WHOA That's Good Podcast - My 'Black Panther' Audition and How God Showed Up | Sadie Robertson Huff & Letitia Wright

Episode Date: July 3, 2024

Sadie is so pumped to get the full story of Letitia Wright, star of Marvel’s “Black Panther” franchise and executive producer of the faith-based movie “The Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot.” Letitia shares the details of her early life in rural Guyana, before moving to London and discovering at a young age her talent and passion for acting. Sadie is awed by Letitia’s story of faith in God and His leadership of her life, as well as the uncommonly personal nature of her relationship with Him. Letitia cites her motivation to not only act, but produce films with meaning and heart as the driving force behind founding her own production company. Get your tickets to see "The Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot" in a theater near you: https://www.angel.com/movies/sound-of-hope-the-story-of-possum-trot https://helixsleep.com/sadie — Get up to 30% off all mattress orders AND 2 free pillows! https://carawayhome.com/sadie — Save $150 when you buy Caraway Home’s famous cookware set. Plus when you use the code SADIE at checkout you’ll save an additional 10% off. https://www.covenanteyes.com/sadie — Try Covenant Eyes FREE for 30 days with promo code WHOA. - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Go to helixsleep.com slash Sadie. What's up everybody? Happy Woe That's Good Wednesday. I hope you're having a great week, but per usual, friends, it is about to get so much better because I have someone on the podcast today that I am not kidding. I have been anticipating this conversation for so long. We are making it happen.

I have the one and only Letitia Wright on the podcast. Welcome to Whoa That's Good. Hey, Sadie, how you doing? I am doing fantastic. And you know, I was thinking about an intro for you. I was like, man, I could obviously drop the Black Panther note that, you know, that's epic. And I could talk about possum trot, executive producing,

I talk about all those things. But you know what is probably the biggest flex in our house is that you are the sound of the cat on Sing To. That is the biggest flex in the Huff House for sure. So I think that's awesome. My daughter, Honey, is three and she doesn't know you but she loves you from afar and we're all big fans of your work, but also just who you are and Said this a little bit in the prayer

We were just praying but just that your story is such a testimony of God's goodness in your life and I'm so excited for people to just hear your story on this podcast I got to go down a rabbit trail of watching all these interviews you've done studying for this podcast. And I've been so personally impacted and moved just watching your boldness, hearing your story. And it's really cool when I have guests on that just in the process of preparing for the podcast, I'm already so touched. And so thank you for the life that you live. I can't wait to dive into a conversation.

But before we get into all the things, I have to ask you the question that every single person on this podcast gets asked first. And sorry to just drop this one on you, but Letitia, what is the best piece of advice you've ever been given? Oh man, the best piece of advice I've ever been given was by a work colleague who's super close to me. She was just like, you know, that I should keep my focus on God no

matter what in the process of, you process of growing and being in the industry, she was just like always, you know, remain close to God. So that was given to me at a time that I was, you know, developing my relationship with God. But it was just nice to see someone who's like a veteran in the game, like pretty much a living legend, tell me, you know, this is what you should do to keep going forward. And, you know, I'm going to stay with that advice. Wow. That's so good. And you know, it's so cool because sometimes I feel bad to drop that question, even though it's just a fun question, but it is a big question to ask,

what's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? But why I ask it is because of what you just said. Like when you hear someone who's been so influential, like yourself, you've been influenced to so many people. When you hear the best piece of advice they took to heart, and you see how it shaped them and molded them into who they became, it's so cool and just speaks to the power of our words. So things that were, the conversations we're having,

the things that we're sharing, the things that we're planting in our heart, like it makes you, you know, who you're going to become. And it can be such a simple thing like stay close to God, keep your relationship with God first. And to someone sharing that piece of advice, they might never know how God used that to help you stay on the right path. And so I love that that was the best, easier advice because you definitely see that throughout you throughout your entire story. So take us back to Latisha,

right before people knew who you were. What was life like growing up? Oh man, life growing up. I'm from Guyana, South America. So I grew up in the countryside, actually. I didn't know that I was a country girl until I went back home after 15 years. And I was like, I'm from the city.

And they're like, no, you're not. Like you had chickens in the garden and cows. You're a country girl. So I was like, oh shoot, I am. So I grew up like super simple, just rural area, just like close knit family, literally all of our family was in the same kind of like big yard, like everybody's houses on the same, you know, walking, walking, walking distance. If I didn't like my mom's food, I would get over there and go, I'm going to grandma's house, you know, I'm gonna get what I want over there. So yeah, just super, super

humble living and just close knit family vibes. And then I moved to London when I was seven. And that was a big culture shock for me. And then I kind of adjusted very quickly. You I was just finding my way as a young girl in England. And then I just grew up and then started to figure out what I wanted to do. I thought I was gonna be in the NBA, that didn't happen. I thought I was gonna be in the Olympics running, that didn't happen. And then acting kind of just found me one summer

when I was watching movies as to to to port of proper movies. So I was like downloading them off Linewire Shouts Out to Linewire. And yeah, I just started watching a bunch of films and started to be inspired. And I think that's when I felt I felt like, wired. And I think that's when I felt like, you know, God's kind of like, intervention started to happen with like me desiring to make people feel how I was feeling from those movies. And I just kind of found something at maybe 14, actually 13, 14. I was like, oh, like, I want to do that. And I just haven't moved off of it. I just stayed like diligent with it and God has done his thing. So here we are. That's so good. I heard you say

somewhere that it was actually like Akilah and the bee that really, you know, you saw that and something moved in you. What was it about watching that movie that made you go, I wanna do that? She looked like me and it wasn't stereotypical. It was just a young girl trying to figure out her life and like be a spelling champion. Yeah. I thought that was dope. And then obviously I saw Angela and I saw Laurence Fishburne and they were like,

you know, great like father mother figures, you know, so, you know, Angela paid her mom, but Lawrence is more like a father figure to her. It was just a beautiful story for black family. And I just was always impacted by it. And then I just wanted to make people feel like that. I wanted to use my talent in that type of way. So I felt like God was like really dope in like putting that on my heart so that I had like something to help me navigate the industry when it was time to be like, okay, what do you want people to feel? Cause that's what's the most important thing. So that movie is, is super, um, imperative to my journey. And it's funny because the person that actually gave me that advice years later

was Angela Bassett. So about following, like keeping my eyes on God. So it's kind of like a three, I think. Is it 360 as much? Yeah. No, that's so cool. It's like a 360. Sometimes I'm like, is it a 180 or a 360? I do that too.

I always mess that one up. Hey, math, man. But no, I love math. We're talking spelling. We're not talking math, but no, I love that. I love that so much. I think that's so cool. It makes me think like,

I love how you already just opened up by saying like, you saw someone that looked like you and it inspired you. And you were like, I wanna be able to do that for people. And you've definitely been able to do that with the Black Panther. Like how significant is that to you that people, young girls get to see themselves in you How significant is that to you that people,

young girls get to see themselves in you as a superhero that you are? Like, when did you realize the gravity? Did you always, or was that something that kind of came after the fact? It came after the fact, but I feel like, you know, in hindsight, now that I look back on everything, I'm, I pretty much manifested that with God, you know, I, what he placed in my heart by watching these movies and like, really at a young age, I'm very fortunate because sometimes people take a

longer time to figure out their purpose. I feel like maybe being an introvert as a kid, I'm still an introvert right now, it depends on them and depends on the environment, the people, it could be extroverted all of a sudden and then you're like, who's this person? But I feel like being a kid that was super self, you know, always reflecting and always like in my own world, I was able to, God was able to deposit in me quickly my purpose, and I was able to listen very early on. And I'm quite grateful for that actually, because it kept me on that path. So everything that's happening or has happened in my life thus far, is just a result of positive thinking, prayer and manifestation of God's will. So it's like, if I'm honest, like I expected it because I just was putting out that energy

of what I wanted to be and what I wanted to contribute to the world and what I still want to contribute. Like now, you know, it takes on different stages and different phases, you know, you know, I want to do, I want to do more, but it looks different. Yeah, but that thing still guides me. So yeah, if I see a young person, you know, super inspired or like, you know, after the fact, seeing how much young girls around the world felt empowered that a young girl was representing them in the world of science and maths and technology Yeah, and STEM like I just felt like that was just something that was just dope

But again is a part of my path like it was inevitable that it was gonna happen Well, not in a cocky way at all like super humble with it. But yeah, it was gonna happen. Well, not in a cocky way at all, like super humble with it. But yeah, it was gonna happen. Summertime means vacations, traveling and hitting the road with friends and family. When I get home from a trip, I love suckling to my Helix mattress. It is always there to welcome me back and give me a great night's sleep in my soft comfy bed. Helix is a premium mattress brand that tailors your sleep experience based on your unique sleep preferences.

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but before he became king, after he was anointed, he was still shepherding and then he was playing music. You know, like there was like this hidden time and he was anointed in that time, but he was doing something different. And what God was doing while he was out shepherding, what God was doing while he was playing for Saul was preparing him for the things to come.

And so yeah, not in a cocky way, but when Goliath is, you know, going against God, he steps in and he's like, who's going against God? I'll fight him. I'm prepared for this. I'm ready for this. I fought lions and bears and killed them with my own hands. Not in a cocky way, but that's what God did through me.

That's what God anointed me to do is to defend him, is to glorify him. And so when the time came, he got to step in and to no one's surprise necessarily, he was king because he was anointed, but it was surprising because he had been a shepherd boy. And so your story actually reminds me a lot of that. It's like, you're chilling in the countryside

with some chickens and some cows and great family. You moved to London, you have this heart for acting. And God was speaking stuff to you that whole time and maybe you realize maybe you didn't, it seems like you did. And then when it was time to step in, even though it's surprising because it's such a big thing, it's not because it's what God had already been working on

and crafting in your heart, which I think is just amazing. I heard somewhere you were talking about, I think it was like you were playing the drums or something. You were inspired by, it was like Backstreet Boys or NSYNC or something random. Whenever you were young, you just started playing the drums, really entertaining. When you look back, even though you were an introvert,

do you see that entertainer gift or entertainment gift like on your life? Like did your family see that in you? Were there signs at a young age? That's a good question. Yeah, I feel like, you know, it came up in its own little way. Yeah, definitely in the entertainment type of area. I was always into watching American TV and yeah, definitely, NSYNC and Backstreet Boys have a dear, dear place in my heart. They helped me to express myself as a kid. So yeah, I feel like your personality kind of shows who you're going to be in the future. So I feel like, yeah, I feel like, you know, your personality kind of shows, you know, who you're going to be in the future. So I feel like, yeah, like, I don't know if my family was just like, she's

going to be an actress. I don't think that was like the thing, but they just knew that my personality was, was quite interesting. You know, there's like, you know, they just knew, um, yeah, they just knew. No, I think that's cool because I think sometimes you have such a secure idea of what your purpose is and it seems like you always kind of had this draw towards purpose in life.

You're saying from a young age, I was fortunate enough to know my purpose and so many people freak out about that word purpose, trying to figure out what my purpose is, what I'm purpose for, but I think you find a lot of your purpose in your personality traits. Like what makes you excited? What makes you come alive?

What makes you go like, oh, I wanna step into that. I'm capable of doing that. Those things like pay attention to because it's probably gonna lead you to those things that your purpose to do. And so I just think that's really interesting. Okay, so you got started into acting and you started doing, you know, pretty big things. This is all before about Panther.

You started doing pretty big things and then you took like a hard time out. So tell us a little bit about just the start of getting into acting. Was it a quick success? How did that work? And then when did you go, all right, time to actually tap out and why? Yeah. So the journey of acting is pretty much doing it at 12 for fun because a teacher says you should come and check it out. Bless her heart because that was God using her to kind of like put the pieces together. And then, yeah, like maturing a little bit more at 15 and like, yeah, like 14, 15

and like really taking it seriously. But all the while from like 12 up to like 19, I was always going to acting classes, whether it's part time, whether it's, you know, for a week, whatever it was, I was always tapping into acting classes because I understood the importance of like learning your craft and like developing and growing. I was like, pretty much obsessed with it. Studying actors, studying their films, doing auditions at home, pretending that I was, you know, being sent an audition from one of like the biggest agencies in the world. Like I was borderline delusional. But I knew that God knew my heart. Like he just knew that I was like willing to work for it. I wasn't thinking that it's just going to happen overnight.

So it didn't happen overnight. It was years of grafting, years of like nose, years of feeling a little bit insecure, like, am I going to make it? But just that confidence and that purpose, just setting in and just believing that I could make a difference and that I will be the one and just believing that I could make a difference and that I will be the one to do it. So it then started to transition into, you know, from preparation and like, or preparation and working on my craft to go into auditions and trying things out and seeing the type of material that was out there. Like very early on I could see that there were like scripts given to me that I was like, this is not it.

Like, this is not what it doesn't align. And I remember one time I even asked someone, I was like, have you seen Akila and the Bean? Because that's what I wanna do, you know? But it wasn't that I wanted to do that specific type of, like that movie in itself or copy it. I wanted I was I was chasing the the way the movie made me feel which was the inspiration. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So that that just following that path and staying

diligent, you know, there's ups and downs in the journey that people don't see. They never will see because they never because they never went through it with me, but lots of no's, lots of trial and error, lots of sending my CV to agents and casting directors and getting no reply because they don't know who you are, it's not their fault. Just lots of learning stuff that I did pretty much on my own because I don't come from a family that have experience in acting or the entertainment industry. So there's a lot of like figuring it out by myself and trying to believe in myself and then everybody's kind of like, I hope this works out because we don't know how to help.

But they can only help with love and encouragement and like, you know, money to go to acting classes. And then eventually it just started to solidify a little bit more with more roles, TV roles here and there. And then it just started to grow and progress. And I think along the way, I just kept trying to use my purpose and use the thing

that I wanted to live for in terms of like my talent to guide me on how to choose those roles. And then it became a little bit more, like became better when I actually like teamed up with God. Like honestly, like I was like not with God all the time. Like I was, when I say God, like when I say that, I mean like a proper like relationship where I can literally pray to my father and be like, God, like I say God, like when I say that, I mean like a proper like relationship where I can literally pray to my father and be like, God, like I need help or how do I do this? How do I navigate that? You know, what do you want me to do?

I was kind of like doing it on my own. Like, I want to do this, I want to do that. And things were happening for me, but I was never satisfied. And then eventually I kind of just had to do it to a certain point and then take a break because I understood that it was affecting my mental health and also it's making me, like it had too much control over my emotions. Like acting wasn't a thing that I saw as a just straight contribution

and my purpose. And I was seeing that, but also it was like, I was so hard on myself if I didn't achieve the things that I wanted to achieve in a time that I set it in. I was really going off of my own timeline. And God kind of put a stop to that in like 2015. I just felt like this thing was just like stop. And I just did something that not a lot of people was happy with at the time, which was like, give up some roles. I was like, I was booked to do some projects, you know, some really dope projects of high profile actors. And I

was like, can't really do that right now, because I don't feel happy. So I had to just stop it and just figure out what was going on. And it took maybe like a year, close to a year, just figuring it out. Became a Christian, just fell in love with Jesus, honestly. And then just in prayer, God was like, you should go back to acting. And I was like, I don't want to go back to acting because I feel like I'm happy here, I'm safe here. I can just just be in my Bible and you that's gonna be all there is to it. And then I just felt like God was like, no, like you can, you can step back into it because I'm with him. Like he's the one that's guiding me. So I won't worship this thing in the way that

I did before. And even if I have moments and there is moments where it feels like it's tipping over, where you're putting acting above God a little bit, there's always that thing to check you. And obviously, we know that to be Holy Spirit, just being like, yo, what are you doing? So that's where the journey's been. So that's like kind of like where the journey's been. I've talked to those on the podcast before, but honey is my picky eater. I've been like, what am I going to feed this child? And then after it went to Italy, I discovered,

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and then actually finally get to what you've been working for for that long and you have this opportunity with some really big names and a really big opportunity to be casted in and then you go and you have to actually tell your agents, I'm not gonna do this movie and everybody probably is like, what the heck? That's actually so hard to do.

It's probably easier to just reflect on the story and say it, but when you really think about that, any of our listeners, you can relate. If you've been working years and years for something, you finally get the opportunity to do it. And then God's like, stop. Would you actually be willing to stop? But I love how you said, I wasn't happy.

And it makes me think of that verse that says, what is it profit a man if he gains the whole world but he forfeits his soul? You know, like what does it mean if you get all the opportunity in the world but you don't do what your purpose to do? You don't do the thing that, you know, it's not actually fulfilling.

It's not actually causing, you know, it's not actually what it's even purpose for. Like acting, it was supposed to be fun. It was supposed to be good. It was supposed to be what you love. And if it was stealing from that, then what does it mean if you're getting these big parts? And so you had to have this hard reset. I know I keep comparing these stories to Bible stories, but I think if your life is compared to these Bible stories,

you're probably doing something right, for sure. So I think this is a compliment, but it makes me think of how, like, Peter, you know, Peter's going about doing his thing with Jesus and then things get really tough. And then Jesus, you know, dies on the cross for those three days. Peter's back fishing. Jesus comes back and meets with Peter and they have this one on one conversation over breakfast. And Jesus is like, do you love me?

And he's like, yes, sir, you know, I love you. And he's like, feed my sheep. Do you love me? Yes, sir. Feed my sheep. Do you love me? And he's like, yes, Lord, you know I love you. And he's like, feed my sheep. Do you love me? Yes, Lord, feed my sheep. Do you love me? Yes, Lord, feed my sheep. And basically he's setting up their relationship before Peter's ever gonna go do anything for him, right?

For him and the things that he was about to step into. And then, you know, shortly after this moment, Jesus goes back to heaven, Peter gets filled with the Holy Spirit, and then he starts doing ministry at a level he was never doing it before. The guy who used to be scared and had, you know, was falling in the water because he was scared

and his faith was shaken. The guy that denied Jesus, like, he has all these fear problems. And now in Acts, it says that Peter was like known for his boldness, like, hello, the dude who was always known for kind of his fear and his lack of faith is now known for his boldness in his faith. And that came after establishing a relationship

with Jesus and being filled with the Spirit. And you know, your life is similar. You look at it and you're doing all these things and they're good things and you're working hard, but you're like, it's just not right. Like, I don't feel happy. My mental health is affected. I have so hard on myself.

It's lost the joy. It's lost the purpose. So let's time out. Let's get with God. I love you, God. And then you're like, I don't even need it. I don't even actually want it because this is more fulfilling. And God's like, well, no.

Like, I actually did put this in you. Like, this is a gifting on your life. This is something to walk into. But this time, it's going to be different because I'm going to be leading and because the Spirit's going to walk into, but this time it's gonna be different because I'm gonna be leading and because the Spirit's gonna be in you. And I can relate to your story because I think for a long time,

I was like running into the things and I'm like holding God's hand behind me being like, come with me, God, like bless the way. But it changes everything when God gets in front. And you're not just trying to like bring God into these things, like you're walking behind him, like led by him in these things and so it's so cool but I love how when you came back to acting like you did come back different like you came back so filled with faith and I heard the story about when you got the opportunity to audition for the Black Panther and before you even

to audition for the Black Panther. And before you even had the job, you knew that you had it. And so can you tell that story a little bit about just your confidence in your faith and even your confidence in hearing the voice of the Lord before it was on paper? Yeah, no, you said all of that so beautifully. You should just, I should just soundbite that and send that to everyone to be like, this

is my story. That's cool. Now like, yeah, so yeah, just it was a season where, yeah, everything happened pretty quickly, but I felt like it was happening in the way that I needed to. So yeah, like 2016, you know, I was already like in my groove of just like, it's just me and Jesus. Like I remember one of my friends asked me, she was like, so what's next for you?

Like with acting, because obviously acting, when you're in the acting world, everybody, the what's next question is so jarring. It's like, what are you doing next? I'm like, at home praying, what are you doing next? I'm like at home praying. What are you doing? Good luck with that. But yeah, she asked me and I was just like, I don't know, but I'm really excited. That's all I said to her. I was like, I don't know, but I'm really excited. And that same year I got baptized and you know, just everything that could happen happened. Everything that could happen happened.

Just everything. God was just like, go on, fill her on up before she goes out there. And then I just felt like I was auditioning, I was booking parts. It felt like it was just me and God in these auditions. Like, what do you think about this part? What do you think about that? And it was going great. And then I was on a particular job called humans and I was very satisfied with it.

And I thought when I finished, I was just gonna go back to having Jesus time. And then this audition came through and it was quite secretive. But then I think my agent at the time, he kind of was just like, I think it's Black Panther. And I was just like, oh, like, okay. I didn't really know the hype of it. I'm going to be honest with you. I knew about Marvel films, but I was so in my own world. Like I didn't have the chance to be like, like right there. I was kind of like, okay, like I just looked at the role. I was just looking at the character and I looked at the page and they had like this different name of the character and she was challenging. She was having a kind of like

debate with her mother about power and her dad that as a woman she's, she should be able to fight for the throne. And then her mom was going back and forth. I just liked the power in this girl, in this woman, on the page. And I was like, this seems dope, Lord, like this seems cool. And I just focused on that. Honestly, I just focused on that.

So I did my audition and sent the tape and I just left it. I did like this, my ritual of just doing it, praying and leaving it. And then God just kept bugging me every time I'd go to prayer. It's like bugging me, bugging me, bugging me, bugging me. And I'm like, why are you bugging me about this? Like I've done the audition.

I don't know if I've got it. Like it's not my business. It's your business. Like it might be 633 mate. Think first the kingdom. It's not my problem. It's not my problem. If you wanna add on something.

I was like, yeah, literally like, if God is to replay like my conversations with him, it will be actually hilarious. I was like, that's your problem mate. Like you're the one that's adding on. I'm the one that's just seeking. I love that. Wait, that is like the best.

I hope everybody takes that up, because that is so real. There are so many times you're praying for something and then you're like, what? God, it's on you. Like, this is totally on you. And so I love that. I'm just the seeking.

That's good. That is good. Yeah, man. And so I love that. I'm just the seeking. That's good. That is good. Yeah, man. No, it freed me. That scripture actually was the thing that I felt set me free from anxiety and stuff. And it's funny because even when I feel anxious now, because remember, there's different levels to your faith.

The faith that I had back in 2016, it's not the faith that I have now. It's different. I've gone through life. I've gone through experiences. It's not the faith that I have now. It's different. I've gone through life. I've gone through experiences. It's a new chapter. It's a new anointing of strength that I need. So when that scripture comes in front of me now, I'm just like, I know you said that I got to seek, but I got some stuff going on. And it just, but it just the challenge and like the beauty of stepping into that in this new level of my life, you know,

the scripture stays the same and the scripture is still as powerful, but it's just the weight of it next to the challenge is the thing that helps you to go from level to level. So that's what I'm discovering. But at that time, Matthew 6.33 was just like a walk in the park for me. I was just like, oh my God, I don't get to worry. Watch me, watch me test you. I was like, I'm going to test you. I was like, okay, you don't have to worry. So I was like, oh, on that vibe.

And then he just kept telling me to pray about it. And I just wanted it to be obedience. I was just like praying about it. I was like, all right, cool. Like, God, this Black Panther thing, you know, at that time I think I had like another audition. They asked me to do like another tape and I had sent it. Then here he comes bugging me again. So I was like, okay, whatever this is,

I just give it to you. And if it's meant to be for me, like, let's do it. Okay, I hear you. Like, and then I just literally it to you. And if it's meant to be for me, like, let's do it. Okay, I hear you. Like, and then I just literally got this download and it was just like, you're gonna get called to go to LA. You're gonna do some type of filming in LA. Just giving me like hints in prayer as literally, you know,

on my little prayer carpet at the time, just praying and just like, okay, this is what you said. ["Prayer Carpet"] Fam, let's talk about something that's more important than ever, protecting ourselves and our families in the digital world. From social media to apps, to streaming services, there are a ton of ways to be led astray on the internet.

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Sadie and you can try it for free for 30 days. Again, that's covenant eyes dot com slash Sadie to try it for free for 30 days. That was like maybe like August, like late July into August. And then by, you know, at some point, you know, between August and September of 2016, I got this call and it was just like hey like they're calling you back and I was like okay and they're like they want you in LA to do some screen tests and I was looking at God like oh he's like I told you he's like get ready so I was like bet so I started to get ready for that audition and then I realized that the audition would be with with Ryan Kugler and Chadwick

Boseman so I was preparing for it and at the time I was getting this massive attack on my anxiety. Out of nowhere I had this mad anxiety attack. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep. I had to keep drinking water because my stomach was just feeling like really, I just felt like it's just a massive attack. Honestly the thoughts in my head was like don't go, don't go. Don't get on the plane. This is not for you. You should just stay home. This is too much or too soon. Like, but I just kept reading the script. I just kept studying the lines and I just kept praying. And I was so nervous, you know, really anxious. And then I got on the plane. I was reading these little books

that my friends gave me about peace and stuff and anxious. I just remember just feeling really like, what is going on? Like, I'm not desperate for this. I just want to just do a good job. Like, I'm not worshiping acting anymore. Like, why is this feeling like this? But, you know, I felt like the enemy knew

like what was about to happen in my life. And just like anxiety attack on my thoughts and stuff started to happen. And then the second I landed in LA, it all went away. And then I met Ryan and that day, I remember just like yesterday, I met him and it was like meeting like a big brother. And then I met Chad and I was just like,

and then God was just like, that's good, that's your brother. I should just love him as such. Like he's your brother. And she just love him as such. Like he's your brother. And I just remember that. Just looking at him like, oh, this guy's my brother. Like I don't know him from there,

but I'm just gonna love all him. And I literally just, just vibed with him. And our audition was just next level. Like I actually need to ask Marvel for that audition tape. Actually, I'm gonna text one of my producers today and ask him for that. Because like in the audition, like, you know, we were talking and then I put my hands on his chest and then he just wrapped his arms around it.

Remember, I've never met this man in my life. But he was talking about leaving to go and like fight a battle. And then as his little sister I was like I want to fight with you and then I just put my hands on it's just I don't know what made me do that and then he just wrapped his hands on it and he just kind of just like held it there I'll never forget that moment and then and then in between like you know the audition like we were just talking in the corner he's teaching me how to how to do some tricks and stuff, like fly.

He was learning martial arts and stuff. I just felt so peaceful around him. I was just like, that's my brother, that's my brother. I was like, I don't care, whatever they say, that's that guy. It felt like a spiritual connection. It felt so God-ordained, like I can't describe it. And then I went to Venice Beach after and I just sat and I just gave it to God.

I was just like, yeah, I'm just gonna give it to you now. I'm super into kingdom. But I'm not gonna lie, after that, I just kept thinking about it and I just had to keep praying, letting it go, praying, being like, if it's your will, like if I just had to go through that experience to just activate my faith a little bit more,

then bet, I'll take that. But if it meant that, you know, yeah, like, that was all there is to it, I'll just, you know, be content, but then, yeah, eventually, they called me again, they're like, come to Atlanta, I was like, what the, I was like, that's not in the plan. Where's this Atlanta place, how am I doing this? I was like, fine, they like come to Atlanta. I was like, what the, I was like, that's not in the plan. Where's this Atlanta place, how am I going there? I was like, fine, I'll go to Atlanta.

Not knowing that I had already gotten the part. So, but I felt in my spirit, like God confirmed, like, yeah, this is for you. But I just felt like this extra bit, I was like, what are you doing? Like, there's no extra parts. I should be getting the coup ticket to row to wrote. It was just like another confirmation screen test. And I remember years later, I'd find out him saying to them, like, guys, I know you're auditioning other people just

to make sure, but that's my sister. Wrap it up. Wow. That's so cool. God was putting it on their heart as well. And that's the coolest thing. was putting it on their heart as well. And that's like the coolest thing. Cause when it's like a God thing, you start to see how the body of Christ comes together, like the family of God. Like it's normally not just on your heart, you know, God's like putting it on other people's heart too.

And then you start, then like your mind's blown because you're like, whoa, I'm not the only one in on this plan, God. Like there's so many people that have to make this happen and you've been putting it on their heart and giving them this word or this feeling or this nudge. And so like, that is the coolest thing. I have to say like, your story is so amazing.

Like, it's so fun. Actually, when we cut out for a second, my team was like, hey, you're leaning forward. Do you wanna lean back? I was like, I can't lean back. I'm so into the story. I keep like finding myself leaning forward because I'm just loving hearing the story.

But even beyond the story and what you're saying, I hope people realize even just some of these things, like how you talk to God is inspiring. Like you're so real with God. And I think that's whenever God becomes real to you, when you get real with God. Like when God says something to you and you say bet. Like when you talk to God, like he's actually your father, things get real with God. Like when God says something to you and you say bet. Like when you talk to God, like he's actually your father,

things get real, you know? When you said to God like, God, I'm doing the seeking part. You gotta do your part. Like that's just real. That's what a relationship looks like. And so I'm learning so much even from that. And hearing your story of meeting Chad and just y'all's connection is so beautiful.

He was actually my number one favorite actor. I like love, love, love, love his work. And so obviously devastating whenever he passed, but to see you step in and carry on his legacy, not only his legacy in acting, you obviously just played the most beautiful role in Black Panther, but his legacy in acting, you obviously just played the most beautiful role in Black Panther, but his legacy in heart and just like y'all's bond that you carried, that sibling bond,

like God gave y'all something special, a connection special so that you really could carry on the legacy and you do it beautifully. And so hearing the whole backstory to that is just so, so cool. I know we're running out of time but we have to talk a little bit about now this journey has led you into producing. I know you have a super big passion for producing and all the Boy That's Good Listener fans are huge fans already of The Sound of Hope, The Story of Possum Trap because we got to have Bishop WC and Donna Martin on the

podcast a couple weeks ago. One of my favorite episodes ever. They are the most genuine, incredible people ever. And so tell me a little bit about one, what made you fall in love with the story and two, decide to be a producer on it. So if you are a mom, especially to a young one or you've had a little one before, then oh my gosh, you know the struggle. You have definitely had poop on you at least once walking into somewhere. Diapers and wipes are just part of the mom life and when they work, you notice and you need it.

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is more than just, you know, sponsor making some diapers with a good little tagline. No, they actually mean what they say. They're truly in it to support families. And so for them to come in and give this to a family that needs it really moved my heart and made me even more excited to partner with them for this podcast.

So visit everylife.com. That's everylife.com and use the promo code WOH to get 10% off your first order today. Again, that's everylife.com and use the promo code WOH to save 10% off your first order today. Again, that's everylife.com and use the promo code, wo, to save 10% off your first order. So 2020, again, is that little nudge of starting a production company. I think I got that nudge in Atlanta actually one time.

But in 2020 it came together, you know. So I started the production company. The purpose of it was to make meaningful content with cinematic excellence. It was very simple. That's the signature of the company. And I just wanted to contribute. So at that time, when you're starting something, you don't know what you're doing. That's the signature of the company. And I just wanted to contribute. So in that time, when you're starting something,

you don't know what you're doing. You still don't know what you're doing, what you're learning. So I just started to reach out to different companies. One of those companies were out, the team at Out of Order. So they were dope in like meeting with me. And I just asked them advice, like, how did you get started? How do you do this? How do you do that? You know and I just asked them advice like how did you get started? How do you do this?

How do you do that? You know, I just seek knowledge and I try to seek knowledge from whoever's willing to help me with it. So they told me about Possum Trot. They told me that there's a script that they're looking at and then I read it. I looked at the story.

The script wasn't really where it needed to be at the time, but the story was super, super compelling. And it was about Bishop, Bishop and Don and Martin and what they did and their community and their church community did to help children. And I'm an advocate for children. I feel like that's another aspect of my life that people don't really know a lot about. They used to see me as an actress and stuff, but my passion for kids in any area, any department, as long as it's to do with children and to help kids, I feel like that's the one thing that

if I'm to leave everything behind, that's the one thing I wouldn't be able to not do and is to be an advocate for children. And that just really spoke to me, that story spoke to me. And then I just became an executive producer. I met Joe, I met Rebecca, Josh. And then in 2021, we actually went to Possum Trap. And it was a beautiful experience.

Um, it was great. I got to meet them, see the family, see how their small seed of faith and dedication and sacrifice birthed a whole family. Like, like this, so many, you know, this family tree has just extended. So, so huge. So that really inspired me, got behind it. And honestly, really and truly, like, I got behind it just, you know, in spirit and prayer.

You know, at the time I was juggling like five films too, so I couldn't really be on the ground producing as much as I wanted to. So Joe, Joe and Josh and Rebecca, they just held down the fort and like just worked super incredibly hard. I'm so proud of them to bring this together, to find the right people to play Donner and Bishop

and just bring the team together. You know, and I would give my input in the editing stages and go on set when I could in the reshoots and just be there and share love with everybody. But that was the journey of PossumChart. So, you know, producing a samplika of love, I see it as an opportunity to contribute alongside my work, like to be behind the camera

and, you know, really allow for opportunities to be birthed, like to dictate who's gonna be the H really allow for opportunities to be birthed, like to dictate who's going to be the HOD or who's going to be this. So you don't always have complete control over everything. Yeah. You know, because sometimes things start before you're right before you get there. Yeah. But yeah, that's just the story of it. And it's cool. It's a story of love for kids. So that's what I cared about most. So good. It's so cool. And it makes so much sense for you to be a producer, to have a heart for that, because since the beginning,

your journey with acting was all about the heart. It was all about the inspiration. It's all about how it moves people. And so I can see how your voice in that is so powerful. And I have to tell you, it moved me because I literally cried for a solid two hours when I watched the movie. It was so, no, good is right.

It was so unbelievably powerful. Me and my husband have talked so much about it. We've prayed so much into it. How can we help? How can we be a part? I mean, it's so much more than a movie. It is a true movement of God. I mean, it was, I don't cry in movies. I'm not a movie crier, but

from about 10 minutes in till the end, I just could not stop crying because I'm so moved. The Holy Spirit is just on that movie, like something I've never seen before. But of course it is. It's so aligned with God's heart, you know? And those people are so genuine. Having them on the podcast a couple weeks ago has moved people so much. And even one of our sponsors for the podcast signed up to give one of the kids from Possum Trot who's having twins a lifetime supply of diapers cause they were so moved by the story. So like, it's just been so cool.

Cause people are like, how can I help? Can I give diapers? Can I, like whatever you have, like, can I be a resource? And so I just am so grateful that you guys, that you got behind it and pushed that message out even further and had a part in the heart of that movie because it was just so beautiful. Last thing I'll say, I could say so many things,

but one thing I think is powerful throughout your story is that you were able to stand for your faith in the private moments where it was like, God told you to stop, you went to your agency, said, I need to stop. You took the time to do things you needed to do. And you stood for your faith in moments that were more private.

And then I watched this moment of you winning an award. I think it was like upcoming actress of the year, something like that. What award was that that you won? You probably won many, but. Was I in a white suit? Yes. Oh, this is a prestigious award. This is the BAFTA. Winning a BAFTA is one of the biggest awards in the UK. It's like the second thing to an Oscar. I mean, it was epic. You looked amazing. You always look amazing. You were crushing it,

fit, all things. You get up there and the first thing you say is, I identify as a child of God. And then you start thanking God for what he's done. And just going on the journey of hearing your story, I was just like, you know, that just shows when you stand for God in the private moments, you're able to stand boldly for him in the public moments. And I think so many people, especially Christians,

it's like you wanna share your faith, you know, but then you get nervous or you get intimidated, you get shy, but like if God is real to you and you're able to stand for him in those private moments, it will overflow in the public moments. It's like God says, you are the light of the world. You know, a city on a hill cannot be hidden. You don't light a lamp, put it under a stand.

You put it on top of the stand so it gives light to everyone in the house in the same way let your good deeds shine so that they may glorify your father in heaven. And you live that verse out so beautifully. You do not hide your light. You stand boldly in it and you shine it and you've done that in private moments and public moments. You're an incredible inspiration to people who see you in the acting world but you're an incredible inspiration for people who get to know the acting world, but you're an incredible inspiration for people who get to know your heart. And so thank you for taking so much time to share your heart on this podcast and to share a little bit more of the backstory. I loved every

second of getting to know you and I'm so grateful for you coming on. No, bless. No, it was beautiful to be on the show. Thank you. I'll see you again. Yes, for sure.