In Searchlight Picture’s latest film, *The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat,* we witness a powerful portrayal of sisterhood, friendship, and resilience spanning over three decades. But what makes this film truly unique is its dual casting approach, where young actresses Tati Gabrielle, Abigail Achiri, and Kyanna Simone step into the shoes of their older counterparts—Sanaa Lathan, Uzo Aduba, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor—to bring to life the characters of Barbara Jean, Clarice, and Odette, respectively. These rising stars embody the spirit of their characters and capture the essence of the legendary actresses who play their older versions.
In an exclusive interview with the cast, Tati Gabrielle, who portrays young Barbara Jean, shared her experience of connecting with Sanaa Lathan. “It was a little bit of both [natural and planned]. We all had these moments where Tina was very adamant about getting us together with our counterparts. We needed to feel them out, talk about the characters, and really, more than anything, form a relationship.” Gabrielle emphasized how this connection allowed her to align seamlessly with Lathan’s portrayal of Barbara Jean, making their transition from past to present in the film both organic and authentic.
Abigail Achiri, who takes on the role of young Clarice, echoed Gabrielle’s sentiments. She talked about her deep connection with Uzo Aduba, stating, “I think there was a lot of, I had to be told, but they were telling me, ‘You and Uzo are basically the same woman.’ And I was just like, Uzo is this, and she’s that, and she’s so refined, and she’s so awesome. She’s so great.” Achiri shared how these insights helped her find common ground with Aduba, leading to a performance that reflected the same essence, mannerisms, and heart.
Kyanna Simone, who plays the younger version of Odette, expressed her admiration for Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and how their relationship developed during filming. “I remember when I had my first phone call with Aunjanue, and she answered the phone. She said, ‘Hi Kyanna, so I hear we’re both playing Odette.’ I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, she’s so kind and so sweet.’” Simone described how this initial conversation blossomed into a friendship that influenced her portrayal of Odette, making their on-screen connection feel real and grounded.
One of the most compelling aspects of *The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat* is how these young actresses, despite not sharing scenes with their older counterparts, managed to mirror the nuances of their characters’ journeys through the years. As Gabrielle pointed out, “We spoke to them about the characters, what it is that we’re doing here, but there was this natural kinship between each of our counterparts that aligned with them in very surprising ways.”
This kinship and collaboration have resulted in a seamless portrayal of the characters’ evolution, offering viewers a rich, immersive experience. The younger cast’s dedication to embodying the spirit of their roles has not gone unnoticed, with each actress bringing her unique flair while respecting the characters’ legacy.
Read the book: “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” Novel https://amzn.to/4dRGNcY
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