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ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Lets start at the beginning.
How did you get the role, and how much did you know?
Credit: Netflix; Inset: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
I got the call from my agent saying Marvel wanted to see me.
I knew the project would be relevant, and I wanted to be a part of it.
So they revealed very little.
Netflix
Did they tell you at the time that you wouldnt arrive until more than halfway into the season?
Thats why they couldnt tell metoomuch.
It was really interesting.
Netflix
I had to maintain my anonymity, in a sense.
You guys go first!
There are several memorable fight sequences between you and Mike Colter as Luke.
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What was it like working on those?
Did you have to do any specific training for those?
I did in a sense.
Netflix
What qualities should I bring into him?
[We decided on] quick, really fast dabs and slithers, because hes very elusive.
We worked all of that into the style of fighting and from my theater background.
Ive taken many fight classes, so it was something that I was well-versed in.
Tell me about the research you did for the role.
Were you ever a fan of the comics?
Growing up, I read some ofThe Flash, but I guess I shouldnt say that.
I mean, its like,whaaat?
[Laughs]
Right, there have a shared bloodline.
That just brings on a whole new set of dynamics to work with.
My character had been called a bastard his whole life.
How does that make a person operate?
How would you feel if your childhood was illegitimized and ignored and swept under a rug?
You know, hes a very pained guy.
After all that, his minds been twisted and warped, and hes developed this sensitivity thats almost psychopathic.
Whats running through your head when you have to play Diamondback at his most nefarious?
Well, in a sense, this is a game to him.
I think truly deep down, inside, he still loves Carl.
Thats the funny thing about family, right?
You hate em but you love em.
You love em but you hate em.
[Laughs] Its one of those situations.
So it becomes this game, and I think the smile is just the mask he wears with everyone.
Hes not trying to be nice or to befriend anyone.
Its just his way of dealing with his pain.
He smiles through his pain.
In the comics, it was just, like, his regular clothes.
He went out every day in that green jacket, that was just his look!
Lookin like a pimp daddy.
[Laughs] But this suit he wears in the show is more armor.
It allows him the ability to go into a fight with Luke and not get hurt.
He can be punched, but he can hit as well, you know?
Hes always wanted to be seen as an equal and he never had a chance.
Anytime he does, he really enjoys it, and hes a happy man.
How much do you know about Diamondbacks future?
Do you have any clue about whats next?
They left it open-ended Im just so glad they didnt kill me off!
What should Marvel do with the brother of Luke Cage?
Thats a good question, and I dont know [the answer], they havent told me.
All I know is Im in a hospital bed.
What is [the doctor] going to do?
Whats he there for?
Im really interested to see if any of those questions will be answered.
He represents that movement.
As far as Diamondback is concerned, I dont think hes concerned with that at all.
This is the problem with psychopaths, you know?
If anything I think this show explores the damage that can be done by family.
It all starts there.
That led into this direction of destruction, and the same thing happens with Diamondback.
Through his family he went down this path of destruction, and that became a single purpose.
[Laughs] Actually, I have several.
I think that just says it all.
Its something that Carl didnt even know…
It touches on the pain of the character and the damage that can be done to an impressionable child.
This all started in childhood, and it haunted both of their lives.
So when thats revealed, everything falls into place.
I just hope that fans enjoy it.
Im just really, really happy to be a part of it.
Marvels Luke Cageis streaming now on Netflix.
