The American Society of Magical Negroes satirizes an age-old Hollywood trope with clever humor and pointed social commentary in a Harry Potter-esque narrative. The critical term “magical negro” was popularized by filmmaker Spike Lee. It refers to a stereotypical Black supporting character who only exists to help the white protagonist achieve their goals. Classic examples are Forrest Gump, The Green Mile, and The Legend of Bagger Vance.
Justice Smith stars as Aren, a Black yarn artist who’s mistaken as a waiter by a white man at his gallery opening. But instead of taking offense, Aren dutifully fetches a cocktail. Roger (David Alan Grier) notices this interaction. He invites Aren to join The American Society of Magical Negroes, a secret organization that has existed since Jefferson’s presidency with a singular goal: help, support, and soothe white people so that Blacks won’t get killed.
Nicole Byer co-stars as Dede, leader of the society. She floats in the air like a sorceress until trouble strikes. The magical negroes lose their power if even one member deserts the sacred cause. Byer thoughtfully responds to the vitriolic online response to the film’s trailer, saying, “Let’s get the conversation going. But then go see the movie to see if your initial thoughts are correct. And if they are, have a nice time talking about it. And if they’re not, spread the good news, ‘I was wrong. It’s a fabulous movie.'”
Byer also thanks writer/director Kobi Libii for “trusting me to do what I planned.” She also commends her co-stars for being “so chill on set. When you have people who are number one, number two, number three on the call sheet being so gracious and so hospitable. It really helps that nobody on that set was an a**hole.” Please watch above and read below for our complete interview with Nicole Byer.
Get the Conversation Going
MovieWeb:The American Society of Magical Negroesis a clever and pertinent satire. I was stunned by the amount of negativity online after the trailer’s release. What can you tell people who are casting aspersions without really having an idea what it’s about?
Nicole Byer: Thank you for talking about it. Yeah, let’s get the conversation going. But then go see the movie to see if your initial thoughts are correct. And if they are, you know, have a nice time talking about it. And if they’re not, you know, spread the good news, [say] “I was wrong. It’s a fabulous movie, it’s this not the other.” But I do understand why the reaction has been the way it has been.
MW: Kobi Libii has made a thoughtful film about the microaggressions that we, as Black people, deal with on a daily basis. It’s something that we’ve never really seen on film handled in such a clever way. Then we see your character coming in, floating in the air like Dumbledore. I laughed so hard. Talk about your reaction to the script. What did you enjoy about playing Dede?
Nicole Byer: The thing I enjoyed the most is I get to fly. That was fun. And like everyone, I had a stunt double who was great. I believe her name is Erin. I think she’s doubled for me before. And then all the stunt guys, I felt like I was in such safe hands to be able to have been up there. I love that Kobi trusted me to do what I planned. You create a character, and then sometimes you get to set, and they go, “No.” But Kobi was like, “Yes, yes, yes, that is exactly where I want Dede to live. That is exactly how I want her.”
Nicole Byer: I love being able to play a character who is, yes, in charge, but also not like trying to change the status quo. This lady is comfortable. This lady loves it. This lady’s like, “Help those white people,” and I’m blown away. But when that’s challenged, she gets so mad. She’s so angry. I don’t want to give too much away. But I like having her deal with losing her powers, that was so fun. It was such a fun thing to play. I’m not in a ton of scenes, but I felt like Kobi gave me so much to work with. There was so much to play with.
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Smith and Bogan address the film’s satirical themes, social media response, and working together on Bogan’s film debut.
On David Alan Grier and a Set Without A**holes
MW: I love David Alan Grier. He’s been such a tremendous character actor in Hollywood for umpteen decades, who I feel deserves much more respect for his work. Talk about working with him specifically.
Nicole Byer: What’s he like…as a person is truly incredible. He’s just as funny as you think he is. David is just special, in a way where somebody walks in a room, and you’re like, “Oh, my God, I get why they’re famous.” David walks into a room, and you’re like, “Oh, my God, I get why people think he’s so funny.” Because he is so funny. He lights up a room. He is delightful. I had never met him before, but he ended up being familiar with my work. And, of course, I’m familiar with his work.
Nicole Byer: We just kind of had a shorthand kind of going in. We both do stand up and stuff. We got to talk comedy. That was insane to talk to David Alan Grier about his comedic experiences. And then, he’s just so chill on set. He’s just a wonderful person. Justice was really wonderful. When you have people who are number one, number two, number three on the call sheet being so gracious and so hospitable, it helps. It really helps that nobody on that set was an a**hole. Everyone was so chill, cool, and kind.
The American Society of Magical Negroes will be released theatrically on March 15th from Focus Features. You can watch the trailer below:
