‘Unstoppable’ Star Jharrel Jerome Trained for 14 Hours a Day to Play a Wrestling Champ: ‘It Was the Most Physically Challenging Thing I’ve Ever Done’

by

As a seasoned cinephile who’s seen his fair share of biopics and dramas, I must say that “Unstoppable” stands out as one of the most captivating films I’ve witnessed recently. Jharrel Jerome‘s transformative performance as Anthony Robles is nothing short of remarkable, a testament to his dedication, versatility, and physical prowess.

Initially, Jharrel Jerome met Anthony Robles, his character in the movie “Unstoppable,” not over a meal in a restaurant or coffee shop, but rather in a gym. Instead of the usual small talk, they bonded through a 45-minute workout session that included pushups, chest presses, and challenging cardio exercises.

Jerome isn’t a man who lacks strength, but he’s also not someone you’d typically find pumping iron at the gym,” he admits. “Watching Anthony excel in his domain made me understand just how much effort I’d need to put in if I wanted to achieve this goal.

As a devoted admirer, let me share an extraordinary account of Robles’ wrestling prowess. Not only did he rule the mat by outsmarting opponents with his lightning-fast intuition and swift snake-like techniques, but what truly set him apart was overcoming adversity born from being born with only one leg. This unique challenge gave his wrestling style an unorthodox edge, as he’d often drop to a knee before leaping forward to throw off his opponents’ balance. Intrigued, I invested countless hours trying to grasp and emulate his innovative approach.

Jerome explains that his experience was quite unlike the usual interaction with a real person, which often involves watching YouTube videos and arranging a Zoom call for some questions. Instead, this was an intense 14-hour daily coaching session, where he repeatedly practiced the same moves. His coach taught him to use his fists, arms, and various parts of his body in new ways. Jerome describes it as the most physically demanding task he has ever encountered.

Robles not only taught Jerome, but also stood in for him physically. This allowed Jerome to closely watch the star athlete perform.

According to Jerome, Anthony is incredibly kind and often wears a broad grin, yet he hides another facet of himself inside the boxing ring – transforming into a ruthless competitor.

In my account, I recount the extraordinary athletic achievements of Robles – who defied odds and clinched the NCAA wrestling title, starting as a walk-on at Arizona State. What adds an extra layer of amazement is his tumultuous upbringing that made his victories all the more remarkable. His mother, Judy (played by Jennifer Lopez), gave birth to him when she was young herself. She endured an abusive stepfather while battling against losing their home to foreclosure. “We felt a strong obligation to portray things accurately,” I mention.

Lopez expressed his unwavering resolve. Jerome, a longtime admirer of the pop icon who gained fame while growing up in the Bronx as a Dominican, found himself deeply impressed by her acting skills after watching “Unstoppable”.

He notes that when she acted, she silenced her world-renowned performer side and immersed herself in the character. The first time I encountered her, she had numerous queries regarding our connection and presented a well-marked script. Indeed, she proved to be an excellent collaborator on set.

For the 27-year-old actor, who earned an Emmy for his powerful performance in “When They See Us,” “Unstoppable” represents a significant milestone. It was his inaugural movie role without auditioning and his debut as a leading character in a big-studio production. However, after securing the part in 2019, there were instances when he worried that “Unstoppable” might not reach the screens. Initially, COVID caused production delays, and later, the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes halted filming again. As he reflects, “This has been a five-year journey. It often felt like it wouldn’t come to fruition.

Jerome hasn’t made a final decision about his next project following “Unstoppable,” but he’s optimistic that it will draw attention from more casting directors. Even though filming ended several months ago and he’s currently busy with promotional activities ahead of the December 6 theatrical release of his Amazon MGM film, Jerome isn’t planning to retire from acting just yet.

Recently, he shared that he spent numerous hours researching various wrestling programs in his area. He’s developed an affinity for this sport, yet he acknowledges that despite rigorous training, he isn’t quite prepared to engage in a genuine competition. In the context of filmmaking, victories are scripted, ensuring you come out on top every time.

Read More

2024-12-06 17:46