Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with We Can Be Heroes’ Lyon Daniels

Lyon Daniels is one of Hollywood’s most exciting up-and-coming talents and a name you’ll be hearing a lot in the coming years. In 2020, he’ll star opposite Christian Slater, Boyd Holbrook, Pedro Pascal, and Priyanka Chopra in the highly anticipated, top-secret film We Can Be Heroes.

Set in a world where aliens have kidnapped Earth’s superheroes, the children of the world must step up to the plate to save their parents and humanity. One of those heroes is Lyon’s character, who has a superpower Lyon says will blow you away.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Lyon to chat about getting his big break in We Can Be Heroes.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Lyon: I discovered my passion for acting when I was younger, probably around nine. I loved learning from greats like Matthew McConaughey and Robert Downey Jr., especially when they play characters who are so far from their personalities. I really thought that was inspiring and thought I’d give this a shot. My parents have exposed me to many great films, starting at a very young age, so I had a lot to pull from when working to develop a character!

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Lyon: The biggest influence another actor has had on my career without a doubt is Leonardo DiCaprio. The way that he depicts his character choices just seems so natural, and he is well grounded and always stays true to what the director wants for the character.

Also my mom because she has been working with me from the beginning as my acting coach. She has helped me learn tricks and methods to not just memorizing lines but making sure the lines are executed in a way that brings the character to life. It’s all about the unique choices an actor chooses to make that will help them stand out from the pack. Casting directors see thousands of tape submissions, and if you do it the same way as is expected, there’s nothing that’s special about you or about the performance.

PC: You got your start in modeling. What has the transition been like going from that medium into acting?
Lyon: I started out modeling when I was eighteen months old. I booked my first job for Macy’s after my very first audition. I went on to do other modeling jobs for Target, Kohl’s, VTech, and Sears. Modeling was pretty easy for me because I just had to put on some clothes and smile or look serious. But for acting, it is a lot of work because I have to practice more. Sometimes I need to memorize up to thirteen pages—maybe three scenes of lines—and become my character in a unique way.

We Can Be Heroes

PC: Tell us about your new film, We Can Be Heroes, your character, and what drew you to the project.
Lyon: We Can Be Heroes is an awesome film filled with action-packed superheroes and aliens! What makes this movie so interesting is that the kids are the heroes this time and not the adults.

I can’t tell you about my character just yet, but I think when you see it, you will freak out over my powers. I will just leave it at that!

I was drawn to the project because of the idea. I loved the idea and have always wanted to be a superhero since birth. I was also drawn by the director, Robert Rodriguez, of course! I was so excited to hear that I had the opportunity to work with Robert Rodriguez, as he has made some of mine and my dad’s favorite movies, such as Alita: Battle Angel and From Dusk Till Dawn. Literally a dream role.

PC: You’re starring alongside an all-star cast. Did any of them share any words of wisdom with you?
Lyon: We have such a great cast, and they were all super nice and so fun to work with. It was the best experience of my life. I sat on set with Christian Slater, and he did not share any wisdom with me, but I actually shared wisdom with him. [laughs] I helped Christian learn how to use his AirPods properly because he didn’t know that he could use Siri to change things on set through his Pods.

I also talked with Sung Kang while on set, from Fast and Furious, and he gave me a lot of advice as to how to get into character. Such a cool, nice guy.

Priyanka Chopra told me to speak up louder, and for her wrap gift to us she hired an ice cream truck to come to set, and it had ice cream flavors with all of our character names. She picked mine, and she even FaceTimed her husband Nick Jonas so we could all say “hi” to him!

Last but not least, Robert Rodriguez has taught me so much about directing and motivating a cast. He would give us drawing lessons after our table reads, assign us drawing projects, and showcase our work on the walls! He is an amazing artist and gave us such great tips on drawing! He was amazing to work with.

PC: This is your biggest project to date. What did you take away from the experience?
Lyon: I took away that I’m so lucky to get this opportunity to be a superhero with an awesome power. Also, that things happen for a reason and to never give up on your dream because your self-worth is what matters, not what people think.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Lyon: Riverdale

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Lyon: Space Jam

PC: Favorite book?
Lyon: Ready Player One

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Lyon: Hamilton

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Lyon: Pink Floyd

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Lyon: Justice Smith! He is also in one of my all-time favorite movies: Jurassic World.

To keep up with Lyon, follow him on Instagram.

Photo Credit: Corsai Photography