In a recent appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Jharrel Jerome shared his excitement about his latest film, “Unstoppable,” which features none other than Jennifer Lopez as his on-screen mother. The multi-talented actor, known for his roles in “Moonlight” and “When They See Us,” expressed his awe and admiration for his co-star, confessing that Lopez had been his screensaver for a month prior to filming.

For Jerome, who hails from the Bronx, the casting of Lopez as his mother was a dream come true. He candidly admitted to freaking out when he discovered the news and immediately called his own mom to share the exciting development. Although his mother playfully questioned who could possibly portray her better than herself, she soon realized the magnitude of having Jennifer Lopez as her on-screen counterpart.

In “Unstoppable,” Jerome portrays the inspiring true story of Anthony Robles, a remarkable individual who was born with one leg but went on to become an undefeated collegiate wrestler and an NCAA Champion. Alongside his phenomenal performance, Jerome had the privilege of working closely with Robles, who served as both his body double and stunt double throughout the film. Robles not only imparted his expertise but also trained Jerome as a wrestler, ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of the action-packed wrestling scenes.

This project has been five years in the making for Jerome, with various delays, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a writer’s strike, along the way. However, his dedication and commitment to the role made these challenges worthwhile. The film showcases his remarkable transformation and intense physical training, with Jerome hitting the gym more than ever before.

While discussing his journey as an actor, Jerome revealed his earlier connection to the entertainment industry. He attended LaGuardia High School, a prestigious arts school known for producing talented graduates such as Timothée Chalamet, Nicki Minaj, and Jennifer Aniston. Reflecting on his audition process for the school at the age of 13, Jerome recalls a grueling nine-hour day in which he progressed through multiple rounds, along with approximately 1,400 other hopeful individuals. He impressed the judges with his monologues, showcasing his acting range even at such a young age.

The conversation with Stephen Colbert revealed the behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs of Jerome’s career. From his first film debut in the critically acclaimed “Moonlight” to his Emmy-winning performance in “When They See Us,” Jerome’s talent has taken him on an incredible journey. Now, with “Unstoppable” and the opportunity to work with Jennifer Lopez, he is reaching new heights in the entertainment industry.

For fans of Jharrel Jerome and the captivating world of talk shows, this conversation on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” provided an intriguing and lively glimpse into the actor’s career and his experience working alongside Jennifer Lopez. With his star on the rise, there is no doubt that Jerome will continue to impress audiences with his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.