According to Hollywood standards, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is more like a late bloomer. Just five years ago, this American who was born in New Orleans and grew up in California stood professionally in front of the camera for the first time. Before changing his direction and choosing a second degree in acting, he first studied architecture and worked as an urban planner. His career began with a role in the “The Getdown” series, and since then, he has quickly become one of DreamWorks’ most popular meteors.After serving in supporting roles in films such as “Beach Ambulance”, “The Greatest Performer”, “We” and “Aquaman”, he was impressive (and has Inspiring) performance made the final breakthrough, which made him the last year Emmy Awards Bring in. Now you can see the 35-year-old man as the first protagonist in the horror film “Candy Man” (released in theaters from August 26). We contacted him via video call in London and he was in a good mood. He is currently standing in front of the camera watching the sequel to “Aquaman”.
Mr. Abdul-Mateen, your new film “Candy Man” should have been released last year. Let us look back at 2020. Then the coronavirus pandemic broke out, and the voice of the “Black People’s Fate” movement was louder than ever. You won your first Emmy Award with the “Watchmen” series and filmed a new “Hacker” in Berlin. Empire” movie. How do you look back at this very eventful time?
Phew, what is the problem. Let’s put it this way: The past year has been a year of growth, change, and turbulence, both for me and others. We are basically forced to question and evaluate our lives in new ways. This is why it is so exciting to see what people are still willing and unwilling to do. Some people no longer want to work like they used to, or at least no longer want to work under the same conditions, such as no longer working in an open office. Artists rejected jobs they might have done in the past, or turned their careers in new directions that might be more meaningful. A lot of changes have taken place there, and I find it very exciting. We all stand up for ourselves and for things that are more important to us than before. Our art, our mental health, our physical health.
Is it possible for you to enjoy the sudden success?
Of course, under last year’s conditions, this is as much as possible. For example, when I won the Emmy Award, I was sitting in my furnished apartment in Berlin in the middle of the night in front of a zoom camera and TV. In other years in Los Angeles, this must be related to a completely different high mood. But as I said: I don’t think this is wrong. Everything that was taken for granted in the past can be viewed from a new perspective.
