Acclaimed director and storyteller Choice Skinner is set to captivate audiences with his latest film, And Then You Die. This gripping action-drama follows Shawn Armstrong’s journey from a retired Navy SEAL to a man seeking justice for his family.
Reflecting on the origins of the film, Skinner shares, “I wrote this screenplay over twenty-two years ago. At that time, there weren’t many stories greenlit that had action film Black male antagonists. As a rising actor, I wrote it as a starring vehicle for myself because I have an inherent superhero complex. I’m very big on saving people, and I grew up being exposed to action films throughout my life, so it was a matter of time before I’d have a film about a character seeking justice on my resume.”
Speaking about the protagonist’s evolution, Skinner notes, “I always saw Shawn as a grounded superhero without superhuman abilities. Again, many of Shawn’s complexities and his personality traits are some of my own. I wanted to show that loss is something we all deal with and struggle with, especially those in the military. The world’s perception of soldiers and warriors is callous strength. Having the chance to show how such a strong character deals with such pathos yet finds liberation from it is tremendous.”
The film delves into profound themes. “Some of the central themes I’m looking to convey are family and how we are held to caring for those we love, forgiveness, and the steps that it takes to genuinely forgive. But mostly how one can overcome pathos by not allowing the pain of loss or the past to hold them back from moving forward in life,” explains Skinner.
On the casting process, Skinner reveals, “Casting is one of the most important aspects of a film. For me, it’s crucial to bring amazing performances to the screen. I look for actors who not only have talent but also show a genuine love for the project. Jamaal Lewis took a strong interest in Shawn, preparing physically and delving into Shawn’s psychosis and personality. Jason Woods, who plays Scott, has been a frequent collaborator of mine, and his dedication is unmatched.”
The film features intense action scenes. Skinner, a former stunt coordinator, emphasizes, “I am ALWAYS in the mind of SAFETY FIRST for my cast and crew. We wanted to raise the bar on action for the film, so a lot of thought, careful planning, and rehearsal were implemented. The challenge is always controlling the space when many things are happening at once. Preparation is key!”
Balancing action with emotional depth, Skinner states, “I write for actors, so And Then You Diecan be seen more as a well-acted drama thriller that has eye-opening, explosive action sequences. The story is always first. Performances have to be genuine. My martial arts training ensures that the fight choreography works on camera. Even without the action, the film would still be compelling.”
Inspired by action films like Raid: The Redemptionand John Wick, Skinner explains, “Visually, it’s important for me that the film’s aesthetics are top-notch. I wanted to return to the days when male action leads like Stallone, Schwarzenegger, and Van Damme ruled the box office. The city itself is a character, showcasing both its best and worst aspects to promote the honesty of the script and story.”
On the film’s music, Skinner says, “I approach music with a very cultural and eclectic mindset. The soundtrack and score are characters of their own. The music had to be powerful yet supportive of each scene. Horns, strings, and drums set the rhythm, representing the international flavor of the cast and communities in the film.”
Skinner hopes audiences will be deeply impacted by the film, stating, “I always make films to entertain. I want them to see something in the film that resonates with them and causes discussion. If it stays on their minds and maybe helps someone through a tough time, I’ve undoubtedly done my job.”
Skinner reflects on the honor, “This year’s nomination from the NAACP Image Awards was a true honor and a tremendous blessing. To share a category with films like The Color Purple was mind-blowing. I realize I’m on the path to greatness, so the key is to keep pressing forward!”
Looking ahead, Skinner is always working on new projects. “Right before And Then You Die, I directed an indie dark comedy Not So Bright. Next is a horror film The Legend Of Ciscero, co-directed with Tony Germinario, and a completed short called Safety First. Finally, I’ll be prepping the sequel to And Then You Die to be lensed in 2026.”
And Then You Die promises to be a gripping and emotionally resonant film that combines intense action with deep storytelling. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project unfolds.
