Interview: Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson Talk About the Creative Camaraderie Formed in ‘Nickel Boys’ 

The undeniable center of RaMell Ross’s powerful drama Nickel Boys is the relationship and chemistry between Elwood (Ethan Herisse) and Turner (Brandon Wilson). Ross’s decision to capture the story of their time at the brutal Nickel Academy in Jim Crow-era Florida through a first-person point-of-view presented a unique and exciting opportunity for the actors. In this unconventional approach, the pair deliver profoundly moving performances as young boys whose lives are forever altered by racial injustice and abuse. 

Herisse, (When They See Us) and Turner (The Way Back), bring incredible depth and vulnerability to their roles, embodying the strength, hope, and heartbreak of their characters even when they are technically “offscreen” for the audience. Together, they navigate a story of resilience in the face of systemic racism and the enduring trauma of injustice. The pair discuss their approach to portraying such emotionally charged characters, and how they connected to the themes of brotherhood and survival at the heart of the story. They also reflect on working with visionary director RaMell Ross and screen veteran Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who pushed to bring out the best in each of their performances.

Listen to our full conversation with Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson in Nickel Boys below.