Simone Hicks has fallen in love with Bringston University in the backdoor pilot for All American: Homecoming.
And this is just the beginning, becauseAll American: Homecominghas received a series order.
“Everyone’s driven and ready to bring Bringston Univeristy to life and bring the characters to life.”
Geffri Maya as Simone on ‘All American: Homecoming.'.Erik Voake/The CW
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How do you feel about getting to take Simone on this new journey?
It’s pretty exciting.
How would you say this visit changes Simone?
Kelly Jenrette as Amara and Geffri Maya as Simone.Bill Inoshita/The CW
It’s very empowering that she’s able to step into that world of Blackness and Black joy.
What was shooting the backdoor pilot like?
It was such a beautiful experience because it was so genuine.
Geffri Maya as Simone on ‘All American: Homecoming.'.Bill Inoshita/The CW
Everyone’s driven and ready to bring Bringston Univeristy to life and bring the characters to life.
What do you think Simone thinks of Damon by the end of the episode?
Everything was always about someone else and in that moment Damon supports her in doing what she wants.
Damon is seemingly a good inspiration for her to just be her best self.
Simone’s relationship with Amara is different from what we’ve seen from her family.
Talk to me a bit about their bond and relationship.
Simone is attracted to her Aunt Amara because she’s so different than her mother.
Amara is in journalism because she has a powerful palette and mind, which Simone is inspired by.
[Amara] serves as an inspiration as a woman, a Black woman, an educated Black woman.
Amara and Simone talk about Simone’s mom a few times.
What are you hopingHomecomingexplores about Simone’s family?
To explore Black families, especially Black motherhood and sisterhood is important.
Simone’s mother has a story.
It would be beautiful to be able to see that unfold and see their relationship take a turn.
What was more challenging the tennis game scene or the dance sequence?
Also, how much fun was that big dance sequence to shoot?
I grew up as a dancer.
I trained with Debbie Allen at the Alvin Alley Dance Academy, so.
I had a really good time.
The dancers and our choreographers, Nico and Rhapsody, were amazing.
How are you feeling about getting to tell the story of a Black tennis player?
We’re just getting to know Simone as an athlete.
The most challenging [thing] was definitely the tennis, because I am learning tennis now.
These Black athletes all have stories and come from different backgrounds.
Tennis is such a beautiful sport that I have respect for.
It’s not easy at all.
How worried should we be about what Simone’sHomecomingjourney means for her and Jordan?
I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.
It’s just a journey, it’s college.
All Americanairs Mondays at 8 p.m.
ET on the CW.All American: Homecomingwill air on the CW next season.
