By Nyla Cross | Script Writer
Snoop Dogg as Jaycen Jenning motivates youth football players in Amazon original film, “The Underdoggs.” Photo courtesy of Amani Tafari
It promises to be a great year for Black stories , arts and entertainment. The Color Purple was released on Christmas Day. Two Black women, Ayo Edibiri and Quinta Brunson, are the first Black women to both win in the comedy category at The Emmys in the same year. And, a new film starring Snoop Dogg, Tika Sumpter, Mike Epps, and George Lopez, called The Underdoggs was released on January 26.
The Underdoggs is about a retired football star, Jaycen “Two Js” Jennings, played by Snoop Dogg, who coaches a youth football team as community service to avoid jail time. In his coaching, Jennings sees the importance of community, and decides to turn his career and life around for the better.
Tika Sumpter stars in the film as Cherise, Snoop’s love interest in the movie. At an HBCU roundtable press conference on Jan. 21, Sumpter told how she transitioned from drama to comedy, and to working with children, Snoop, and Mike Epps, to the themes of the movie and how audiences can relate. The film emphasizes returning to a community to give back and create a legacy larger than yourself.
In the virtual roundtable discussion, Sumpter said Snoop has always cared for his community. In Southern California, he created the Snoop Youth Football League for football, basketball, and cheer. His community work inspired him to do the film, she said.
“Snoop is from Long Beach, right? He created this football program that now 60 NFL players went through, over like 100 Division one players went through, I mean this is his legacy. He really believes in these kids, so much so that he made this film. I think he’s going to inspire a group of kids that are sometimes looked over.”
The film highlights chosen family, she said.
“One big theme is family is what you make it. Sometimes going home is the best thing for you,” Sumpter said. While she is known for her dramatic roles in The Haves and the Have Nots, Sumpter is trying out comedy. The energy from a set in both scenarios is vital, she said.
“In drama, you more sit in the role. It’s not so loose in comedy, you want it to be loose. You have to play off people all the time,” Sumpter said.
Child actors were an integral part of the film. Their energy and excitement, and eagerness to learn was inspiring, she said. And she got to be a role model.
“They infuse this awe of being grateful,” she said. “They’re so grateful for having a chance, a shot. They remind me why I do what I do.”
The film also presents themes from being overlooked to under appreciated which was something Sumpter, an underdog herself, resonated with.
“Just to think of a little girl coming out of Hollins Queens, NY, moving to Long Island, seeing no people around who actually made it, it’s a miracle that I’m here,” she said. “He great thing about youth is that you’re naive, and when you’re naive, you believe you can do anything.”
Sumpter’s mindset of believing in yourself, uplifting your community, and always being grounded in your passions and your motivations are evident in all of her work, but especially in this new project.
The film’s lighthearted comedy paired with its star-studded cast and uplifting messages are sure to make it worth watching. Check out The Underdoggs on Amazon Prime Video.
The Hampton Script 