‘Watchmen’ Actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Wants To ‘Do More Projects That Are Inspiring & Culturally Relevant’

‘Watchmen’ Actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Wants To ‘Do More Projects That Are Inspiring & Culturally Relevant’

Architect turned actor, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s career is on the rise and he says, “I’m having a ball” with it all. Still, we might see him in a different light sooner than later.

The actor is currently set to star in the upcoming urban legend sequel, Candyman, written by Oscar winner, Jordan Peele.

But in a recent interview with GQ, he also opened up about his personal life and political views, in the heat of the heavy racial climate nationwide and abroad. He said,

“It’s impossible to grow up in Oakland without growing up in a political household.”

He said his current role on HBO’s Watchmen helped him express what he believes are his racial and social duties.

“I’m stepping into a place now where I’m beginning to have the conversations about responsibility. What are the stories that I want to tell? I love to go out and do silly, but I also want to do more projects that are inspiring and culturally relevant, because film as a medium is so powerful.”

Interestingly enough, he thought he would be playing a small role as Cal Abar, opposite Regina King who plays his wife Angela Abar, before finding out he would also be the most iconic character in the series, Dr. Manhattan.

He also opened up about religion after being raised by an Islamic father and a Christian mother. He said he decided to practice Christianity thanks to youth groups he attended giving him an excuse to hang out with girls as a teenager. Now, he takes a page from both religions and said,

“Somebody has to go to hell. And I just don’t think that God is that petty.”

While he’s making his mark, he said he still doesn’t know how famous he really is.

“I’m in this ambiguous place right now, where I can’t tell what the score is out in the world. It tends to make social interactions change from unassuming to awkward really quickly. And that’s when it’s like, ‘Oh yeah. That’s right. I do this thing.’ ”

What do you think about what the actor had to say? Let us know in the comments.