Daniel Kaluuya studied opera in order to fully ground himself as Fred Hampton in the upcoming untitled biopic of the Black Panther leader’s life and death (formerly known as Jesus Was My Homeboy).

According to NowThis, Kaluuya said he undertook opera training along with the rest of the research he completed for the role. The reason was to get a feel for the oratory style Black Panther leaders used.

“I realized that these speakers are not speaking, they’re singing,” he said. “And so, I want it to feel like a song and I wanted to attack it like it was a song. I think that’s why the notes that I read resonate ’cause it’s a tune.”

Kaluuya spoke highly of the film, saying that the cast and crew are there to honor Hampton’s life.

“I really enjoy it,” he said. “And everyone’s doing it for great reasons ’cause we wanna put this man, and this philosophy, and these people where they’re supposed to be in terms of world history…these people need to be known.”

Watch the full video below.

 

READ MORE:

‘Jesus Was My Homeboy’: Ashton Sanders In Talks To Join Daniel Kaluuya And Lakeith Stanfield In Film On Black Panther Party

‘Jesus Was My Homeboy’: Dominique Fishback Joins Daniel Kaluuya And Lakeith Stanfield In Film On Black Panther Party’s Fred Hampton

‘Jesus Was My Homeboy’: Lakeith Stanfield, Daniel Kaluuya In Talks To Star In Film On Black Panther Party’s Fred Hampton; Ryan Coogler, MACRO Producing

‘Knives Out’ Star Lakeith Stanfield Teases New Season Of ‘Atlanta,’ Talks Teddy Perkins And More

Photo: Getty Images

From Harlem to Hollywood, get the Black entertainment news you need in your inbox daily.

Daniel-KaluuyaFilmFred HamptonNews,