Hollywood fame is a curious thing. For the observer, the instant at which those rays of celebrity strike the eye would suggest only a short distance between he/she and the source of that brilliance, but truth knows it traveled a long way for our pupil’s delight.
Ser’Darius Blain has been grinding hard to realize his dreams of stardom for over a decade and has appeared in many roles. But, with the overwhelming success of Jumanji, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kevin Hart and Jack Black, Ser’Darius tells The Shadow League that life comin’ up on the rough side of the mountain is a thing of the past.
“I’m living the most blessed life I ever thought I’d live right now,” said Blain during our discussion. “Anyone who told you that this movie was going to do as good as it did would be lying to you! It’s been a night and day difference. I’ve gotten some opportunities that I could never have dreamed of as a result of the success of Jumanji. I’m excited! I’m working on Charmed right now, and I think that’s heavily due to the success of Jumanji as well”
“The process of getting these jobs seems to be a little easier here and there. When you grind it out for as long as I have, doing this for over 10 years, it feels like there’s just no end to the road. But when you get a chance to be a part of a billion-dollar movie like this it definitely changes your life a bit.”
“I have to think twice before I put on certain clothes to go to the grocery store now. So, it’s a little different. The fans have responded so greatly, and it’s been some much fun, it’s been a lifestyle change for me. But a welcomed one.”
TSL: Was there any trepidation on your part when you first got the call?
SB: “Yes and no, but when I first saw who was involved in it. I thought it was going to be a hit, but I had been a part of a remake before. I did Footloose in 2011. People like to keep their classics, classics and they don’t want you touching them at all. But, at the same time, I always keep in mind that we’re introducing our projects to new fans. This isn’t necessarily for our parents, it’s about new fans. And maybe bringing the doubters along for the ride and converting them along the way.”
TSL: What was life on the set with such big personalities as Kevin Hart and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson?
SB: “The only difference between the two of them is the height difference. I think Kevin is actually funnier offset than he is on camera. That’s saying a lot because he’s hilarious on camera. DJ holds it down, too. He’s a prankster, joke-cracker, constantly.”
“Both of these guys have five and six businesses they’re juggling when they come onto the set 150 percent ready to make contributions to their art and their craft as well. It’s a site to see, they’re one in the same, now. I think that’s why they’re best friends, too. Lions roll with lions. They’re an incredible site to see. They’re incredible human beings as well. Kevin’s slightly funnier. I’ll give you that. But that what he gets paid to do. So, ya know.”
TSL: And what’s been your favorite part of this experience thus far?
SB: “My favorite part about it all? My favorite part about it all changes every day! This movie was released in December, here it is in (May) and we’re still talking about it. One of my favorite parts of it has been the fan reaction and the tremendous weight that was lifted off my shoulders when this movie opened. So many people were talking crap about it before it came out and even had a chance to stand up on its own two feet. For me, now I’m elated that everyone is just loving it!”
“And that my son loves it, actually. I have a three-year-old son and he’s my biggest critic. If I’m cooking something, and he likes it, I know it’s good. If I’m doing something in film and TV, and he likes it, I know it’s good. He told me Jumanji was good.”
TSL: What else do you have coming up?
SB: “I’m really excited about The Last Full Measure, which is a film I did coming out later this year. It stars Samuel L. Jackson, Ed Harris, Christopher Plummer and Sebastian Stan. I think this movie is going to be the one that kind of give people gratitude for our vets and what they’ve done and that they risked their lives on a daily basis to help us maintain our liberties. Honestly, it’s been one of my favorite projects to ever work on. I had sort of a spiritual rebirth while I was in Thailand shooting that movie. I’m excited about everybody seeing The Last Full Measure, which is going to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September. “
Jumanji is currently out on DVD and Blueray. Ser’Darius is currently working on the “Charmed” TV series and is certainly on a different career track with a Sam Jackson film coming down the pike. Congrats.
