Pop Culturalist Chats with Luke Cage’s Justin Swain

Marvel’s Luke Cage is back for season 2 which means another gritty, exciting chapter in the story featuring nuanced, detailed characters we root for (and against!). Justin Swain has been a part of the series since last season as Detective Mark Bailey. We chatted with him about how his character changes this season, how he sees himself in Bailey, and what he’s excited for fans to see.

PC: How familiar were you with the Luke Cage comics?
Justin: I really didn’t have a background in the comics when I booked the role of Bailey. My father-in-law was obsessed and has an extensive collection, so I go to him for insight and backstory.

PC: How does your character change from season 1 to season 2 of Luke Cage?
Justin: Bailey gets to be a bit more of an outdoor cat in season two. He’s been promoted to full detective, so he is out in the field more. He’s interacting with Mariah (Alfre Woodard) and Shades (Theo Rossi) and Luke Cage (Mike Colter) himself. He also has a new partner, Nandi (Antonique Smith), who is causing friction and putting a strain on his relationship to Misty Knight (Simone Missick).

PC: Since Luke Cage is the hero in this series, what is it like playing a detective—who in other shows/films would be the hero of the story?
Justin: It’s fantastic! I get to be a detective in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and hunt down superheroes and super villains! It’s a gift every day I get to go play on set. I also think it creates a great dynamic and as a detective, every time you examine the evidence you have to take in consideration, “What type of extraordinary event may have happened here?” It’s not normal detective work…

PC: What are you most excited for fans to see this season?
Justin: I think performances are incredible this season, and the writing is exceptional. All the twist and turns; I mean, it’s a wild ride. I think the showrunner, Cheo Hodari Coker, created something incredibly special this season. It’s a superhero show—and more. It’s also gritty and grounded with a heart and soul. Just go check it out. Sit back and enjoy.

PC: Did you draw on any parts of yourself to create Bailey?
Justin: One thing I think Bailey has is a deep desire to take care of those around him. And I think that is a trait he and I share.

PC: If you were a comic book superhero, what would you “power” be?
Justin: I love the way Evan Peters plays Quicksilver. I’d like to be fast like him.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

Guilty Pleasure TV Show
Vanderpump Rules

Guilty Pleasure Movie
The Lost Boys

Favorite Book
Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Favorite Play or Musical
Rock of Ages

A Band or Artist That Fans Would Be Surprised to Learn is On Your Playlist
Christopher Cross

Last Show You Binge-Watched
Luke Cage… ( then first season of The Handmaid’s Tale)

Hidden talent
Magic

Stay up-to-date with Justin Swain by following him on Twitter. Catch Marvel’s Luke Cage on Netflix.

Photo Credit:Jason Setiawan