L-R: Russell Hornsby, Regina Hall, Amandla Stenberg, and Common in Twentieth Century Fox’s THE HATE U GIVE. Photo Credit: Erika Doss.(NEW YORK) — Russell Hornsby is extremely familiar with the type of man he portrays in the upcoming Black Lives Matter-inspired film, The Hate U Give.
Taking on the role of the gritty and often unyielding Maverick Carter — an ex-con and father who Hornsby describes as a “byproduct” of society — is a character that the actor admits is unfortunately representative of the many black men who are consistently ignored by the world in which they live.
“It was told to me a while back that there was a time when boats were made of wood and men were made of steel,” Hornsby tells ABC Radio. “And I think that Maverick represents that type of man — who was brought up in a world where they didn’t place value on who he is or who he was as a man.”
He continues, “And, so therefore, he had to take alternative means in order to make it in this world. And as a byproduct of that — you do some illicit things. And he ended up in the system.”
While Hornsby’s character offers a glimpse into the complex life of a black man, Hornsby also says Maverick demonstrates the love and protectiveness of a father, which the world needs to know “exists.”
“He is a man who does have a rough exterior. He is a man who has seen a lot of things — unfortunate things in his life. But, he’s also still a man of courage,” Hornsby explains. “He’s still a man of conviction. He is a man of deep passion and deep love…
for his family, for his kids, for his wife, and for his community. And I think, above all, that’s important for audiences to see and bear witness to.”
The Hate U Give hits theaters nationwide on October 19.
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