Actor, filmmaker, and martial artist Michael Jai White spoke about his new western film “Outlaw Johnny Black.”
It was written and directed by Michael Jai White, who also stars in the titular role as Johnny Black. The movie will be released in theaters on September 15, 2023.
‘Outlaw Johnny Black’
On his inspiration to write it and direct it, he said, “It was a wonderful experience. I was inspired growing up on movies that had morality and family values to them such as movies by Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte.”
“I wanted to do a movie that had all of those textures but I wanted to do it for a younger audience and an audience of my age and older that remembers that time period,” he added.
The synopsis is: Hell bent on avenging the death of his father, Johnny Black (Michael Jai White) vows to gun down Brett Clayton (Chris Browning) and becomes a wanted man in the process.
Johnny goes into hiding, posing as a preacher in a small mining town that has been taken over by a notorious Land Baron. “This movie was a labor of love for me,” he admitted. “This is a film that has something to say about the human condition and how we are more alike than we are not similar. I felt really good about the timing.”
Aside from White and Chris Browning, the cast includes Anika Noni Rose, Erica Ash, Byron Minns, Kym Whitley, and Tony Baker.
White was drawn to playing Johnny Walker because he enjoys characters that have an arc to them. “It’s a movie about faith and it reminds us that we are all redeemable, especially if we follow who we are, authentically,” he said.
The digital age
On being an actor, filmmaker, and martial artist in the digital age, White responded, “I am a martial artist for life, and that follows me everywhere. The discipline of martial arts helps me in every capacity.”
“As a director and writer, I was doing those even before martial arts. When I was in fourth and fifth grade, I was putting on my own puppet shows and when I was 10 years old, I was shooting my own films, and editing them on film,” he explained.
Advice for young and aspiring filmmakers
For young and aspiring filmmakers, he said, “Go as far as you can alone. Don’t wait for somebody to say that you are on board. Do exactly what you want to do. If you get to a point where you need help, then go for help. Try to work with your peers and create win-win situations. Rise with your group.”
“One of my biggest defining moments was when I realized that I already won because I was following my dream,” he said. “Even if you don’t get recognized, a life following your dream is precious, that is its own reward.”
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, “The Servant.” “I am an entertainer, and I work in the capacity of enhancing lives and the people that I care for. I know what I am here to do,” he said.
‘The Island’
He noted that by doing the movie “The Island,” he got “to cheat a little” because he got to work opposite his wife, actress Gillian White, as his love interest. “That was kind of amazing,” he said.
“The Island” was directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino. “Shaun was great. I hope that we can get to work again soon,” he said.
White defined the word success as “happiness in life.”
For his fans, he said, “Thank you for putting me where I am, first of all. I am committed to serving my fans. I am so grateful to them.”
To learn more about Michael Jai White, follow him on Instagram, and check out his official website.
