Deobia Oparei – Independence Day: Resurgence

By starrymag | June 3, 2016

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the film Independence Day: Resurgence?

 

A) I was in San Francisco, for “Game Of Thrones” Season Five premiere, when I heard Roland Emmerich would be in LA and seeing actors for Independence Day: Resurgence. I’d already met with the casting director and loved the role. With, “Game Of Thrones” show runners, David Benioff and Dan B. Weiss’s blessing, I skipped the premiere, flew to LA and meet with Roland. In the audition, Roland and Harald Kloser (the producers) made some interesting changes to Dikembe, which made the character multi-dimensional, enigmatic and even more exciting to play.

 

Q) Did the role evolve or change from your audition to the character that we actually see on screen?

 

A) Yes, from that callback audition with Roland, Dikembe became more human and not just a stock African warlord type. A really interesting – and heartbreaking – back story was sketched out and developed further during filming. This made for moments of poise and pathos, which was nice to play alongside Dikembe’s dynamic, warrior like, bravura.

 

Q) What was the most challenging aspect of filming for you?

 

A) I think the long hours were challenging. Roland likes to shoot late into the night….and beyond, which I personally love. It’s a challenge to keep one’s energy focused and primed no matter the (twilight) hour. However, I’ve had lots of experience with long shoots. With Moulin Rouge, I had one scene where, as Le Chocolate, I was painted blue from head to toe, which took six hours in the makeup chair – before I even stepped onto set. It took approximately four hours to be made up for my role as Gunner in Pirates Of The Caribbean 4. What made Independence Day: Resurgence distinct is the fast paced action and maintaining Dikembe’s intensity throughout a long night of shooting.

 

Q) How was working with director Roland Emmerich and what kind of guidance/advice did he give you?

 

A) Working with Roland was an event. A spectacular one! He pours so much confidence into his actors by believing in their skill and abilities to deliver a compelling and interesting character. I found him to be an intense director, much like a master painter who holds a huge vision while at the same time being able to paint in minute detail. He would say one or two phrases to me that would unlock an emotional memory for me as an actor, enabling me to take my characterization deeper. I think the guidance or advice I got from him was indirect, through his work and the way he works. Fearlessly, bold. 1000% committed.

 

Q) Is there anything you added to the role that might not have originally been scripted? 

 

A) There was a scene in the movie, shot in Dikembe’s study. It was very important to me that the character be seen as a progressive African leader and intellectual. So, I asked if we could litter the study with African, African American and Diasporic literature from Ngugi wa thiong’o, Edward Said, James Baldwin, Toni Morrisson et al. Roland agreed. I’m not sure whether it’s ended up in the final cut. Even though Dikembe is the strong and silent type, a man of few words, he is an Oxford educated, Fine Arts major. I loved this about the character’s back story.  It’s always important for me to veer away from or to question and play with stereotypes.

 

Q) Is there a scene or moment you are nervous or excited about seeing how it plays out?

 

A) I’m always nervous about the final cut of a film and anxious that all that hard work has made its way onto the screen. The truth is I have no control over that so I find a way to let it go. And I arrive at the premiere as excited and on the edge of my seat through the whole showing as any die hard fan.

 

Q) Did the chemistry come naturally or did that take time to develop?

 

A) If your referring to the chemistry between other cast members, the director and myself, then the chemistry came naturally. I think when artists meet and the modus operandi is to serve the story and not each other’s egos. Then mostly play, fun and intense creative hard work ensues, which was the case on Independence Day: Resurgence. Jeff Goldblum is a wonderful actor and a charming presence on set. On our first day, he brought in Arthur Miller’s Death Of A Salesman, assigned everyone roles from Charlotte Gainsbourg to Liam Hemsworth and myself. Then, he set about reading us though our parts at breaks in filming, which served to break the ice, create a (theatre) company vibe and ease first-day-on-set nerves. Genius!

 

Q) You’re a part of social media, are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback it will provide?

 

A) Of course! I’m still navigating the Twitter-sphere, Instagram and soon to be Snapchat waters. Wish me luck! I’d love to go toe to toe with Kylie Jenner someday! She’s got like a billion followers, right?

 

Q) What was your favorite moment from behind the scenes from filming?

 

A) The whole experience from start to finish was a very positive and exciting one. What stands out is the ease yet intense energy of working with Roland Emmerich. I felt very comfortable pouring myself into the character of Dikembe because he provides a focused and supportive creative environment, on set, where an actor can thrive and focus on the scene at hand. Oh, and I did love riding my red Camaro convertible rental around the streets of New Mexico.

 

Q) What have you taken away from your experiences being a part of this project?

 

A) Working with a great director, in Roland Emmerich, and spending time with exceptionally talented Hollywood actors Jeff Goldblum, Brent Spiner and Bill Pullman has really given me a sense of what is possible in this industry when it comes to creating a strong, durable and lasting successful career. And, most importantly, that it can all be done with a sense of fun, lots of humor and a la the Goldblum, a twinkle in the eye.