Exclusive: Stephan James Talks About Playing Jesse Owens In “Race”Posted by Wilson Morales
February 15, 2016
Coming out this week in theaters nationwide from Focus Features is the sports drama ‘Race,’ starring Selma’s Stephan James as the famed Olympian Jesse Owens in the biopic.
Directed by Stephen Hopkins from a screenplay written by Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse, the film also features Jason Sudeikis, Jeremy Irons, Carice van Houten, Shanice Banton, and William Hurt.
Based on the incredible true story of Jesse Owens, the legendary athletic superstar whose quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler’s vision of Aryan supremacy. “Race” is an enthralling film about courage, determination, tolerance, and friendship, and an inspiring drama about one man’s fight to become an Olympic legend.
For James, who was last seen in Ava DuVernay’s Oscar nominated MLK film ‘Selma,’ playing the role of civil rights activist John Lewis, this film represents a major in his career. The Canadian’s previous credits include roles in the Lifetime TV film ‘The Gabby Douglas Story’ and Sudz Sutherland’s ‘Home Again,’ where he received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
In speaking with Blackfilm.com, James talks about playing this iconic figure.
Interview
Clip – Meet Jesse Owens
Clip – Sportsmanship
