{"id":139741,"date":"2019-11-21T07:30:31","date_gmt":"2019-11-21T12:30:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/?p=139741"},"modified":"2019-11-21T06:51:56","modified_gmt":"2019-11-21T11:51:56","slug":"exclusive-omar-epps-talks-sci-fi-thriller-3022-this-is-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/exclusive-omar-epps-talks-sci-fi-thriller-3022-this-is-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Exclusive: Omar Epps Talks Sci-Fi Thriller ‘3022’ & ‘This Is Us’"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Coming out this week from Saban Films is the sci-fi thriller ‘3022,’<\/strong> directed by John Suits<\/strong> (The Scribbler, Pandemic) and starring Omar Epps, with Kate Walsh, Miranda Cosgrove, Jorja Fox, Angus Macfadyen<\/strong>, and Audrey Looye<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The film is about a crew of four astronauts stuck on a dying space station after Earth experiences a cataclysmic event. They watch this happen, then spend the rest of the time trying to figure out what to do and how to survive.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Omar Epps and Kate Walsh star as two members of a group of astronauts who are on board the space station Pangea. For five years, the group has been stationed between Earth and Europa One, a moon of Jupiter that\u2019s also the site of humanity\u2019s first off-world colony. Now, after so long in outer space, the group has been called to return home due to the mental toll the mission has taken on their respective psyches. But before their ship can reach Earth, they literally watch as their home planet is blown to smithereens. Without knowing why the Earth was destroyed, the astronauts must grapple with trying to answer that question while also figuring out their next move and prevent their minds from breaking down further. With no planet to return to, they are now the last vestiges of humanity, so how long will it take before they all go completely insane and start murdering each other?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

For Epps, who is best known for his roles in Juice, Higher Learning, The Wood, In Too Deep and Love and Basketball as well as the TV show ER, House, and Shooter, it’s a chance to see him again in a lead role. His last film was opposite Paula Patton in Deon Taylor’s Traffik. Epps is also recurring on NBC’s acclaimed series This Is Us as Darnell, Malik\u2019s father.<\/p>\n

Blackfilm.com spoke with Epps recently regarding his roles in 3022 and This Is Us.<\/p>\n

What was the attraction for you to do this movie?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Omar Epps:<\/strong>\u00a0Everything always starts with the script and I thought the story was fascinating and it was a unique take on ‘What if?’ I thought that the character work was great and so I wanted to come aboard.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

How would you best describe your character?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Omar Epps:<\/strong> My character is name John and he and his crew are\u00a0going about their business and then they look back in the rearview and something cataclysmic has happened to Earth. So the film is about. Are they alone now? Why are we here? How did we get here?<\/p>\n

How are you and John similar?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Omar Epps:<\/strong> I think we both try to keep things in order. When things starts to go awry, John is the one that tries to keep it all together. I think that’s parallel to me, in terms of me being a father, a husband and all those things. I try to keep things moving smoothly.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

There’s been a number of these sci-fi films where there is team of less than 10 in space and something happens. Then it’s a psychological warfare, not only amongst themselves, but with the crew. What makes this film stand out?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Omar Epps:<\/strong>\u00a0That’s a good question. I think what makes us stand out\u00a0story wise is\u00a0the domino effect those of what the characters experienced and then performance wise, because I’ve already seen a cut of the film, the\u00a0performances are incredible. You feel the journey of these characters.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

How was working along with the cast?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Omar Epps:<\/strong> It was\u00a0great working with everyone. The cast was wonderful. Everyone brought in their A game. It’s a film where one definitely invests into the emotional journey of the characters. Not to give any spoilers but it ends with a moment of redemption.<\/p>\n

What’s been your history with sci fi genre films? Are you a fan of it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Omar Epps:\u00a0<\/strong>I’m a fan of sci fi genre like anybody else. I’m not super fan. I don’t know every sci-fi movie but it’s a unique genre with a rabid fanbase so hopefully they will like this film.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

You’re also on TV on This Is Us. Were your a fan of the show before before you landed the role of Darnell?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Omar Epps:<\/strong> Yes. I could you not be a fan. It’s such a big show and extremely well written. I’m definitely fortunate to have the opportunity to dance with those guys on screen.<\/p>\n

Darnell seems to parallel Jack and Rebecca considering the fact that both of those characters have been married 22 years. How would you write the storyline if it were your hands?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Omar Epps:<\/strong> I don’t know much. Dan Fogelman says to not say anything. When we show up and get the script, it is what it is. They just want to keep things under wraps in terms of the storyline, but\u00a0I’m interested to see where they were they’re taking the arc of the character. The way it is set up, they are plenty of places for him to go.<\/p>\n

You’ve been working over 20 years. What’s the secret to staying in?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Omar Epps:<\/strong> It’s no secret. It’s being resilient. It’s a tough game and a tough industry. You have to be resilient. Hopefully your work will speak for itself. You have to stay after it. It’s an interesting time. There are all these new outlets and new ways for the audience to take in content. It’s good times for sure because there is a lot to do and content is still king and always will be. This is what I do.<\/p>\n