Reviewed by: Grace Howard
Michael B. Jordan movie ‘Sinners’ to feature Samford student
Reading time: 3 minutes
Sinners, a blockbuster film starring Hollywood’s Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld, has had an outstanding run in movie theaters this past week.
Johnnie Jones Jr., a current Samford undergraduate theatre major, appeared in the film’s train station scene.
Read on to learn more about this film and how Johnnie found himself face-to-face with a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Who is Johnnie Jones Jr.?
If you told Johnnie last year that millions of people would soon see him on the big screen, he would say you’re crazy.
Now, Johnnie successfully landed the role of a background character in the hit movie Sinners, a horror film about vampires that has gained massive popularity. Johnnie, a current undergraduate at Samford University and theatre major, is still taken aback at his selection for the role.
“During my third semester at Samford, I read an article that stated Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan had a secret project that they were planning to film in Louisiana toward the summer.
I kept myself up to date on any news, and when the time came for filming to begin, I heavily researched who was casting background actors in what was then known to me as “Grilled Cheese”. I found the casting company, and I submitted myself a few times before ultimately being chosen to work on it.”
Johnnie Jones Jr.
Born and raised in Dixons Mills in Marengo, AL, Johnnie didn’t always know he had a passion for acting. He began school as a neurosurgeon major and eventually took a gap year to find out what he was truly passionate about.
“I initially came to Samford with the intentions of becoming a neurosurgeon. I had never done theatre, as my high school did not offer a theatre program.
I grew up performing, whether it was in churches or my grandparent’s great room, and being a Disney kid, I realized that I’d always dreamed of doing that on TV one day.”
Johnnie Jones Jr.
When he was offered the incredible opportunity to work alongside huge Hollywood names, he could tell this career was meant for him.
“I found Ryan Coogler myself and got to express my appreciation to him.
Towards the end of it, Mike interrupted our conversation to tell Ryan something as he ran to his vehicle. Thankfully, that wouldn’t be my last time on set with those guys. Surprisingly, a third shoot-date was added in New Orleans three days later.
I submitted and was chosen again and got to meet Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku, and the man himself, Michael B. Jordan.”
Johnnie Jones Jr.
Blockbuster film Sinners is now showing in theaters
If you’re like me and a huge fan of horror films, you’re going to love Sinners.
No spoilers here, but the film explores powerful themes like freedom, exploitation and the struggle to live authentically.
According to collider.com, Sinners has become one of the highest-grossing horror movies of all time. The vampire film is reported to have passed the $55 million mark domestically.
“There are many opportunities for social commentary on the story and its characters after the movie. You can find me in a green jacket, standing behind Preacher Boy Sammie and Delta Slim, in the movie’s Train Station Scene!”
Johnnie Jones Jr.
Have you seen the movie Sinners yet? What were your thoughts on the film? Let us know by tagging us @bhamnow.
