Courtesy of Sony Pictures
SZAis ready to make her mark in Hollywood if only she could send an S.O.S.
to pal and costarKeke Palmer.
“I definitely need to build my confidence as an actor.
SZA and Keke Palmer in ‘One of Them Days’.Credit:Courtesy of Sony Pictures
But, according to Palmer, her costar needs no coaching.
At their chemistry read, she was blown away by what the artist brought to the table.
“It was shocking, actually,” says Palmer, also an executive producer on the project.
Keke Palmer and SZA in ‘One of Them Days’.Courtesy of Sony Pictures
“She’s so naturally talented.
I was like, ‘Are you in drama school?’
Because she could naturally get into it.
Director Lawrence Lamont, producer Issa Rae, and star Keke Palmer filming ‘One of Them Days’ in Los Angeles.Courtesy of Sony Pictures
She’s a free person.
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The dynamic casting was announced after Palmer and SZA’s memorable2022Saturday Night Livelinkupas host and musical guest.
I saw it later.”
Adds the producer, “TheSNLpairing was just icing on the cake.
So to have this all come full circle [was] a blessing.”
The comedy is very much a love letter to South L.A., offering pointed and amusing commentary on gentrification.
(Note: these interviews were conducted before the devastating L.A. “So it was very much in the forefront and very intentional.”
Infusing humor into the struggles faced by many Angelenos was paramount.
“I felt like I knew these characters.
These are my cousins, my aunties, my mom.
And a lot of times, we would use laughter to ease the pain.
Humor is so healing.”
The crew ultimately wanted to create a movie that “L.A. could be proud of,” says Rae.
“When you have two superstars, people get excited,” Rae notes.
“There was honking, there was excitement.
It was just love.”
Girl, keep going!'”
“When we got that final draft, we knew this was perfect.”
One of Them Daysis in theaters Jan. 17.
