“Unstoppable,” the inspiring true story of one-legged wrestler Anthony Robles, has finally hit the big screen, and its stars, Jharrel Jerome and Robles himself, opened up about the incredible journey of bringing this powerful story to life. In this exclusive interview, we delve deep into the challenges and triumphs of portraying Robles’s remarkable life, from the grueling physical and emotional demands on Jerome to the profound impact the film has had on both actors.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: Anthony, what was it like seeing your story on the screen?
Anthony Robles: It was incredibly humbling, to see everything come together because never in my wildest dreams would I have dreamt of this opportunity. It was a big thing for my family to have something out there that they could be proud of for the rest of our lives.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: Jharrel, what was it like portraying Anthony’s story?
Jharrel Jerome: This was definitely by far the most challenging experience I’ve ever had in my life. We did a boot camp together. I really trained with Anthony himself. He taught me his style and his technique, and we got on the mat maybe two hours a day, five days a week, for about six months. Not many actors really get blessed to do a role that really changes them physically.
Jharrel, what was one of the biggest struggles tackling this role?
Jharrel Jerome: Getting into the emotional psyche of this guy. It was getting through that outer shell without it being too invasive or disrespectful at all. So it was more me being a fly on the wall, less than pestering him with questions like, “Yo, what’s it like feeling this?” Now that it’s all done, I see it as a blessing to have just gotten to know Anthony a bit more and get into the emotional side, the vulnerability.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: Anthony, can you speak a bit about your real-life coaches?
Anthony Robles: My coaches were like my father figures—my high school coach, Bobby Williams, and then Sean Charles at Arizona State University. But really, throughout my life, my mom said, “We’re gonna focus on what you have, not what you don’t have, not what can hold you back.” And so when I got introduced to wrestling with those coaches, they really magnified and just amplified that message in their own way. They’d say, “We’re going to find out what you’re good at, and we’re going to force your opponents to wrestle your style, your match.” I learned it on the wrestling mat, but also I was learning it in my life as well.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: Jharrel, Don Cheadle and Michael Peña played Anthony’s real-life coaches. How was it working with them?
Jharrel Jerome: I think actors are like boxers; we spar against each other. And Don is Mike Tyson; he’s a real champion at the craft. I think Don and Michael were able to perfectly embody those father figures and be that thread that was needed for Anthony. These guys are incredible, just warriors at the craft. So to work with them and go toe-to-toe with them, it only just fed into the performance I was trying to give. I’m not gonna give no weak nothing, and so that’s competitive pressure for me. I love that. I’ve always loved that growing up.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: Jharrel, how was it working with Jennifer Lopez?
Jharrel Jerome: Working with Jennifer was incredible. It was the hardest part of filming because it was definitely the most emotional part. And we shot that all in the beginning for three weeks, back to back. We were in that house, 12 hours a day, day after day. So it wasn’t easy. I almost felt like we were doing a play. But Jen was so dedicated to the craft.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: Bobby Cannavale seemed to push you, Jharrel, and I felt that at any time, it was about to go down!
Jharrel Jerome: Bobby towed that line so well, but it’s funny because the scenes were so heavy, but the environment on the set, even though we were all cooped up in there day after day, was so family and so friendly and fun. He’s always making a joke, and so it was amazing to get into those tough moments and realize how important it was to capture those emotions, but also just let it flow.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: Anthony, if you could ask Jharrel one question about his performance or experience during this process, what would it be?
Anthony Robles: Jharrel, what’s been your favorite part, if you have one?
Jharrel Jerome: The best thing about working out with Anthony is he’s big on muscle therapy and recovery. And so one thing I learned was recovery. Our version of recovery was like grilling in the backyard, some carne asada, getting in the pool, swimming, and hitting the hot tub. That was definitely my favorite part, bro, where we got to chill and relax. And those were really the moments I really got to know you.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: Jharrel, if you could ask Anthony one thing after watching his story unfold on screen, what would it be?
Jharrel Jerome: Anthony, is there any part of the film that you watch, that every time it comes on you kinda gotta look away or where your eyes are glued to the screen?
Anthony Robles: The one that really sticks out to me, where you really hit me in particular, is that exchange you had with Michael Peña/Coach Williams on the bleachers, when you’re saying, “I’m running out of time to be somebody.” I remember just seeing that. And every single time, even now, it’s still like it’ll hit me emotionally, man. Like you knew exactly what was going on in my head through that journey right there.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: What’s the 30-second pitch for people to see this film?
Anthony Robles: I hope everyone comes and checks out Unstoppable. This movie is so much more than just a sports movie. It’s about wrestling through life’s challenges on and off the mat, whether it’s physical or mental—we all have an opponent. And I want the audience to walk away just knowing no matter what they’re wrestling, there’s some part of this film that’s going to touch everybody.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: Thank you so much, fellas. Really appreciate it.
Check other Reggie’s review of the movie on our website.
