Exclusive Interview: Caleb Dixon Talks ‘The Underdoggs,’ Channeling His Character, Working with Snoop Dogg, and More

Caleb Dixon is scoring big as a rising star, exhibiting his impressive range of talents in his standout performance in The Underdoggs. He not only shares the screen with industry legends like Snoop Dogg, Tika Sumpter, and Mike Epps but also tackles the role with finesse, making every scene a touchdown.

In this laugh-out-loud sports dramedy, we follow Jaycen “Two Js” Jennings (played by Snoop Dogg), a former pro football star who hits rock bottom. Sentenced to community service coaching an unruly pee-wee football team in his hometown, Jaycen might just find the opportunity to turn his life around and rekindle his love for the game. Caleb shines as Dwayne, a player on the Underdoggs, exuding swag—or at least that’s what he wants his team to believe.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Caleb about The Underdoggs, delving into what drew him to the role, his experience working alongside Snoop Dogg, Tika Sumpter, and Mike Epps, and his aspirations for what audiences will take away from the film.

PC: You’ve got a new project out now, The Underdoggs, which is #1 on Prime Video. Congratulations, by the way. What was it about this character and script that made you want to be a part of it?
Caleb: What I was going through at the time in my own life related to my character. So, I thought I could tell my story through the screen and through this different person.

PC: Life imitating art. In the film, Snoop [Dogg]’s character becomes this mentor to the team. Who were the people in your own life who have shaped the actor that you are today?
Caleb: First, my mom, my manager, and my siblings. All of them are role models to me. They push me to become a better actor and push me to get these roles.

PC: What’s so great about this film is that you get to show off your comedic chops as well as those more heartfelt moments when your character is opening to Snoop’s character about his family life. Does comedy or drama come more naturally to you?
Caleb: I would say comedy because I’m a really funny person. Every day I make my siblings laugh; I make my parents laugh. I’m a very funny person. So, I would say comedy.

PC: You really get to show that off in this film. There’s such great chemistry that comes off the screen between the entire team. They bicker and fight like family, but they always have each other’s back. How were you able to build that bond with your fellow castmates? Do you have a favorite behind-the-scenes moment?
Caleb: My favorite behind-the-scenes moment is the rap battles, even though we’d lose. We would all rap battle Snoop. As far as how we built that relationship, we saw each other every day, and we just got closer as a family. Outside of filming, we’d all go out to eat, have fun, and things like that.

PC: Speaking of Snoop, you’re getting to star opposite so many legends between Snoop, Tika, and Mike. What was it like getting to work with each of them? Did you learn anything about your craft starring opposite them?
Caleb: It was a blast. It was so much fun. But when it was time to work, we really got to work. We really got it done. Something that I learned from them was that if you’re always working hard, it’ll take you very far. Being around people like Mike Epps, Snoop, and Tika taught me how to stay focused. You can have fun but stay focused and get the work done while also having fun at the same time.

PC: This is one of your biggest roles to date. When you look back at this experience, what will you remember most? What was the biggest takeaway?
Caleb: It is one of my biggest ones so far! The biggest thing I learned was how to connect with my character and bring my life stories into the character’s story. It really taught me how to get into the character’s mindset and how to act it out and just do your best.

PC: You’re such a scene-stealer in this movie. Is there a particular scene that you’re really excited for audiences to see now that it’s out on Prime Video?
Caleb: The scene that I was excited for people to see is when I’m there with Snoop, and we’re talking about where we came from and how we grew up. In the film, my character doesn’t want to go home, but he opens up, and it leads to me getting new shoes and my Pick 6, which leads to the touchdown. That was really great.

PC: The film has been incredibly well received. What do you think is resonating most with audiences? There are so many lessons that they can take away; what do you hope they learn?
Caleb: I hope they learn that even if you get big in life, never forget where you came from. Never forget about the people who raised you. Never forget about the people who got you to where you are right now. Because when you’re at your lowest, those are the people you are going to turn back to. If you do them wrong, then they’re not going to be there for you. Make sure you remember them. So when you’re down, they’re going to accept you and be willing to help you.

PC: Beautiful answer. This project is going to open so many doors for you. Do you have a dream role?
Caleb: I want to do an action movie. I want to jump over cars, have explosions, and fight sequences. I love action movies. I love comedies too, but I love action. That’s all I want to do.

To keep up with Caleb, follow him on Instagram. The Underdoggs is out now on Prime Video.