The UK has a new rising star to keep track of and it looks as if INVISIBLE MEN actor Emmanuel Imani is already set his sights on Hollywood.
British Nigerian actor Emmanuel Imani is set to take Hollywood by storm with a role in up and coming blockbuster CRIMINAL, alongside the likes of Gary Oldman, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot and Kevin Costner. The thriller is set to hit cinemas later this year, with THE ICEMAN director Ariel Vromen helming the project and telling the story of a dangerous convict who’s been implanted with the memories and skills of a deceased CGI agent. Imani has made himself at home with these acting greats with his role as Agent Butler.
Living in South London, Imani began his acting career in 2013 making his theatre debut in the critically acclaimed A THOUSAND MILES OF HISTORY, directed by Harold Finley. It seems as though the acting bug hit Imani early as he told us about his love for acting despite other potential career plans; “I got into acting because it made so much sense to me. I’ve been acting since I was about 6 and I’ve always loved it but I thought I wanted to be a psychiatrist more. When I got to college, I realised I hated certain elements of Chemistry -no pun intended I promise – however I thought I should follow my heart instead of my brain”.
Imani continued; “Acting was the only thing I could imagine myself doing for the rest of my life and being happy/content. If you do something you love then you never have to work a day in your life – I believe this saying 100%. I grew up watching far too much television and films – now everything inspires me to want to tell stories”.
The enthusiastic actor told us as a little about his character Agent Barker; “I play the character of Agent Butler who is brought in by Gary Oldman to ‘handle’ Kevin Costner’s character. I essentially transport him everywhere and ensure he doesn’t harm the general public pre and post surgery”. Imani went on to explain what attracted him to the role; “I loved playing this role but the thing that attracted me to the role was the fact this character was so different to myself. The character is older than me and far more serious. I’d say he’s an adult and so am I but inside I feel like a big kid most of the time”.
While Emmanuel can be found in independent flicks such as INVISIBLE MEN, where he played a Nigerian immigrant who invited his friend to travel from Nigeria to London to start a new life, CRIMINALS is certainly a role that throws him into the ring with some of Hollywood’s heavy weights. Working with such actors obviously had a huge impact on the star, particularly Gary Oldman and Kevin Costner;
“These people are definitely some of the finest actors that I’ve ever been fortunate enough to work with. I think I was most taken aback by Gary Oldman and Kevin Costner. Gary comes from New Cross which is round the corner from my house so his story inspires me a lot. He is incredible when it comes to accents!”. Imani continued; “Kevin is very particular about his work which is amazing to see after so many years, these men still love what they do and they want the best from what they do. Kevin took me under his wing a little bit which was very overwhelming – in a good way! He didn’t have to look out for me or give me advice but he did. He’s a wonderful person”.
Being a self-confessed big kid, Emmanuel noted a challenging part of taking on his role as Agent Butler; “I would say the biggest challenge with this role would be getting the age of the character across. This character’s age was round about 32 because of his position and accomplishments in the CIA. Naturally I’d say I’m not the most mature person – I’m still about 14 inside! Getting the gravitas of this character across was my biggest challenge but I love a good challenge”.
We’re seriously excited to see what Emmanuel brings to this Hollywood blockbuster, but what can we expect next from the rising star? He gave us the details on his up and coming project OLIVA TWEEST; I’m working on an Afrobeat Musical titled Oliva Tweest. This is a Nigerian rendition of the classic Oliver Twist tale, but instead of wanting more food Toby wants more and more women. I play Pastor Bayodele who is the father of Toby’s love interest. I model the Pastor on my own parents as they seem ridiculously similar to Pastor Bayodele. He is a lot of fun to play, I can’t wait to get back on stage, dust off my bible and work some crazy Pastor B magic”.
Imani is obviously a determined and passionate individual and with his varying talents we’re super excited to see where this rising star will go! CRIMINALS hits theatres April 15th 2016.
