JURNEE SMOLLETT LETITIA LEWIS IS
Lovecraft Country is set in the ’50s. How relevant is the story to today?
It’s incredibly relevant. The unfortunate and sad thing about the history of our nation is that this is a story that could have been released on any day within the last 400 years and it would still be relevant. Our nation has been built upon systemic racism. Racism is a demonic spirit, and that’s what we’re exploring in our show. Our hero goes on an adventure to bring down white supremacy.
How did you prepare for the role?
When I read the pilot, I discovered that Leti was a runner in high school, so I started training and training and training. My character required many different aspects of preparation, including the physical preparation. I also worked with a movement coach, which was really interesting.
How demanding was the shoot?
It was fun, but it wasn’t easy. It cost us a lot, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Jonathan and I really leaned upon each other during the shoot. We had each other’s backs, because the material was so demanding. We’re like a family now.
What’s it like to work on a Jordan Peele production?
I am a big fan of Jordan Peele. Before this, he asked me to do the [season two] finale of The Twilight Zone, which was amazing. I think it’s great to see the genre becoming more inclusive. And I think Jordan Peele is definitely one of the leading voices in ushering that in.
In what way does Lovecraft Country feel like a quintessential Jordan Peele project?
I feel like he’s incredibly gifted at maintaining varying degrees of tone within a show, so this has a lot of different elements to it. It’s an amazing mix of a family drama with sci-fi and horror.