About this episodeMekai Brooks discusses his role as Jax in the Mortal Kombat reboot, detailing the intense physical preparation…AI summary
Mekai Brooks discusses his role as Jax in the Mortal Kombat reboot, detailing the intense physical preparation required, including gaining 45 pounds and performing 95% of his own stunts. He also shares profound insights on Afrofuturism as a framework for racial equality and generational wealth, while addressing the challenges of overcoming preconceived notions about his intelligence and background.
Key takeaways 5
Physical Transformation: Brooks gained 45 pounds for the role of Jax, which caused significant physical strain, specifically constant jaw pain from processing large amounts of food.
Stunt Performance: He performed approximately 95% of his own fight choreography, limiting professional stunt doubles only for extreme safety risks like being thrown 75 feet.
Afrofuturism Definition: Brooks defines Afrofuturism not just as a cultural aesthetic but as a strategic focus on future outcomes, specifically emphasizing the creation of generational wealth and global consciousness to eradicate racism.
Character Backstory: The film provides a humanizing backstory for Jax, showing his life before losing his arms, which serves as a narrative device to demonstrate that physical trauma does not diminish mental or spiritual strength.
Industry Perception: Actors with strong physical presences often face preconceived notions about their intelligence, requiring them to actively prove their academic and intellectual capabilities in professional settings.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“Afrofuturism is about where we're going... how can I make sure my grandkids have generational wealth?”
▶ 4:51Brooks explains the practical application of Afrofuturism as a tool for long-term racial equity and financial stability.
“Just because something awful and unforeseen happens to the body that doesn't mean that it happens to the mind and spirit in the heart.”
▶ 21:51Brooks describes the thematic core of his character Jax's journey in the film.
“I did like 95 percent of the fights... there's certain situations where you're in as an actor where like you just really shouldn't do it because if you get hurt movie's over right.”
▶ 9:42Brooks details the extent of his physical involvement in the film's action sequences.
“They see me six foot four 245 pound black guy they're like not smart automatically walking through the door they go like oh well now he needs to prove his intelligence to me.”
▶ 11:13Brooks discusses the societal biases and preconceived notions he faces regarding his intellect due to his physical appearance.
Chapters & Sections (49)▼
0:10Interview with McCod Brooks on Mortal Kombat Rebootchapter4
0:10Celebrity Interview and Movie Promotion
0:50Celebrity News and Upcoming Movie Reboot
1:22Fan Appreciation and Welcome to Show
1:59Interview Discussion about Music and Hip-Hop
2:42Afrofuturism and Racial Equality in Modern Societychapter3
2:42Appreciation for Afrofuturism and Cultural Progress
3:35Racial Tensions and Police Violence in Minnesota
4:18Creating Global Pillars of Consciousness Against Racism
5:01Makai Brooks Discusses His Athletic Backgroundchapter2
5:01Mortal Kombat Player Makai Brooks Interview
5:34Athletic Past and Academic Focus Discussed
6:21Comparing Life Choices and Career Pathschapter3
6:21Comparing Life Choices and Educational Backgrounds
6:50Discussion about trust and credibility
7:22Career Choices for Black Individuals
8:03Physical Demands of Boxing Trainingchapter3
8:03Weight Gain and Jaw Pain Experience
8:40Review of the Fight Tour Experience
9:13Actor Discusses Stunt Work and Safety
9:53Brooks' Self-Perception and Career Challengeschapter2
9:53Discussion of Actor's Looks vs. Acting Ability
10:38Self Perception and Societal Preconceptions
11:24Addressing Preconceived Notions and Stereotypeschapter2
11:24Addressing Preconceived Notions and Stereotypes
12:22Discussing Interests and Contrasting Preferences
12:54Interview about Upcoming Movie Adaptationchapter3
12:54Discussion of Myrtle Beach Combat Movie
13:23Film Critics Panned Initial Film Announcement
13:41Watching Trailers for Upcoming Film
14:06Steve Harvey's Video Game Movie Adaptationchapter3
14:06Discussion about Movie Character Portrayal
14:40Creator's Honest Review of Own Video Game
15:16Elevated Cinematic Experience of a Lifetime
15:46Mortal Kombat Film Production and Castingchapter2
15:46Film Production and Hand-to-Hand Combat
16:34Fan Engagement in a Gaming Community
17:12Excited Fans Discuss Upcoming Movie Releasechapter2
17:12Excited Fan Discusses Upcoming Movie
18:17Morning Conversation with Kyle and Madison
18:59Celebrity Tribute to Madison's Kindness and Supportchapter2
18:59Celebrity Tribute to Madison's Kindness and Support
19:43Morning Talk Show with Guest Ryan Grand
20:32Discussion on Mortal Kombat Character Portrayalchapter5
1h 19m
49m
58m
43m
39m
54m
39m
46m
36m
36m⏭ 1
30m
29m
1h 5m
1h 0m
1h 26m⏭ 1
41m
35m
1h 17m⏭ 2
1h 5m
2h 9m⏭ 4
1h 23m⏭ 3
41m⏭ 3
1h 7m⏭ 2
3h 0m
1h 0m⏭ 1
33m
46m
3h 59m⏭ 5
3h 54m⏭ 7
54m⏭ 1
1h 13m
54m⏭ 2
1h 26m
45m⏭ 2
58m⏭ 5
25m