The inspiring journey of Anthony Robles is vividly brought to life by Jharrel Jerome in the film Unstoppable. Directed by William Goldenberg, this powerful narrative traces Robles’s evolution as an amateur wrestler, highlighting his impressive achievements from high school competitions to national recognition in college wrestling. All the while, he navigates the challenges of stepping into a fatherly role for his mother and siblings, showcasing his resilience and commitment to family amidst the competitive sports landscape.
Unstoppable marks a significant milestone in Jerome’s career, elevating him into the spotlight. He initially gained acclaim for his role in the Oscar-winning film Moonlight and has recently contributed to the expansive Spider-Verse universe, voicing Miles G. Morales in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. His involvement in Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse promises to further amplify his rising star status.
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This film blends a feel-good narrative with deeply personal themes, creating a tear-jerking experience.
In honor of Unstoppable‘s streaming debut on Prime Video, ScreenRant engaged in a conversation with Jerome and Robles to explore the film’s portrayal of the mother-son bond, the pressures that amateur wrestlers face, Robles’s emotional response to receiving a full-ride scholarship from Arizona State University, and what lies ahead for Jerome in Beyond the Spider-Verse.
Anthony Robles Discusses Drawing Strength from His Mother
“There were moments when my mom provided the strength I needed…”
ScreenRant: A powerful image often shared illustrates the complex relationship between a mother and her child, highlighting how a mother gives strength while sacrificing some of her own. This dynamic seems to resonate in your story with your mother throughout your childhood and college years, as it appears you also provided her with strength. Would you agree with that perspective?
Anthony Robles: Absolutely. The film beautifully captures the essence of our relationship, illustrating how we supported one another through challenging times. There were moments when one of us had to be the stronger one, lifting the other out of difficult situations. This mutual strength was a crucial aspect of our bond, where my mother sometimes had to motivate me, saying, ‘Get back out there, keep going.’ It was a special connection that defined our journey together.
Jharrel Jerome Highlights “The Challenges Faced by Wrestlers”
“You pursue wrestling driven by passion and dedication…”
One impactful line that resonates is, ‘I’m running out of time to be someone.’ Setting a deadline for achieving your goals is something that many fear. Yet, for you, Anthony, and your portrayal, Jharrel, this urgency seems to have provided an extra push. Do you think the concept of a hard deadline fueled his motivation to become who he aspired to be?
Jharrel Jerome: Absolutely, that?s a common struggle for wrestlers. The sport has a finite window for success. Unlike other sports that might offer financial rewards, wrestling is driven by passion and dedication. Wrestlers typically don?t enter the field expecting to become millionaires; instead, they pursue their craft with genuine love for the sport. Often, the best wrestlers return to their roots, mentoring the next generation. This understanding of wrestling’s essence has profoundly impacted my appreciation for the sport beyond just the technical skills.
Anthony Robles Shares His Experience of Receiving a Full-Ride Scholarship
“I felt incredibly honored by their belief in me…”
Jharrel mentioned your alma mater, Arizona State University, which supported you significantly. The scene depicting your full-ride scholarship evoked deep emotions in me, as it was a monumental moment in the narrative. Reflecting on that day in real life, what emotions did you experience?
Anthony Robles: That day was incredibly meaningful. I felt profoundly honored that Arizona State University believed in me, especially after our wrestling program faced challenges. Receiving that scholarship signified their trust in me to rebuild the program, and I felt a strong sense of responsibility. Every time I donned my wrestling singlet, I felt like I was representing not just myself, but also my family and friends who supported me. This deep connection fueled my drive to excel and make them proud.
Jharrel Jerome Updates on Upcoming Spider-Verse 3 Recordings
“I?m just as in the dark as you are…”
