Darren Mann – Embattled

By starrymag | November 29, 2020

By: Paige Zinaman

 

 

Q) Congratulations on the release of Embattled! It was amazing. What drew you to this project?

 

A) Thanks! When I first read Embattled I knew I had to have it. It was a meaningful, powerful story, well beyond the MMA ring that drew me to this project. That being said, I love MMA and boxing – really anytime I get to mix acting with my athletic background is a bonus.

 

Q) Please tell us a little bit about your character Jett.

 

A) Jett is an extremely selfless young man that is still trying to find his own path when we meet him in Embattled. What is most clear to him is that he wants to give his mother and his brother the life that he believes they deserve. He has a natural ability to fight and he has a way in through his father – it seems like his only path to a better life at the beginning. As our story unfolds, it becomes clear to Jett that his father is far from the man he wishes to grow into, but he’ll never give up hope in their relationship.

 

Q) What type of training went into prepping for this role? 

 

A) We were blessed with the best stunt team I have ever worked with, along with the greatest group of professional MMA fighters and coaches at SBG Alabama. We put in long days working on the mats together, which could be grueling at times. But the support/coaching from our squad was so fantastic that the entire process was always a lot of fun. I’d roll it back any day with this crew.

 

Q) Talk about getting to work with Stephen Dorff.

 

A) I have worked a lot with Cash Boykins, not sure I’ve met Stephen Dorff yet. What I can tell you about Cash is that he gave it every single day and was always there for his fellow actors. He never dialed it in, whether it was his coverage or not or even if he was on the other side of a phone call – he always gave it 100%. I really respect that about him and his process.

 

Q) During filming was there something that stuck with you? Be it a line, a scene, etc.

 

A) I actually met my now fiancé while working on set of Embattled!

 

Q) What was one of your favorite memories from working on the set of Embattled?

 

A) I absolutely loved getting to work with our stunt team and the squad at SBG Alabama, that was a dream come true for me.

 

Q) What is something you hope fans take away from the film?

 

A) Who you are outside of what you do is what really matters. If you want to be remembered, treat people with love and respect.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan feedback have you been receiving to the film?

 

A) The feedback has been absolutely amazing! I am so thankful for all the love I have received. It really means a lot to me. I love this film and this crew.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your work?

 

A) You can do absolutely anything you want to do in this life. It’s just a matter of how long you are willing to struggle through the process. Go get it!