Photo credit Prince Williams/ATLPics.net
Jada Pinkett-Smith recently graced Atlanta media with her presence at her ‘Magic Mike XXL’ press conference at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta, G.A.
‘Magic Mike XXL’ reunites Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez and Gabriel Iglesias, who were all stars of the 2012 worldwide hit ‘Magic Mike.’ Picking up the story three years after Mike bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game, “Magic Mike XXL” finds the remaining Kings of Tampa likewise ready to throw in the towel. But they want to do it their way: burning down the house in one last blow-out performance.
Pinkett-Smith took a moment to discuss her role as Rome, it originally being written for Jamie Foxx, her view of adult entertainment, her blessed sex life, embracing the term MILF, and much more!
Jada shared that she loved that she had all of the freedom to create her character Rome. She even had influence with Rome’s wardrobe as she wanted it to command a balance between a sense of power all while still being accessible to the masculine, but being able to relate to the women. She expressed that the set was one huge party as sexual energy brings joy, and happens to be a gateway to the soul and to creativity. She went on to explain that basking in that energy was so much fun as it was joyous beautiful communication.
Pinkett-Smith shared that the role of Rome was originally written for a guy, and it was written with Jamie Foxx in mind. When it came down to it there were scheduling conflicts, and Tatum called Jada and expressed that he always envisioned a woman as the emcee. She explained that she was impressed with Tatum’s desired to bring a sense of responsibility to the world of adult entertainment.
Jada also expressed that she had some reservations with taking the role because of her work with human trafficking. She realized in her human trafficking advocacy that this industry is going to exist, so she rather bring responsibility to it than shut it down or act like it doesn’t exist. She wanted Rome to be an example that a woman can operate from a place of respect and integrity even in a sexually charged environment. Jada also embraced being considered a MILF at age 45. She explained that it’s nice to see that an older woman can still be viewed as attractive. In fact she went on to say that she believes as older women they get more attractive. She elaborated saying that when you are younger you are worried about image and the outside, and when you grow older it’s your wisdom that makes you attractive. I love the idea that people can still see an older woman as attractive.
Jada wasn’t shy about discussing her sex life. She explained that she had a blessed life, and this came with a twist. Her blessed sex life came as a result of her grandmother’s teaching of sex education. She also touched on Michael Strahan’s role in the film.
“I told him, you’ve got everybody else fooled thinking football was your only career. When this movie comes out there’s some tapes somewhere (that’s going to come out), this is not your first rodeo.”
The film is in theaters today! Make sure you check it out and let us know your thoughts!
Check out more photos from the event. Photos by Prince Williams ATLPics.