In the Bleachers

Meet the Next Generation: Tati Gabrielle, Abigail Achiri, and Kyanna Simone Bring ‘The Supremes At Earl’s All-You Can Eat” to Life”

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.

 

As these talented actresses continue to make their mark in Hollywood, their performances in *The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat* serve as a testament to their skill, dedication, and ability to bring complex characters to life across different generations.

 

Catch the film on HULU!

Jill Munroe

Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-based host, producer, and writer. You can find her work on sites such as FoxSports.com, EURweb.com, and MSN.com. Munroe is a current member of the African-American Film Critics Association and the National Association of Black Journalists. Munroe has also been a frequent guest on ESPN radio and Yahoo Sports. In 2015, Munroe released her first book, "PostGame Pass: access into "the life" JillMunroe.com

Share
Published by
Jill Munroe

Recent Posts

“Seeking Mavis Beacon:” A Cultural Icon Who Was Never Real

The mystery behind Mavis Beacon, the face of the beloved 1980s typing software, has intrigued…

4 days ago

Exclusive Interview with Chiwetel Ejiofor & Jay Will on “Rob Peace” | A Powerful True Story

In this exclusive interview with Jill Munroe, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Jay Will sit down to discuss their powerful new…

3 weeks ago

Clipped: A Riveting Dive into the Downfall of Donald Sterling

The FX limited series "Clipped," which premiered on June 4, 2024, on FX on Hulu,…

2 months ago

Exploring “Down in the Valley”: A Deep Dive into the South’s Untold Stories With Nicco Annan

"Down in the Valley," a six-episode docuseries inspired by Katori Hall's acclaimed series "P-Valley," delves…

2 months ago

RSVP Book Recommendations & Review: Worthy- Jada Pinkett-Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith, a global superstar known for her multifaceted career as an actress, singer-songwriter,…

11 months ago

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play by Kobe Bryant – Book Review and Summary

Kobe Bryant's "The Mamba Mentality: How I Play" is a deep dive into the mind…

1 year ago

This website uses cookies.