series Wu-Tang: An American Saga, which centers on creation of hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan.
Inspired by the books The Wu-Tang Manual and its sequel Tao of Wu, both written by the group’s frontman RZA, the series will be set at the height of the crack epidemic in ’90s-era New York and follow the group’s formation from a group of young black men who grow out of a life of crime into one of the most successful musical groups in American history, having sold 40 million albums worldwide and releasing five gold and platinum albums.
The series stars Shameik Moore, Ashton Sanders, Erika Alexander, Julian Elijah Martinez, Siddiq Sanderson, Marcus Callender, Zolee Griggs, Vinnie Pastore, Dave East, Joey Bada$$, Johnell Young & TJ Atoms.
Co-created by RZA and Alex Tse (Superfly), the series will be executive produced by Brian Grazer at Imagine Entertainment.
The clan consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, Cappadonna and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, who died in 2004 due to a drug overdose.
Blackfilm.com recently caught up with Young, who plays Gary, Bobby’s older cousin who introduced him to hip hop and is also an aspiring MC—which he will someday achieve and be known as the GZA.
Young was last seen as a lead in the second season of Irv Gotti’s Tales anthology series on BET, as well as in the film SWA-Tech by Rome Williams on iTunes.
How did you get the role?
Johnell Young: I got the role through social media. I has seen a post up on social media that they were looking for actors to play these rappers and the rappers happen to be from my hometown city of Staten Island, New York. That sparked my interest immediately and I sent out emails to the casting director, letting her know who I am why am I interested in auditioning. Then right after that I did like a social media video playing the character that I’m playing right now GZA. I did a social media video of him and one of his songs and I ended up getting a call to come out to LA and audition in person for the casting director Kim Coleman.
I came out here to LA. I took the last minute flight and once I got out here, I rented a room. I killed it, Then I left. I just had a feeling and I really really got the role so I packed my stuff and drove to New York. So I go to New York. Then when I got to New York, I got a call I go they wanted to see me again and come to the set but when I got to the set, I know I was meeting RZA. He spoke to me. He said a few words and announced to the people there that he wanted me to play his cousin Gary aka GZA.
How much of a fan were you of the Wu Tang clan? Did you know all their music or did you pick up the music when you heard about the series?
Johnell Young: I knew all their music. Being from Staten Island, that’s what we listened and looked to for courage. Their were the only role models to look up to from the neighborhood. I would listen to their music to get my day started.
Did you meet Gary so you can get a better sense how to play the character?
Johnell Young: Yes. I met GZA at a concert in Coney Island. I picked up his nuances and cadences. His mannerisms and how he talks, especially the way he raps. The GZA fans will appreciate it because it’s very detailed.
As we see from the series it takes a while before all of these guys get together and get along. This series has a big cast. How did you guys get along?
Johnell Young: Everybody got along. We all meshed well each other. It was a cool, comfortable and energetic set.
Why do you think we need a Wu Tang series?
Johnell Young: Because it shows not only the glitz and glam of becoming a hip hop artist and going on tour and making good music, but it shows another side of brotherhood. Of course we could be good individually but if we just come together as one we could be even more powerful. I feel if we initiate some of components in the world today, who knows where the world would be at.
How has the show helped you grow as an actor?
Johnell Young: It helped grow because of the long nights and early mornings. In episode 8, we shot this thing called a one shotter. It felt like a really intensive class. It really helped me develop more tools that I can add to my instrument and my artistry and when I’m working on other films. This is the biggest role I’ve had so far and so I try to stay locked in during the whole time. Every time I’m on set, I’m in my trailer learning my lines.
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