ENTERTAINMENT // Movie
from little rock to lionsgate
Dianna D. Donahue - 05.08.2025
photo by Dianna D. Donahue
Black excellence was unapologetically on display at the private screening of Shadow Force, Lionsgate's high-octane action thriller that’s already making waves in theaters.
This movie depicts an estranged couple who were once the leaders of a multinational special forces group called Shadow Force—I’m talking about real-deal unalivers of bad guys. They fell in love, which was against the rules, and shortly thereafter, their duo status became a trio. With a bounty on their heads, they go underground to protect their son Ky, with the remaining members of the Shadow Force violently hot on their trail.
The film officially hit theaters on May 9, 2025, but for a select group of family, friends, and guests, the experience came early—and let’s just say, the energy was perfect for the agenda: to celebrate one of Little Rock’s own! Accentuated by the movie’s theme, Family Over Everything, the vibe of the night was reflective.
Co-written by Leon Chills, a proud Little Rock native, Shadow Force is more than just another action movie. It’s a statement. It is a thrill ride of power-packed shootouts, surprises, and stunts centered around sustaining the Black family by any means necessary.
This movie depicts an estranged couple who were once the leaders of a multinational special forces group called Shadow Force—I’m talking about real-deal unalivers of bad guys. They fell in love, which was against the rules, and shortly thereafter, their duo status became a trio. With a bounty on their heads, they go underground to protect their son Ky, with the remaining members of the Shadow Force violently hot on their trail.
The film officially hit theaters on May 9, 2025, but for a select group of family, friends, and guests, the experience came early—and let’s just say, the energy was perfect for the agenda: to celebrate one of Little Rock’s own! Accentuated by the movie’s theme, Family Over Everything, the vibe of the night was reflective.
Co-written by Leon Chills, a proud Little Rock native, Shadow Force is more than just another action movie. It’s a statement. It is a thrill ride of power-packed shootouts, surprises, and stunts centered around sustaining the Black family by any means necessary.
source: http://shadowforce.movie/synopsis/
Get into this cast!!
Did you know the actors behind Olivia Pope from the hit TV show Scandal and Assane Diop from the Netflix's hit show Lupin are the stars of this movie? Yes, THE Kerry Washington (The Six Triplet Eight, Django Unchained) commands the screen with her signature strength and grace. Omar Sy (Jurassic World Dominion, The Intouchables) brings a powerful presence, holding down every frame he’s in.
To complement these forces in the casting, Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers, Only Murders in the Building) shines with her authenticity, and hip-hop iconic Cliff “Method Man” Smith (Wu-Tang Clan, Power Book II: Ghost) brings that rugged charm and action-star energy that keeps the audience glued. Kingsman and Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes star Mark Strong also delivers the gravitas we’ve come to expect. There’s even a slick cameo by the legendary DJ D-Nice to add a little flavor to the movie and the casting!
But the breakout star of this film, at least for me? Hands down, Jahleel Kamara as Ky Sarr—the son of the two main characters. His emotional range, wit, and melanated cuteness made his performance unforgettable. He wasn’t just a supporting role—he was the movie's heartbeat. His scenes were the kind that stick with you…especially if you have a child. I’m calling it to-day: Hollywood, keep your eye on this young king! FRFR
Did you know the actors behind Olivia Pope from the hit TV show Scandal and Assane Diop from the Netflix's hit show Lupin are the stars of this movie? Yes, THE Kerry Washington (The Six Triplet Eight, Django Unchained) commands the screen with her signature strength and grace. Omar Sy (Jurassic World Dominion, The Intouchables) brings a powerful presence, holding down every frame he’s in.
To complement these forces in the casting, Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers, Only Murders in the Building) shines with her authenticity, and hip-hop iconic Cliff “Method Man” Smith (Wu-Tang Clan, Power Book II: Ghost) brings that rugged charm and action-star energy that keeps the audience glued. Kingsman and Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes star Mark Strong also delivers the gravitas we’ve come to expect. There’s even a slick cameo by the legendary DJ D-Nice to add a little flavor to the movie and the casting!
But the breakout star of this film, at least for me? Hands down, Jahleel Kamara as Ky Sarr—the son of the two main characters. His emotional range, wit, and melanated cuteness made his performance unforgettable. He wasn’t just a supporting role—he was the movie's heartbeat. His scenes were the kind that stick with you…especially if you have a child. I’m calling it to-day: Hollywood, keep your eye on this young king! FRFR
Now, let’s talk about this writer!!
Although he is technically a co-writer of this film, Leon Chills is the true backbone of this cinematic gem. Raised in Little Rock and shaped by the values of faith, family, and community, Chills has blazed a bold trail from Morehouse College to Wall Street, and now to the bright lights of Hollywood. He’s written for hit series like Netflix’s Spinning Out, Amazon’s The Wilds, and even co-developed the gritty fantasy project Rougaroo. Not to mention his pivotal role co-writing the DC/Milestone comic ICON AND ROCKET, solidifying his status as a multi-platform creative force.
His journey caught the attention of Lionsgate, which won Shadow Force after a competitive bidding war. That’s right--they came to him, y’all! That kind of power move doesn’t just elevate Leon—it puts Little Rock on the map in a major way. So major, in fact, that Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. declared May 9, 2025, Leon Chills Day in the City of Little Rock. In his official proclamation, the Mayor celebrated Chills as a “dynamic force in American cinema,” reflecting the city’s “creative spirit.” The document honored his bold career shift from finance to film, his commitment to storytelling, and the pride he brings to his hometown. The writer's father read the proclamation aloud before the attendees prior to the movie starting. The theater was filled with pride.
Although he is technically a co-writer of this film, Leon Chills is the true backbone of this cinematic gem. Raised in Little Rock and shaped by the values of faith, family, and community, Chills has blazed a bold trail from Morehouse College to Wall Street, and now to the bright lights of Hollywood. He’s written for hit series like Netflix’s Spinning Out, Amazon’s The Wilds, and even co-developed the gritty fantasy project Rougaroo. Not to mention his pivotal role co-writing the DC/Milestone comic ICON AND ROCKET, solidifying his status as a multi-platform creative force.
His journey caught the attention of Lionsgate, which won Shadow Force after a competitive bidding war. That’s right--they came to him, y’all! That kind of power move doesn’t just elevate Leon—it puts Little Rock on the map in a major way. So major, in fact, that Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. declared May 9, 2025, Leon Chills Day in the City of Little Rock. In his official proclamation, the Mayor celebrated Chills as a “dynamic force in American cinema,” reflecting the city’s “creative spirit.” The document honored his bold career shift from finance to film, his commitment to storytelling, and the pride he brings to his hometown. The writer's father read the proclamation aloud before the attendees prior to the movie starting. The theater was filled with pride.
“I was here (Little Rock) when that (the spark for his interest in writing) happened. Going to the movies with my dad on the weekends; going to Blockbusters on the weekends to rent more movies; and then Hollywood Video if the late fee was too high at Blockbuster - all of that happened here in Little Rock. And I wouldn’t be here without any of that.”
A film written by one of our own. How dope is that? A cast that reflects the richness of our community. How dope is that? A story that centers on Black love, Black action, and Black brilliance. How eff-in’ dope is that?
So, URBANE fam, support this film. Take your cousins, mama n’em, play auntie n’em, and the group chats. Shadow Force dropped May 9, 2025—and trust me, you want to see it!
So, URBANE fam, support this film. Take your cousins, mama n’em, play auntie n’em, and the group chats. Shadow Force dropped May 9, 2025—and trust me, you want to see it!
