Pop Culturalist Chats with Cloak & Dagger’s Maceo Smedley

Meet Maceo Smedley—Hollywood’s next big star. At the ripe old age of eleven, he’s landed a role that many have only dreamed of—he plays young Tyrone on Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger. Yes, we said Marvel! Pop Culturalist had the chance to speak with this up-and-coming talent about the show, joining the Marvel family, and how he collaborated with his counter-part, Aubrey Joseph.

PC: Tell us about Cloak & Dagger, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Maceo: Cloak & Dagger are two teenagers from different backgrounds who get superpowers after two tragic events, which actually connected them. Their superpowers keep them in and out of danger as they try to solve problems from their past.

I play young Tyrone (Cloak). When Cloak has a flashback to himself as a child, you get to see my character. My character also interacts with Tandy (Dagger) a little bit.

I was drawn to this project because Joe Pokaski, the show’s creator, knew me from another show we worked on together and said I would get to do some cool underwater stunts, so I was excited.

PC: Were you familiar with the comic book series before you signed on for the project?
Maceo: I was familiar with their characters but not with the comics. I know they showed up to help Spider-Man in one story. After filming, I bought the comic book, and I love the way the show uses some of the comic book but also puts a new twist on the story.

PC: What is it like being a part of the Marvel family?
Maceo: It’s amazing! So many people have given me the best compliments since being a part of this Marvel production. I didn’t realize the fan base was so passionate.

PC: What is it like sharing a character with Aubrey Joseph? Did you both collaborate when developing Tyrone?
Maceo: Aubrey was a good castmate and friend. We spent time together just getting a vibe for one another and our relationship shows up well in the way we portrayed our character.

PC: In episode one, we learn that your character feels a great sense of guilt for his brother’s death. How will that affect him throughout the season?
Maceo: His brother’s death affects every part of Tyrone. It will continue to affect all of his relationships and his trust in people. Viewers will enjoy seeing what he does with that impactful life event and how it will shape who he is.


PC: If you could play another hero from the Marvel universe, who would it be and why?
Maceo: I think it would have to be Spider-Man because of the stunts involved with making the movies. It would be cool to experience that.

PC: Besides Cloak & Dagger, do you have any other upcoming projects that you can chat about?
Maceo: I have a new Netflix show coming out on August 10th called All About the Washingtons (with Rev Run), and a movie coming out in Christmas 2019 called Noelle (with Anna Kendrick). So, I’m looking forward to that.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Maceo: Cloak & Dagger

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Maceo: Elf

PC: Favorite book?
Maceo: Harriet the Spy

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Maceo: Anything with Madea

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Maceo: 21 Pilots, Post Malone, and Josh Levi.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Maceo: Baby Daddy on Netflix

PC: Hidden talent?
Maceo: Singing, dancing, and basketball.

Make sure to follow Maceo on Twitter and Instagram, and catch Cloak & Dagger every Thursday at 8/7c.

Photo Credit: Bobby Quillard