Exclusive: Catching Up With Erica Peeples From ‘True To The Game 2’

Currently in theaters from the Imani Media Group is the urban action film the sequel True to the Game 2, directed by Jamal Hill from a script written by Preston A. Whitmore II. Executive produced by Manny Halley Productions and based on Teri Woods’ novel of the same name, the original film was released in 2017.

Here’s a link to the theaters where the film will play at truetothegame2.com/theaters/

Cast members from the original film coming back are Vivica A. Fox, Andra Fuller, Erica Peeples, Iyana Halley, and Jamaar Simon. New additions are Rotimi, Jeremy Meeks, Niatia ‘Lil Mama’ Kirkland, Faith Evans, Starletta DuPois, Tamar Braxton, Lisa Renee Pitts, Christian James, and Kevin Sizemore, Bernice Burgos, Juliet “Juju” Cee, London on Da Track, Paul Saucido and Waka Flocka Flame.

TRUE TO THE GAME II, picks up a year after the first installment of True to the Game, following the lives of the characters affected by Quadir’s (Columbus Short) murder. Separating herself from Philly’s dangerous scene, Gena (Erica Peeples) has reinvented herself as a journalist, living and working in NYC. Quickly growing in her company Gena is sent on assignment to LA for a career changing story. Though Gena is far from home, her life in Philly seems to always make an appearance. Someone from Quadir’s circle has avenged his death with a hit on Jerrell’s crew members, reigniting another war between the two crews. Jerrell (Andra Fuller) is determined to get paid by any means necessary and he’ll start with Gena.

For Erica Peeples, who plays Gena, she has a bigger role and more pages to tackle that she had in the first film. Gina is no longer in school, has money and a career, yet still mourns the death of Quadir. While she has appeared in short films and a few TV series, both of the True films have given the Juilliard grad her biggest roles to date.

BlackFilmandTV.com recently spoke with Peeples about her role and return to the sequel.

Let's go back to the beginning for those who may have not caught up, how did this role come about for you? Did you audition? Did he come after you?

Erica Peeples: I did audition. Ironically, Columbus Short is a good friend of mine. I had just moved from LA to New York and he called me in the middle of the night and said, "You know, I have a great opportunity for you. I just need you to trust me, and come on here and prove me right." About 10 minutes later, I was on the phone with the producer Manny Halley, and creator of the movie, and I was on a plane to LA. I came to LA, went straight to the director, audition for the director, then I met the producer Manny Halley. Then I had to go to Leah Daniels and audition I think it was four times before actually booked the role of Gina

Had you read the book prior or after you got the role?

Erica Peeples: I read it after. It's interesting because I was really connected to the character automatically. But after reading the book, Teri Woods did such a great job of writing these stories, and telling the journey of Gina.

How would you describe Gina coming into the second film? And how do you relate to her?

Erica Peeples: Gina, compared to the first, now has the money. So she has a whole new swag. She has the confidence. She has every means to do but she's also mourning the loss of her love. She's doing it by herself. This movie is about her really finding herself and coming to terms with where she is and where she goes with that. Then there's also someone that's trying to come after her for this money. So she's gonna have to learn how to be tough and defend herself at the same time.

When you auditioned for the role had you known then that this was going to be a trilogy?

Erica Peeples: I did not. I did not know it was going to be a trilogy probably midway almost to the end of shooting the first one. And even then we weren't sure when or how the second or the third part was going to happen. But it's such a blessing. With this second film, there's so much growth not just in the actors, but with the producer Manny Haley, with the director, Jamal Hill and with the cinematography. The whole team has just stepped it up and I think everybody is in for a real treat.

This was a big role for you? How did you grow as an actress?

Erica Peeples: Well, the first thing is having a body of work, and being able to learn for myself, and then also to have a lead role, which is where I have to carry the movie. It just sharpens my tools. It helped me grow just to learn the ins and outs of what it's like to be in front of the camera and behind the camera, the patience it takes, the work that I need to have done before I come on set, while being on set and the changes that can happen and how you just have to go with it and be in the moment and be true to your character and who you are. And working with other amazingly talented actors and directors as well. 

Is it more challenging when you know that you're on more pages of a script than before?

Erica Peeples: Yes, but the challenge, I would say is just making sure that I've done my work, that I stay present in every moment. and that my energy and basically my leadership is a big part of being a lead role to how I carry myself and how I present myself on set. Being professional, knowing my lines and keeping my energy up and right. It was a challenge, but it's good. 

What did you pick up from Jamal Hill that you can probably take to your next project?

Erica Peeples: What I picked up from Jamal is that he is someone that though he may have a plan, and he can tell you what that is. He's very specific, and he's a great director for actors because I feel that he understood the process of the actor. He knew how to talk to me. He knew how to talk to other actors to make us feel safe, and comfortable, and get exactly what he needed to get out of us and out of the shot. So I think it's a combination of his communication with the actors, which is great. And also, his vision of what he wants is true.

What is it that you look for in projects that make you say yes to?

Erica Peeples: Doing things that have meaning, that I'm passionate about, that give some type of message or can change the feeling of someone, whether it's a love story, or an action film, or a TV show; but it leaves you with an imprint of either some new information, or an emotion that you didn't know that you could feel and that you do feel. Anything that has a message, and I'm passionate about a project that I'm very interested in, especially for women, especially for black women in this time today.

An actor is never in control when their projects come out, so how does it feel to have Trigger out on BET and True To The Game 2 in theaters at the same time?

Erica Peeples: It makes me feel honored and blessed. I have been working really hard for a very long time. So it's nice to see that the fruits of my labor are starting to see all the seeds that I've planted. It's a combination of a lot of things, but exciting, honored, and very privileged to have this opportunity to showcase my talents and abilities and tell these stories.

As cases of the coronavirus are rising again in places around the world, what's your answer as far as why should people come out in theaters to see this movie?

Erica Peeples: Well, the first thing I would say is to be safe and be protected because COVID is very well real. There has been an extreme of higher cases recently, more than ever. But what I will also say is that it is a time for us to come together as a people, and to not necessarily live in fear; to protect ourselves to be aware. I think people generally miss going to the movies. I do. I miss going and watching a movie and eating popcorn and enjoying that experience. I would say protect yourself first. That is the most important thing. It's also a time where we could take our mind off all of the the eeriness in the world and focus on something else for a moment, even if it's just for two hours.

Where do we see you next in?

Erica Peeples: You will see me on All-American, which comes out January 18 Season Three and then True To The Game 3 following that.