[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Its been a great week so far for us at Geek Vibes Nation. We got to speak with creator and showrunner for Luke Cage, Cheo Hodari Coker, and now we are talking with actor Justin Swain who plays Detective Mark Bailey.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”98″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_border” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]First off I want to thank you again for taking the time to sit down with Geek Vibes Nation, we know you are very busy.
So let’s jump right into the interview shall we?
How did you get into acting? Was it something or someone that inspired you?
It’s been a long time since I thought about the first part I played. It was actually Michael in Peter Pan. I was 8 years old and there was a senior production but they needed a little kid to play the youngest sibling in Peter Pan. I auditioned and got the part and that was it, I was hooked. It just felt like it was a place where I could be free and connect with interesting people. And I know it’s crazy and I was really young but I learned was to not hold back, just let fly and see what you discover playing the character.
How do you prepare for a role once you get it?
I look at what there in the script and concentrate on the thoughts between the lines. If I can figure out what the character is thinking between the lines I have the character. The thought and intention is all that matters. After that I match that with the physicality of that character. For some reason I’m obsessed with shoes, how the characters walk and connection to the ground, I find their center and match that physical form with thoughts and actions and then explore.
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How extensive was your knowledge of Marvel Comics and the Luke Cage character before you got the role?
Not that much really. I always loved the movies and shows. I love how grounded the shows are in realty and then ad super heroes. I learned about the comics from my father in law, who is a big fan.
When you are playing a recurring character such as you do with Bailey on Luke Cage, Do you ever look back and the way you performed and make any adjustments the next time you play the character?
I think there is a period of adjust on a recurring role because of the amount of information you get as you recur. Eventually you learn everything you need to know and relax, but I do think the role matures over time.
You seemed to have a bigger role this season. How did it feel getting to do a bit more this go around?
I LOVED it. It was so exciting to them expanding the role. I have new partner and get to interact with incredibly talented actors like Mike Colter, Simone Missick, Alfre Woodard and Theo Rossi.
You got to work with Antonique Smith who plays Detective Nandi Tyler, How was it working with her? Did you give her any advice as one of the vets on the show?
My partner, who is played by the amazing Antonique Smith, and I had a great time working together. There is a really fun scene where she sings some show tunes and we have some fun in the station… that was a fun scene to shoot. We all got a private little show from a Grammy nominated singer… that was pretty cool.
Did you notice any difference working with Mike Colter and Simone Missick as opposed to last season?
They are both very talented actors and I have to say from day one, they made me feel welcome on the set. They both are very gracious people. I think the only thing that changed was me. I relaxed and had more fun cause I was more comfortable. I can say I learned a lot from watching everyone and how they carried themselves on set. Watching Simone craft Misty in the first season was basically a master class. I learned a lot.
Would you like to see Bailey appear in any of the other Marvel Netflix shows?
YES! I would love that. It’s so much fun to be that little connective thread. I think Bailey could show up in other depts. Maybe helping Misty on some special assignments.
Luke Cage opens this Friday, Do you have anything you wish to say to the fans of Luke Cage or anything you want to plug?
I love interacting with fans on Instagram. Definitely find me @justinswainofficial. Also I really appreciate all the love and support for Bailey. I was at a couple comic cons this year and it’s so cool to see the fans and have them love all the characters from the show. And I want to say a big thank you to the creator of Marvel’s Luke Cage, Cheo Hodari Coker, for making me a part of such an amazing project. Let the binging begin!
Interviewer: It was great speaking with you Justin and we cannot wait for our readers to see Luke Cage season 2.
Me too! It’s a powerful season with great performances. Wait until you see Mustafa Sharik as Bushmaster!
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