Actor and comedian Jermaine Fowler chatted about starring in the thriller “Night Patrol,” which is distributed by RLJE Films and Shudder.
Fowler stars alongside Justin Long, RJ Cyler, Freddie Gibbs, CM Punk, YG, Flying Lotus, Dermot Mulroney, Jon Oswald, and Nicki Micheaux.
It was directed by Ryan Prows (who co-wrote the screenplay). It will be in theaters on Friday, January 16, 2026.
The synopsis is: An LAPD officer must put aside his differences with the area’s street gangs when he discovers a local police task force is harboring a horrific secret that endangers the residents of the housing projects he grew up in.
‘Night Patrol’ experience
On his experience in the film, Fowler remarked, “It was a lot. I would say that it was mostly amazing. It was also heavy. It was a lot that I had to process and I’m still processing it.”
“Once I see it in the theater, I’ll finally be compressed from it,” he noted. “Ultimately, I had a great time.”
Playing Xavier Carr
Fowler was drawn to his character, Xavier Carr, for several reasons. “I enjoyed the love he had for his brother; that’s what i love most about the character,” he admitted. “I would also say that there’s a level of delusion that a lot of people have who are trying to be promoted… to rise up the ranks of a particular job.”
“I think I had to tap into that a bit for the character,” he admitted. “He is definitely an opportunist. I had to balance a little bit of that desire and a bit of naivety. It was definitely a tightrope walk, to be honest.”
Lessons learned from the screenplay
On the lessons learned from the screenplay, he reflected, “It taught me that I love my brothers, my siblings and my sisters. It taught me those things mainly, and how much I love where I come from.”
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, now with streaming and social media being so prevalent, Fowler said, “I love the fact that we are in theaters. As much as I love streamers, there’s nothing like being in a movie theater.”
“There is nothing like that smell of stale popcorn butter and the liveliness of an audience,” he observed.
“You are sharing experience with strangers, who you would probably never meet in your life if it wasn’t for this movie. I love that about the movie theater. So, I’m very grateful for that,” he expressed.
Advice for young and aspiring creatives
For young and emerging creatives, he said, “My advice would be to keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid. Stay curious. Read everything. Write as much as you can.”
“Even if you’re afraid of writing, if you feel like you can’t write, write as much as you can,” he noted.
“If you’re tired of writing, just keep writing. If you’re tired of acting, if you feel like you can’t act, find a way to act, whether it’s just getting your own camera and putting things online, just continue to act,” he elaborated.
“Also,d surround yourself around hungry people that push you,” he said. “I would say those things are important in the beginning.”
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, he revealed, “Curiosity.” “That’s the new title of this chapter,” he said.
Superpower of choice
If he were to have any superpower, Fowler noted that it would be “to fly at the speed of light.”
Success
On his definition of the word success, Fowler said, “Success means the happiness of my friends and family.”
Message for his fans
For his fans, Fowler expressed, “”Thank you. I want to tell my fans, thank you very much for your support. I’m sorry I’m not on social media, but I hope to catch you in the movie theater for ‘Night Patrol’ one of these days. You can ask for a selfie. I love you guys. Thank you.”
