*Wood Harris takes on the pivotal role of Coach Dru Joyce in the inspiring Peacock film “Shooting Stars.”
In a recent interview with EUR, Harris shared his thoughts on the challenges of coaching his own children and the lessons he learned about leadership and motivation.
Directed by Chris Robinson, the film tells the captivating story of a young LeBron James and his friends (dubbed the Fab Four) as they navigate their journey to become a formidable high school basketball team. Coach Joyce plays a crucial role in guiding these talented athletes, including LeBron, while balancing the dynamics of favoritism and teamwork.
Similar to Coach Joyce, Harris has coached his own children in basketball. When asked about the difference between coaching his own children and mentoring other children, Harris emphasized the need for unbiased support and discipline. He acknowledged the difficulty of not showing his children favoritism but also the importance of showing them love while pushing them to be their best.
(from left) Sian Cotton (Khalil Everage, back to camera), LeBron James (Marquis “Mookie” Cook, back to camera), Carolyn Joyce (Diane Howard), Coach Dru Joyce II (Wood Harris), Lil Dru Joyce III (Caleb McLaughlin, back to camera) and Willie McGee (Avery S. Wills, Jr., back to camera) in Shooting Stars, directed by Chris Robinson. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
In portraying Coach, Harris found inspiration in the coach’s ability to navigate team dynamics where one player, James, stood out as a potential superstar. He noted that Coach Joyce’s influence on Jame’s upbringing played a significant role in his development both on and off the court. Harris highlighted the coach’s impact in instilling ideologies and shaping the young athlete’s thinking process.
As “Shooting Stars” explores the journey of these young athletes, Harris acknowledged that the film delves into important life lessons that extend beyond the basketball court. It portrays the balance between recognizing individual talents and fostering teamwork in a team sport. The film highlights team members’ challenges, emphasizing the growth and learning that occurs when individuals come together. Harris emphasized the value of teamwork and the significance of these experiences in shaping the characters’ lives beyond basketball.
Through his portrayal of Coach Joyce, Wood Harris embodies the love, discipline, and leadership required to guide a group of talented individuals toward their full potential. He masterfully captures the delicate balance between supporting his own child and maintaining a fair and unbiased approach. The character’s influence on James and the team’s collective growth underscores the powerful impact a coach can have on young athletes’ lives.
“Shooting Stars” is streaming on Peacock.
Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. You can follow her on all social media @StilettoJill or check out JillMunroe.com
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