IN HIS OWN WORDS: JACOB SCIPIO ON JOINING THE BAD BOYS FRANCHISE
BY IRVIN RIVERA
PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA, FASHION STYLING: JAY HINES @ THE ONLY AGENCY, GROOMING: SHANNON PEZZETTA @ A-FRAME AGENCY, DIGITAL TECH: PHIL LIMPRASERTWONG, STYLING ASSTS: JAI SIMMONS, BRANDON SOSA, LOCATION: GM STUDIO DTLA
Jacob Scipio's journey into the world of “Bad Boys” was anything but ordinary. As he shared, his final audition for the role of Armando Aretas involved a bold move that left a lasting impression on the casting team. Feeling that he hadn't fully showcased his potential, Scipio returned to the audition room unannounced, leading to an impromptu conversation about his background and skills. This bold decision culminated in a chemistry read with Will Smith, where the two instantly clicked, signaling a pivotal moment in Scipio's career. “We ended up saying the same things at the exact same time, it was trippy,” he recalls, highlighting the serendipitous nature of his casting.
Reflecting on his time working with icons Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, Scipio describes the experience as a form of "university" where he learned invaluable lessons daily. Without formal drama school training, he absorbed wisdom through the seasoned actors' candid advice and by observing their on-set demeanor. “Every day was a lesson,” he notes, emphasizing the mentorship he received on set. Preparing for his physically demanding role involved an intense six-month training regimen and a unique mental preparation method, where Scipio mirrored his character's solitary confinement by isolating himself in real life. “There was a weird freedom to the regimented lifestyle,” he admits, demonstrating his commitment to fully inhabiting his character.
The success of *Bad Boys for Life*, which helped the franchise surpass the $1 billion mark, brought about a mix of emotions for Scipio. He expresses immense gratitude for the fans' support, saying, “We do it all for the audience. To have them show out and hear all the support and love they have for our movie is everything to me.” This milestone not only signifies the film's popularity but also cements Scipio’s place in a beloved franchise that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Looking ahead, Scipio is eager to expand his creative horizons beyond acting. With aspirations to work behind the camera, he has already ventured into writing and directing, having penned scripts and shot several short films. “A movie set is a rare place. People from all different walks of life all working toward the same goal. I love the collaboration of it all,” he enthuses. This passion for storytelling and collaboration hints at a promising future where Scipio’s talents can flourish in multiple facets of filmmaking.
You can currently be seen in “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” What was the process like in joining this iconic film franchise?
Initially it was a typical audition situation. However at the final stage I did something pretty unusual. After the casting was over I said my goodbyes, left the room and building entirely, but I didn't feel I really left my mark. So I decided to go back inside and make sure that I did. I didn't know what I was going to do exactly, I just knew this was a potentially life changing moment, so it was incumbent on me to seize it. Luckily I wasn't thrown out by security, instead the producers invited me into their office to talk about my life, background, fight and weapons experience. After this conversation they thought it would be a good idea to put me in the room with Will, where we ended up having an impromptu chemistry read. We were put in front of the camera and something magic happened. We ended up saying the same things at the exact same time, it was trippy. Will looked around the room and said "If that ain't an omen, I don't know what is". A few weeks later I was offered the job.
The franchise just surpassed the $1 billion mark. What emotions does that bring up? Did you ever think you would be a part of something this big?
It's incredible. This franchise means so much to its fans, myself included. We do it all for the audience. So to have them show out and hear all the support and love they have for our movie is everything to me.
What can you remember from working with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence? Did they share any tips or advice on set?
Every day was a lesson. I never went to drama school, but I can proudly say I went to the university of Bad Boys. It was the best tuition I could have asked for, with Will and Martin being the greatest professors. They would drop gems on me daily with their open and honest advice. But you also learn through watching and observing the way they handle themselves on set. It was an education through osmosis.
Your role as ‘Armando Aretas’ is a physically demanding role. What sort of prep did you do to get into character? Did you also go through any creative process before this role?
It was a 6 month training camp to get me ready physically. A lot of workouts and strict meal planning. But for the mental aspect, I put myself in Armandos (prison issued) shoes. Between Bad Boys 3 and 4 Armanado has been in jail. So I created a timeline of what prisons he would have had the pleasure of staying in, where and when. Due to his reclusive, dangerous nature I decided he would have spent a while in solitary confinement, so I mirrored this in my real life. I only really left my house to go to the gym and go grocery shopping. There was a weird freedom to the regimented lifestyle.
Did you take anything from set? (We won’t tell!)
I always take my chair backs and get the whole cast and crew to sign them. Joey Pants taught me that on Bad Boys 3, and I've been doing it ever since.
You have been acting since you were young. What are your earliest memories from working in the industry?
Skipping class to travel into the west end of London to perform at the London Palladium in the King And I. I was about 8 or 9 years old, but after being part of that troupe I knew that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
If you weren’t an actor, what do you think you would be doing?
I don't like to think about that, because honestly there was never a plan B. I've been fired from every job I've had (aside from acting), so if it wasn't for acting I'd probably be unemployed.
Do you have any aspirations to work behind the camera, whether it be producing, writing, or directing?
Yes. A movie set is a rare place. People from all different walks of life all working toward the same goal. I love the collaboration of it all. So far I've written some scripts and even shot a few of them. I'm excited to do more.
What is a dream role for you? Or what actors would you love to work with?
I do have a dream role, but I don't wanna tempt fate by saying it out loud. So we'll leave that up to the big man. In terms of actors I'd like to work with, that list is as long as your arm. I've had the chance to work with many of my idols already, so I'd like to continue working with people that leave me inspired. And can have a good chat with by the crafty table.
You have acted in many different avenues. Do you think you have evolved as an actor both in terms of honing your craft but also in selecting roles?
I've certainly evolved, at least I hope so. I'm learning that the job never gets easier, but with every role you learn something more about yourself. That's what's so amazing about this job. It's one of constant self discovery.
If you're a book, what book would you be and why?
An open one! I'd like to be a journal. The first chapters are filled with dog-eared pages, brimming with stories already written. But in front there's many fresh, empty pages waiting to be filled.
