Exclusive: Aldis Hodge On His Role As Hawkman And The Importance Of Black Superheroes
Back in September 2020, we were all graced with the news that Aldis Hodge will portray Hawkman in the upcoming DCEU Black Adam film opposite Dwayne Johnson.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Hodge where he spoke about working with Regina King in One Night in Miami, but also shared some insights on how things are shaping up with Hawkman. The actor expressed his excitement with getting the call where he learned he landed the role, his research and the importance of Black superheroes.
Check out the video of the interview below:
Lastly, since obviously I’m doing this for Geeks of Color, I had to bring up that I’ve given you guys a name – The DCEU Bird Gang since you’re going to be Hawkman and Jurnee Smollett is Black Canary. I was just wondering what that felt like when you got the call saying, ‘Hey, you’re going to be Hawkman’ and have you started researching the role?
Hodge: The research is done [laughs]. The research has been done, girl! At this point, research is now just eating as much as I can to put on weight. That call was insane. I grew up on graphic novels, so to be able to jump into the shoes of – I mean, it’s not just like the average regular superhero, this is Hawkman [laughs]. He’s a savage! So for me, it’s honestly, really fantastic.
And when I think about the representation aspect of that, because I didn’t grow up watching superheroes that look like me, you know? I remember my teens, my early teens, maybe we came into like, Spawn and Blade, you know what I’m saying? And that was awesome. So to know that younger kids are gonna be able to see that and see opportunity. And having awareness that I didn’t have a young age about what they can accomplish; that really is fantastic. And again, that’s the great goal of this. So, you know, it’s a grand responsibility. Still, there is still responsibility, and I’m gonna take care of it. But I’m very grateful. Very excited.
Here’s a look at what Hodge could look like as Hawkman, created by Boss Logic:
(By Boss Logic)
