Superfly’s Star Trevor Jackson

SUPERFLY is one of 2018 action movies we’re most excited for. The remake of the ’70s blaxploitation film follows a hustler named Youngblood Priest who is living it up in Atlanta. Priest seems to be on top of his game, but gets more than he bargained for when a gang with Mexican drug cartel connections arrives in town. Priest decides to retire, but not before one last criminal go-round.
With Director X calling the shots and actors like Michael Kenneth Williams and Jason Mitchell in the cast, SUPERFLY has a lot to offer. One appealing factor is the film’s star. Youngblood Priest is played by relative newcomer Trevor Jackson, a stage and TV veteran making the most of his biggest feature role to date. Unfamiliar with the work of the 21-year-old actor? Here’s everything you need to know.
He Started Out On Broadway
Jackson was born in Indianapolis, and decided early on in his life that he wanted to pursue a career in entertainment. It didn’t take long for him to show off his talent. In 2004, he landed the role of Young Simba in the Broadway production of The Lion King. Following his success on the stage, Jackson guest-starred in multiple TV shows including Cold Case, Harry’s Law and Austin & Ally. His recurring role on the Syfy series Eureka would garner him the most recognition.
Following his success on the small screen, Jackson transitioned yet again, this time to film. In 2012, he appeared in A Beautiful Soul and Disney film Let It Shine.
He’s Also A Musician
In addition to his success as an actor, Jackson is a talented musician. He signed with Atlantic records in 2012 and released his first single in 2013. An EP called #NewThang followed. Over the next few years he would release several more singles, including “Good Girl, Bad Girl.”
That work in music was not a departure from acting, and in 2016 Jackson scored a starring role in the second season of anthology series American Crime. He also appeared as Aaron on Black-ish, and continues to develop that role on the spin-off series Grown-ish. In 2017, he played Zurich, the leading role in a Netflix original movie called Burning Sands.
Despite being so young, Jackson has already made a huge mark on Hollywood. All his work has led up to SUPERFLY, which is his first leading role in a mainstream movie. That’s a lot of pressure, not only because SUPERFLY is a high-profile action film, but because the Youngblood Priest character has a dedicated audience thanks to actor Ron O’Neal, who created the role in the ’70s original.
Jackson has proven, however, that he is capable of just about everything. Thanks to all he’s achieved so far, we’re sure he’ll make a great Youngblood Priest. We can’t wait to see what he brings to the role when SUPERFLY is released this month.
SUPERFLY hits theaters June 13, 2018.