In an exclusive interview, Flickering Myth chatted with M.J George about being Will Smith’s body double and appearing in the Amazon Prime TV show Them…
M.J. welcome to Flickering Myth. Working with Will Smith on Men in Black II must have been awesome. How did that come about?
Yeah so, I was discovered at a mall by a casting director from Central Casting. She asked me if I would be interested in possibly being a body double for Will Smith, who was shooting MIB II at the time. I got her info, called her that Monday, went to SONY Studios, the director chose me out of five men. I worked for one week, got my SAG vouchers, even though I didn’t know how important they were in order to join the union at the time, and when I got my check, and saw how much it was for, basically having fun on set all week, I was hooked after that.
What makes you unique?
My facial features, I am told that I have a really recognizable face. Also, my height and size. Something else that makes me stand out is my work ethic. I show up to set prepared, on time, professional, grateful, and easy to work with. In this industry, having those traits is a rare commodity.
How would you describe the projects that you typically prefer?
I would prefer projects such as TV shows that shoot in Los Angeles. I have a family, two young boys that need me around, and who are expensive. I prefer TV shows because that is constant work and you get to take a break on hiatus season, and then its right back to work. I want to work on all kinds of projects to challenge my craft and show my range.
Tell us about Them on Amazon Prime.
Amazon Prime’s “Them” is about a black family who moves to a predominately white Compton, in California in the 1950’s. That was a history lesson for me, because I would never have guessed that Compton was once predominately white. Anyways, a family moves to Compton, and they not only have to fight off their racist neighbors, but the evil supernatural forces that are also in their home. I played Delroy.
Were there any filming challenges?
No filming challenges at all, everything was smooth, the cast and production were the best. I liked working on the project, and its producer Little Marvin. Brilliant man.
What makes a good filming environment for you?
The people make a good filming environment. Samuel L. Jackson said it best in an interview once, “Show up to work, be grateful, and leave the attitude at home. Why show up to set making everyone miserable dealing with your bad attitude. You shouldn’t even have a bad attitude because you are doing a job, that thousands of people want, but only you were chosen. Always be grateful for that.” Catering also makes a good filming environment. If the catering is good, everyone on set is happy and fed. But when the food is bad or nasty, everyone is upset. Lmao!!
What would be your dream role?
I really want to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I would love to be a superhero or super villain on a Marvel project. Yep!
Finally, how can people find and follow your journey?
People can follow me on IMDb, Instagram, and via my website: Website
Our thanks to M.J George for taking the time for this interview, we look forward to seeing you in a new Marvel movie!