Kerry Washington slid into Omar Sy’s DMs to give him a role in Shadow Force. This modern approach to casting highlights the changing dynamics in Hollywood recruitment practices, which increasingly utilize social media platforms for talent acquisition.
The 48-year-old actress hunted down the 47-year-old actor online to ask if he wanted to play Isaac Sarr after she and her husband Nnamdi Asomugha had brainstormed together on who would be the right choice for the character. Collaborative casting decisions between production partners have become more common in independent film projects, especially among actor-producers like Washington.
“I used to go on these hikes with Nnamdi, with my husband, and we’d be naming actors – ‘no’ – naming actors – ‘no, no no’ – and then one day, I don’t remember whether it was Nnamdi’s idea or my idea, but one of us said Omar, and we were both like, ‘That’s it!'” she explained to US TV show ‘Extra’. Creative discussions outside traditional office environments often lead to unexpected breakthroughs, as was the case with this casting decision.
“And so it was with Nnamdi’s permission that I slid into Omar’s DMs,” she said. Direct outreach through social media has revolutionized the casting process, creating more personal connections between established actors and potential co-stars.
Omar “loved” the unique way Washington — who co-stars with him as Kyrah Owens — got in touch with him about the action thriller project because of how “direct and frank” her approach was. The immediacy of the communication allowed for a more authentic connection from the start.
“The way Kerry found me on Instagram … I loved it because we were, like, so direct and frank,” he said. “So, I had the script. The script is amazing … I was so happy and glad to have that opportunity to work with her.” The quality of writing remains a significant factor in attracting top talent to projects, regardless of how the initial contact occurs.
However, he did admit that he was initially cautious about responding to The Six Triple Eight star’s message because he feared it was a scam. Digital security concerns are warranted in the entertainment industry, where celebrity impersonation has become increasingly common.
“You never know with those phones, you can be surprised,” the Jurassic World actor noted. “I had to make sure it was her. It was difficult to believe, actually.” Verification has become a necessary step in digital communications among high-profile individuals.
Shadow Force, which is to be released in May, follows “an estranged couple with a bounty on their heads [who] must go on the run with their son to avoid their former employer, a unit of shadow ops that has been sent to kill them.” The action thriller combines high-stakes adventure with emotional family dynamics.
And Washington said Sy putting his heart and soul into the movie “leveled the film up.” The chemistry between leads often determines the emotional resonance of a film, particularly in genres that balance action with character development.
“It just leveled the film up, like, suddenly the film became a global story about an international family,” she explained. “I know that Omar could do the action work. I knew he could bring all that heart to the role. It just became what it was supposed to be in Omar’s hands.” International casting choices often bring unexpected dimensions to storytelling, enriching the narrative with diverse perspectives.
The collaboration between Washington and Sy represents a growing trend of cross-cultural casting in Hollywood, bringing together talents from different backgrounds to create more universal stories. Their partnership demonstrates how contemporary filmmaking increasingly transcends national boundaries.
Shadow Force joins a wave of action thrillers featuring complex family dynamics, appealing to audiences who enjoy both adrenaline-pumping sequences and emotional depth. The film promises to deliver both high-octane action and genuine character relationships.
Pre-release buzz has focused on the unique pairing of Washington and Sy, with industry insiders noting their complementary acting styles. Their collaboration, born from a simple direct message, has evolved into one of the most anticipated on-screen partnerships of the season.
The unconventional beginning of their professional relationship underscores how the entertainment industry continues to evolve, with traditional barriers being replaced by more direct and personal connections. This modern casting approach might signal a shift in how Hollywood assembles creative teams for future projects.
