*The highly anticipated Peacock film “Shooting Stars” delves into the inspiring rise of basketball legend LeBron James and shines a spotlight on the journeys of his closest friends and teammates.
Avery (AJ) Willis Jr. as Willie McGee, Khalil Everage as Sian Cotton, and Sterling “Scoot” Henderson as Romeo Travis promise to captivate viewers with their authenticity and dedication to their real-life counterparts.
Portraying real people who are touchable and close to the hearts of fans was no small task for the cast. Henderson, expressed the weight of the responsibility he felt. “You know, I just tried my hardest to try to fill out who Romeo really is as a person and use that as an impact on the screen.”
Willis, echoed Henderson’s sentiments. He emphasized the seriousness of portraying someone’s life and the importance of maintaining authenticity. Willis praised the support he received from Willie McGee himself, who kept in contact with him and provided invaluable insights. This connection allowed Willis to fully grasp the essence of McGee’s personality and translate it onto the screen. Willis explained the impact of having Willie McGee as a secondhand, sharing information and personal experiences that added depth to his performance.
(from lower left) Romeo Travis (Sterling “Scoot” Henderson), Sian Cotton (Khalil Everage), Willie McGee (Avery S. Wills, Jr.), Lil Dru Joyce III (Caleb McLaughlin), Jimmy Podeski (Drake Tobias), LeBron James (Marquis “Mookie” Cook) and Coach Dru Joyce II (Wood Harris, upper right) in Shooting Stars, directed by Chris Robinson. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Everage acknowledged the challenges faced by the group as they ventured into new and unfamiliar territory. Reflecting on his experiences, Everage shared, “I went to all-black schools growing up from first to eighth grade… But then once I went to high school, I went to an art high school, so there were people from all different types of nationalities there.”
Everage’s personal journey mirrored that of his character, highlighting the significance of friendships like those formed by the Fab Four. These friendships allowed the characters to grow and adapt in an environment they were not initially familiar with.
As audiences witness the trials, triumphs, and personal growth of these young men on the big screen, they will be reminded of the profound impact that genuine friendship and shared experiences can have on shaping lives. “Shooting Stars” not only celebrates the incredible basketball career of James but also pays tribute to the resilience and determination of his closest friends and teammates.
“Shooting Stars” is streaming now 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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