Kameron Wells is a cast member for the hit Apple TV+ original, “Swagger.” The series, which draws inspiration from NBA star Kevin Durant’s experiences, examines the world of youth basketball and the players, families, and coaches who tread a fine line between aspiration and opportunism and corruption.
Wells spoke with rolling out about the series, season two, and what we should expect from his character.
What were your thoughts when you first saw the script for your character?
The audition was an argument scene, so that was the scene that I auditioned with. When I first read it, I thought the character was mean and didn’t hold his tongue. He was straight to the point because the idea of the scene was that Crystal [was] going through something in season one, and it comes into season two, where my character is not as sympathetic to it. He’s like, “Well, you should just like get over [it].” All in all, I felt a connection to the character because the description was cool, laid-back, and [non]athletic, which is me, and he has a swag to him. And shout-out to Reggie White, he’s the director of “Swagger,” he told me, “I saw your audition, and I didn’t want to see anybody else with the role.” He picked me because I had a charismatic energy to me when I was doing the audition.
How would you describe “Swagger?”
I would describe “Swagger” as amazing. I would say the biggest thing is that it’s a coming-of-age story of an up-and-coming basketball player trying to make it to the big leagues, but during that time, there’s so much trial and error. They touched on so many different topics like racism, COVID-19, and even different things regarding women. They touched on different things, and that’s what made it a great experience, and it made it feel like you were there. I think Reggie did an amazing job of explaining the different adversities that a lot of people face. “Swagger” is a truth-teller and a storyteller. You feel like you’re there, and that’s what a lot of people say — they feel like they’re actually in the scenes. Giving different expressions and touching on different topics is what I think it is in a nutshell.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming actors?
When I was trying to get my foot in the door, I would take acting classes, which [are] helpful, but another thing that you want to do is keep your mind clear. Focus on what you want, and know [your goals and where you want to be] to get there. Take the time to perfect your craft. It’s not going to be easy, and it’s not going to come the next day. You’re going to have to work a little bit, and it’s going to take a little time, but eventually, you will get there.
