Exclusive Interview: Jordan Preston Carter Chats DMZ, Working Alongside Rosario Dawson, and More

Actor Jordan Preston Carter is an exciting new face who is making his mark on the industry. He’s landed coveted roles in projects including The Violent Heart, Shaft, and The Haves and the Have Nots, and has worked with legends like Tyler Perry and Ava DuVernay.

This spring, he starts in the critically-acclaimed new series DMZ, starring opposite Rosario Dawson.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Jordan about his career, DMZ, and more!

PC: How did you discover your passion for storytelling?
Jordan: My passion for storytelling started at a young age. I loved to read and to imagine different characters, and I started keeping a small journal of different events that happened along the way with the characters that I created. I hope to write a children’s book in the future but with my own twist on things. I would like to make my stories relatable but with adventure and suspense.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jordan: My mom is my biggest influence, and the reason I say that is because she constantly reminds me that average is not exceptional. Giving 100% percent every day will never leave you feeling like you didn’t try hard enough.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out?
Jordan: It was getting to work with Mr. Tyler Perry. I was cast as Quincy Jr. on The Haves and the Have Nots. It was only supposed to be a couple of episodes. But Mr. Perry liked me from the start, as did the cast, so I remained on the show as a recurring character for a while. I was only six years old but looked four at the time and the fans and cast just thought I was so cute. I will never forget how I was treated on set. It was amazing to see Mr. Perry’s work every day, and for him to take a chance on me in the way that he did was a blessing in disguise.

PC: Tell us about DMZ, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Jordan: In DMZ, I play Odi Peerlis. He is a loner living within this demilitarized zone, just trying to survive day to day. He realizes after some time that he needs family or a purpose to keep going. That’s when he develops this bond with Alma/Zee played by Rosario Dawson.

The DMZ is such a dangerous place. The people living inside are basically trapped and there is little hope of getting out, so you have to survive off of whatever little resources you have. But as you watch the show, you will see the people start to unite together and fight.

What drew me to this character was the chance to show that even among all kinds of adversity, love and hope for change can bring about unity and an unbreakable bond between the human spirit.

PC: Your character is dealing with a lot in his life. How did you create the space for yourself as an actor to explore those emotions?
Jordan: I had to hone in on trying to understand the true meaning of survival and what that is like not having food, proper medical care, family, and limited to no resources. That truly made me understand my character, as well as the DMZ.

PC: What was it like collaborating with Rosario?
Jordan: It was amazing. She was awesome to work with. She had such a beautiful spirit, and she was full of energy all the time. She was so wise and always upbeat about everything. You could not help but capture some of her energy at the end day. It was highly contagious.

PC: In addition to DMZ, you’re also going to be starring in Salem’s Lot. Is there anything you can tell us about that project?
Jordan: I play Mark Petrie, the lead kid, alongside Lewis Pullman who plays Ben Mears, a writer who returns to his childhood home of Jerusalem’s Lot in search of inspiration for his next book. But what Mark Petrie and Ben and some other town folks along the way soon discover is that vampires are living amongst them and they have to rid the town of these impostors. This movie is based off of Stephen King’s bestselling book Salem’s Lot. So just knowing that alone you know it’s going to be amazing. It will truly be worth the wait!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jordan: Abbott Elementary.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jordan: Annabelle.

PC: Favorite book?
Jordan: My Spider-Man comic books.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Jordan: My favorite is the classic Nutcracker.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jordan: I love Aretha Franklin’s music.

PC: Dream role?
Jordan: To play Miles Morales.

To keep up with Jordan, follow him on Instagram. Watch DMZ on HBO Max today.

Photo Credit: Brian Jones