It was recently announced that actor Ozie Nzeribe is back as Royale Hughes on the Apple TV+ sports drama ‘Swagger” season two. Royale Hughes, a young top male basketball player who is constantly trying to prove himself in the series inspired by NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s experiences in youth basketball. Royale is a complex individual, but his development and progression will be something for fans to watch as he grows and adapts to situations. In addition, fans will continue to see more important topics and issues revealed on the show.
Also returning is a terrific ensemble cast including O’Shea Jackson Jr., Isaiah Hill, Shinelle Azoroh, Academy Award nominee Quvenzhané Wallis, Caleel Harris, Tristan Mack Wilds, Tessa Ferrer, James Bingham, Solomon Irama, Jason Rivera, Christina Jackson and Sean Baker, and adds newcomers Orlando Jones and Shannon Brown.
The show will also continue to explore the world of elite youth basketball clubs, the players, their families and coaches who walk the fine line between dreams, ambition, and opportunism. Off the court, the show reveals what it’s like to grow up in America.
Tell us about Royale Hughes on Swagger.
Royale Hughes is a subpar basketball player who struggles with dyslexia and a wealthy hard-to-please father. Royale has a secret unmatched basketball knowledge and he’s a total defense boss on the court. His development and progression will be something to watch as he grows and adapts to situations especially season 2.
You’ve played in many different shows. Can you tell us about a particularly challenging role you’ve played? What did you do to prepare for the role, and what did you learn from the experience?
My first ever acting job as Todd on Showtimes (Shameless) was challenging. I had to be a bully, which is completely out of my character. I had to throw a kid a quarter my size into a locker, but it gave me my first (stunt work) experience, and it taught me how to make specific action movements look real.
What do you consider to be your greatest strength as an actor, and how do you leverage that in your performances?
I believe my greatest strength as an actor is my ability to take direction very well. After putting in my own hard work into bringing a role to life, I can tweak, refine, or completely change my approach solely off the director’s notes, no matter how big or small.
Do you have any advice for anyone trying to strive for an acting career?
Be consistent, turn in your self-tape audition on time, and always be open to opinions. of
Apple’s captivating sports drama “Swagger” unveils first look at season 2, set to premiere June 23rd, with new episodes weekly on Fridays until August 11th on Apple TV+. Watch at apple.co/swagger.
###
TAGS: @appletv #Swagger
Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60HYUl2aO8I
Swagger World Premiere @ Tribeca Film Festival: https://tribecafilm.com/films/swagger-2023
Photo Credits: Apple TV+; Zmny Records
