There is a real problem with the lack of diversity, specifically in genre films and the superheroes our kids grow up watching and emulating, they can't really identify with. When you see the same thing, over and over again, and it seems not to speak of you and your heritage and your culture, it leaves you out of this world, a little bit. It gives a certain social distance with your world.
Djimon HounsouAmerica has this understanding of Africans that plays like National Geographic: a bunch of Negroes with loincloths running around the plain fields of Africa chasing gazelles.
Djimon HounsouFunny enough, every role that I have had, I try to tone down my accent or speak with better diction.
Djimon HounsouThe first time you see the film it takes you right back to those times and those moments. It's very difficult to be objective about the work because you really have to remove yourself and see it a couple of times before you can really involve yourself in the story.
Djimon HounsouIf anything, Calvin Klein is the iconic company in terms of fashion. They do have iconic images for their campaigns.
Djimon HounsouThe gym can serve as an excellent place where kids and young men and women can really empty their issues right on the floor.
Djimon HounsouI wanna begin saying a story about my son. I have a four-year old son who loves superheroes from Spider-Man to Iron Man to Batman. He's got all the costumes. One day he looks at me and says 'Dad, I want to be light-skinned so I could be Spider-Man. Spider-Man has light skin.' That was sort of a shock. This is why I am excited to be a part of the Marvel Universe, so I could be hopefully provide that diversity in the role of the superhero.
Djimon Hounsou