Aldis Hodge is dedicated to changing the image of black men on screen

With a career spanning 30 years, Aldis Hodge black representation in hollywood Many years. The actor got his start in the ’90s and hasn’t taken his feet off Gus since.After playing small roles throughout his childhood and into his teens, Hodge made his mark. Leverage Since then he has captivated us with projects like underground, hidden figure, Invisible Man When city ​​on the hillA true leading man, he has the ability to reinvent himself and occupy a space in Hollywood that cannot be underestimated.

“My ambition is to continually change my perspective. [on] Hodge, 36, said: We are not sitting here waiting for a call. We are creating that path of opportunity for ourselves. ”

for a night in miami Actors, this means taking on roles that have an impact far beyond the screen. “I like to do projects with substance – anything that has real value outside of entertainment and moves the needle forward in terms of getting jobs that are fair for us. Creative and non-traditional. I love everything.”

of black adambased on the DC Comics character and due for release in October of this year, Hodge will appear as Hawkman, aka Carter Hall. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson signifies the arrival of a new era black superhero When they are still few and far between.

“I had never seen it with my own eyes, so it was such an honor to be a part of it,” he admits. “Introducing Justice Society and breathing new life into DC [Extended] A universe with these storylines, it’s going to be insane.Director Jaume Collet-Serra has a great eye and a deep understanding of storytelling. People are not yet ready for what this will do. ”

Hawkman is an archaeologist and the modern reincarnation of an ancient Egyptian prince who has lived many lives. It was exhilarating for Hodge to put on the incredible gravity-defying Nth metal suit for the first time. “It’s the culmination of childhood dreams, validated in the flesh. This is an incident.this really falls”

Recognizing the Significance of Long-Term Roles black adam Not just a fan, but a curious newcomer, Hodge dived into comics for research and turned to Johnson for support. “We have a big responsibility, which is great for the kids watching this,” he says. You belong to a position of creative freedom, your message is of great value, that’s why I loved playing this role and I want to continue playing it. It’s the reason I’m here.”

This article appears in the September/October 2022 issue of ESSENCE magazine on newsstand.