Drew Hollywood story
NBA superstar Kyrie Irving brings his old-man gag to the big screen
Basketball fans know Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving can dribble, the real question is: Can he act?
The five-time NBA all-star, first-overall draft pick and winner (with the Cleveland Cavaliers) of the 2016 NBA championship is about to flex a different set of skills as his Uncle Drew character hits the big screen.
The film is a spinoff of a Pepsi Max ad that aired in 2012 with Irving donning old-man makeup to play the hoops-shooting senior citizen Uncle Drew.
Q A lot of sports guys get into movies. Was acting something that was on your bucket list?
A To be part of a project that was bigger than me and see it come together was cool. I had great partners in this and it was great to see it transform and
evolve from Youtube shorts to commercials to now having a full-blown movie with an incredible cast. I’m just nothing but appreciative for the opportunity to be on this stage.
Q What did you think when they wanted to put Uncle Drew on the big screen?
A Our writers did a great job in making sure we stayed authentic in our storytelling, and gave the film some emotionally driven scenes to make sure that the arc of the movie was understood and there were life lessons. It’s really oriented around friends and family.
Q Why do you think that character has been such a hit for you?
A It’s an alternative personality. On one hand, I’m a 26-year-old, still-evolving man. And on the other, here’s this older man who takes on some of that, but he’s doing it with a lot of conviction, grace and wisdom from living life. The reception Uncle Drew has got over time has been great to be a part of.
Q Something Drew says multiple times in the movie is, “You miss 100 per cent of the shots you don’t take.” How have you dealt with adversity in your own life?
A I believe in the art of preparation for the unknown as best you can. You have to know you’re going to have to deal with a lot in life and being able to pick yourself back up again and really truck on is important. Along with that, being aware of what it took to get to the place you’re in.
Life is tough. I don’t just limit that to basketball. Missing shots is going to happen. I would love to play well in front of millions of people every night, but it just won’t happen. That strive for perfection is very maniacal and it can be lonely. The time where you’re preparing, that’s your connection to yourself and also being able to deal with things if you fail.
Q I know if you were stuck on a desert island you’d probably bring a basketball, but what movies?
A Oh man, I have so many movies that I love. I’d probably bring Rent, He Got Game and Whiplash.