At just 24 years old, Christopher Ammanuel has already made an extraordinary impact across various creative industries. A versatile and dynamic multi-hyphenate talent, he mesmerised audiences with his captivating performance in a recurring role on The CW’s “Black Lightning”. Now, Christopher is set to star alongside Tyrese Gibson in “1992”, an intense and gripping drama set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Los Angeles riots.

We sat down with Christopher to dive into his exploration of love in his writing, his approach to tackling a character deeply rooted in the chaos of the LA riots and connecting with Tyrese Gibson during a seven-hour road trip through Bulgaria.

Read the interview…

What inspired you to pursue acting and how did you get started in the industry?

My pursuit of acting was profoundly influenced by my passion for art, particularly in its expressive forms. From a very young age, I found refuge in singing, dancing, and inhabiting various characters. This early engagement in artistic transformation not only allowed me to escape reality but also fundamentally shaped my development as an artist.

You’re a writer, producer and musician alongside being an actor. Could you share some of your favourite pieces of work as a writer and musician?

In my view, my most accomplished piece of writing is a song titled “From This Moment.” The theme of love, which frequently serves as the cornerstone of my creative endeavors, whether in songwriting or scriptwriting, profoundly resonates with me. This enduring passion for exploring love is greatly inspired by my musical idol, Stevie Wonder, who exemplifies the notion that love transcends all boundaries. I do have a romantic drama entitled “ The Chauffeur” that is currently in development. You heard it here first.

What was your experience like on “Black Lightning” and how did it shape you as an actor?

Being part of Black Lightning was a transformative experience for me. The chance to portray roles often not afforded to actors of my background marked a significant moment in history that I deeply value. I am profoundly grateful to our esteemed creator and show-runner, Salim Akil, whose vision and leadership enabled us to achieve something unprecedented. His contribution to this groundbreaking endeavor is something I will always hold in high regard.

Can you tell us more about your role in “1992”?

My role in 1992 represents the experiences of young men and women from inner-city neighborhoods across America. Antoine, a 16-year-old, faces the challenge of forgiveness despite circumstances that seem to offer little justification for it. Coming from a fractured home and dealing with an absent father, he carries a heavy burden of distrust. Through his journey, Antoine comes to realize that his previous understanding of the world was incomplete and that he needs both trust and love. I hope his story resonates with young people in similar situations, offering them valuable insights and guidance.

How did you prepare to portray a role during such a pivotal historical moment like the LA riots?

To prepare for my role in 1992, I immersed myself in every piece of knowledge about the era and the specific situations depicted. I encountered some heartbreaking material that will forever be etched in my mind. By reading articles, watching news segments, and exploring independent journalism, I aimed to gain a thorough understanding of the times and the stakes involved, ensuring that I could do justice to both the character and the world they inhabit.

Can you share any significant or memorable moments from working with Tyrese Gibson?

There are so many beautiful moments I could share when it comes to working with Tyrese. I think the memory that stands out most is our roadtrip to Varna, Bulgaria. We spent 7 hours in a car talking about any and everything. We spent a lot of time together in Varna character building and improvising. We wanted our characters to feel authentic within their given circumstances and we were sure to give our due diligence to every moment you will witness on camera.

You’ll be starring in “Spin The Bottle” later this fall. Given the film is rooted in the young adult horror culture that happens to be a popular genre right now, how did you immerse yourself in the environment to bring authenticity to the role?

Horror films are among the most challenging projects to undertake because they are so easy to mishandle. Most characters in these films are written in a one-dimensional manner, lacking genuine development in their journeys. What I loved about Spin The Bottle is that our exceptional director, Gavin Wiesen, aimed to evoke more than just horror or shock from viewers. He allowed each character to experience genuine development, which enriches the overall plot. I appreciate that the film won’t merely be a series of killings but will have a deeper, more profound core. And of course, Justin Long and Ali Larter added a nice touch to an already great piece.

After “1992” and “Spin The Bottle”, what’s next on the horizon for you? Can you share any details on upcoming projects?

After 1992 and Spin The Bottle, I have a project that I am so passionate about entitled “Keyz” directed by the incredible Chris Brew. I can’t say much about the film, but this project is what filmmaking is about. I will leave it there.