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Jack Harlow’s cinematic journey: From rap to the silver screen
A new face in Hollywood
If Jack Harlow once ignited his career with a flirtatious moment on the red carpet, his charm is undeniable. At a recent movie premiere, the Grammy-nominated artist exuded a cool confidence. Taller than expected, with a baby face adorned by diamond earrings, Harlow navigates the red carpet with a stride that sets him apart from the typical movie star.
The premiere of ‘The Instigators’
On a Wednesday evening in New York City, Harlow attended the premiere of The Instigators, a buddy crime comedy featuring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. Harlow plays a petty thief in the film, marking his second foray into acting. Reflecting on his debut role in the 2023 reboot of White Men Can’t Jump, Harlow candidly admitted, “Shit got killed.”
Lessons from a rocky start
For a first-time actor, the harsh reception of his debut must have stung. Harlow acknowledged the challenge, saying, “I learned I’ve got a lot more work to do. I’ve got to get better if I really want to do it. It’s tougher than I thought.” This experience was a crucial lesson in the movie business, especially in an era where many hip-hop stars boast extensive filmographies.
Embracing the challenge
Harlow’s first film was a trial by fire. “It’s either you do it or you don’t,” he said. “It felt like ’White Boys’ was the type of opportunity you take, and then you learn from how it goes. The best actors know how to let go of control. You can’t control so much of it.”
In The Instigators, produced by Apple TV+ and set to stream on August 9, Harlow shares the screen with two Academy Award winners. “I felt privileged to be surrounded by that level of talent so early in my career. How did I get over here?” he mused. His character, a thief who mentors Damon and Affleck in a hapless robbery, allowed Harlow to expand his acting skills. “I’ve got an angry character,” he said, charmingly. “I’m not very angry in general, so to reach for that was nice.”
The Affleck-Damon dynamic
At the premiere, Harlow was joined by Damon and Affleck, who reflected on their long-standing alliance in Hollywood. Affleck co-wrote the script with Chuck McLean and sent it to Damon. “I send him lots of things,” Affleck said. “I sent him this. It’d been about a week and he hadn’t read it, so I sent it to his wife, and she said she’d make him do it.”
Affleck emphasized the importance of feeling safe on set. “Just feeling like, ‘Okay, I can make mistakes. I can fall on my face.’ That goes a long way. I know someone else is there to keep it contained and have it not end up on screen.”
Chemistry on and off the screen
Damon, standing nearby, interjected, “Don’t be fooled: We get into arguments all the time. But we know each other well enough that our feelings don’t get involved. Our relationship is what makes this movie great.”
Director Doug Liman, who previously worked with Damon on The Bourne Identity, highlighted the chemistry between the two stars. “Not since ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ have I had so much chemistry between my two stars,” Liman said. “They go way back to being kids. They’re family. There’s a huge amount of love between them, but there are also things they do that have annoyed each other for a lifetime. At the end of the day, there’s no magic to directing, or they don’t.”
A promising future
Harlow’s journey from rap to the silver screen is a testament to his versatility and determination. As he continues to hone his craft, fans can look forward to seeing more of his unique blend of charm and talent in future projects.
Photos from the premiere
Jack Harlow’s transition from music to movies is a fascinating journey, one that promises to bring fresh energy and perspective to the film industry. As he continues to grow and evolve, both fans and critics alike will be watching closely.
