*Photo credit: Mayhem Entertainment PR.*

Young actor Jalon Christian's been on the rise since he kicked off his on-screen career in 2017 with the family adventure "Saving Christmas," followed by the comedy "Selfie Dad", shortly thereafter, Jalon was featured in Denzel Washington's drama "A Journal for Jordan”, a very special experience for him, where he played the titular role in the poignant film based on a true story. In this drama, Jalon’s dad was none other than Michael B. Jordan.

Most recently, we saw Jalon in ‘Black Adam’, a film that has broken box office records domestically and is set to become one of DC fans’ favorite franchises. The young actor can be seen portraying 'Hurut', the son of Dwayne Johnson‘s Teth Adam/Black Adam, who sacrifices himself to save his father.

These great acting opportunities have been the product of work and the good fortune that accompanies Jalon. In this interview, he tells us about his experiences, his plans for the future, and even some advice for young people looking for an opportunity in the industry.

Tell us more about your life and the path you’ve traveled to become an actor.

I’m originally from Boston, and got my start in print and commercials. I always enjoyed being on set, but I especially got excited when I had the opportunity to express myself more. One project led me here to Los Angeles where I met my now Manager and Mentor, Constance, and everything started to move forward from there. We were able to move across the country where I found my acting Tribe with whom I practice for hours every week. I’ve been blessed with these amazing projects to date, and am focused on preparing myself for the next opportunities coming my way.

We have seen you in the DC Universe movie Black Adam, playing the role of “Hurut.” What was the audition process like? How many auditions did you go through before landing the role?

When we first got the audition, we didn't know exactly what the movie or role was, but we knew it was something big. I initially submitted a self-tape for the role of “Young Hero”, and then we did a Director’s Session with Mr. Jaume via zoom, which was super fun. Even though I didn't know the details of the role or the movie, I felt an immediate connection to Hurut’s character.

What were you doing when you found out you were given the role? What was your reaction?

I was actually in New York shooting “A Journal for Jordan” when we got the call. We had been on set all day. My mom and I were I was just hanging out at the hotel when my manager called. We still didn’t know what the role was until they sent the script. When I read “Shazam.” I was shocked. I was speechless for a bit which is rare for me. I love to talk!

Can you remember how your first day on-set went?

The first day on set was incredible. Firstly, I shaved my head for the first time in my life, which was super cool. Then we got to see some of the sets, and they were so huge and intricate. I felt like I was being let in on a huge secret of how superhero movies get made. We also shot this incredible scene where I’m surrounded by the wizards chanting, right before I get Shazam’ed into the Champion! So yea, I’d say the first day on set was pretty epic.

You were surrounded by so many talented people, most notably The Rock. Is there any anecdote you want to share with us or any advice you received from them?

Being able to observe all these talented actors, both shooting scenes as well as in-between, were really powerful. It was clear that everyone was bringing their A game to set. They knew that this project was not only so meaningful to The Rock but to all the writers and producers. There was also an obvious level of respect and friendship among everyone. It really seemed like there were no egos, and everyone was excited to be a part of something bigger than all the individual pieces. I had the opportunity to shoot some incredibly vulnerable scenes with The Rock, and seeing up close and personal the level of respect and dedication he brought to the role was really inspirational. It was cool to also see him drop out of character and joke around with me, the other actors, and the entire crew.

You've had great opportunities, Chris, because you've also worked with Denzel Washington on the movie 'A Journal for Jordan’. I mean, wow! How was that?

Working with Mr. Washington was more epic than I could ever have even imagined. I had just turned the age where I had been watching a lot of his movies so I was already such a fan of him as an actor. But in person, he’s just so genuine and comfortable that it immediately created a space for me to be at ease and deliver an authentic performance. Prior to my first day of actually shooting on set, Mr. Washington held a number of private rehearsals for me, Miss Chante, and Michael B. Jordan and we, of course, would run through the scenes, but we also just really got to know each other, listened to music, ran simulated football plays, and he even did some shadow boxing with me.

Is it ever nerve wrecking working with so many A- list actors? If so, how do you manage those nerves?

I’ve been really blessed so far to work with some of the greats, who are so great, because they enjoy giving back to their scene partners as well. By the time I’ve made it to set I do feel like I’m the best actor to tell that character’s specific story in that moment, so I try not to focus on what the other actors have done in previous roles, but if doubts ever do try to creep in I just remind myself that none of us have ever done this exact scene as these exact characters with these exact set of circumstances ever before!

Did you have to do any specific preparation for the roles (Jordan and Hurut)?

For the role of Jordan, I did a lot of emotional preps. This is Jordan’s actual story. I connected to the higher purpose of the role to honor Jordan and his family.

As for Hurut, I didn't even get to see the script until we got to set, so there wasn’t much to prepare ahead of time. Once on set, though, I had to learn an ancient language, which was super fun. It was definitely my most physical role, but luckily, I do play a lot of sports so I was both excited and ready for all the running and climbing that the role called for.

How do you manage to balance your busy schedule with school, your career, and other responsibilities?

Luckily, I don’t actually think of much of what I do as a responsibility. I feel grateful to all I get to do. So, I focus on each thing to do it well. I just started my freshman year in high school, so that’s been pretty exciting with things like going to homecoming and playing football and basketball so far! I go to acting class twice a week, along with any auditions that come up, but it’s my favorite thing to do so it never feels like work. I do make sure to have some balance and although a lot of days are jam packed with activities, I also have days where I just binge shows with my mom and brother, and my dog Zuma. And my mom manages my calendar so I don’t have to manage any of the logistics!

It’s early on in your career, but are there any particular goals you want to achieve? Are there any specific actors or directors that you would be excited to work with in the future?

Although I've been directed by Mr. Washington, a huge goal for me is definitely to act alongside him. It was so incredible to take direction from the greatest actor of all time, but to share a scene with him would be epic! Other than that, I’d love to be in Mr. Quentin Tarantino’s 10th and final film. And in the near-term, I’m aiming to land a great limited series regular role in a drama and have some of my Tribe in it.

What activities do you enjoy doing during your leisure time?

Sports are definitely the biggest part of my life outside of acting. I’m a freshman in high school this year, so that’s been fun going to homecoming and playing on the football and basketball teams so far. I also like just being a teenager and hanging out with friends, I love going to amusement parks any chance I get. And in my down time, I’m usually just hanging out with my mom, my brother, and my dog Zuma.

What advice would you give to young people trying to make their way in the industry?

I’d say stay fully present in the moment. Work diligently at your craft and your mindset. Don’t get caught up in getting approval from others or trying to be “good enough “because there’s really no such thing. If you love acting or singing or making films, then do it. And of course, work to sharpen your sword and improve your craft and technique, but never lose the joy in it!

Jalon Christian's unstoppable career is just beginning

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