Bringing a breakthrough superhero’s origin story to life onscreen is no easy feat, especially for an 11-year-old, but Maceo Smedley was more than up to the task. As a young black man living a privileged life in America, Tyrone Johnson – otherwise known as the Cloak half of the superhero duo on Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger – is raising the bar for representation within the superhero genre. Since Tyrone’s childhood years are so vital to his story, Maceo shares the character with series main Aubrey Joseph, and continues to appear throughout the season via superpowered visions and flashback sequences. We talked with the young star about his acting process, his love of stunt work, and his basketball skills.
Did you read the Cloak & Dagger comics to prepare for your role?
I was familiar with their characters, but not with their comics. I know they showed up to help Spider-Man in one story. After filming, I bought the comic book, and love the way the show uses some of the comic books, but also puts a new twist on the story.
Did you prepare with Aubrey Joseph to keep your shared character consistent?
Aubrey was a good castmate and friend. We spent time together just getting a vibe for one another and our relationship shows up well in the way we portrayed our characters.
What was it like filming with Rachel Ryals (Young Tandy) and Marqus Clae (Billy)? Do you have any fun moments from set you can share?
Well, us three were in school on set together so we spent lots of time together. I loved hanging out with Rachel. Marqus and I would play basketball during our time off. The best thing was when we got to go to the WWII museum in New Orleans. It’s one of the best museums ever.
Tyrone (Alfonso Bresciani/Freeform)
You were an important part of bringing Cloak & Dagger’s amazing origin story to life. What was it like filming those intense moments in the premiere with the death of Billy and the oil rig explosion?
Filming this was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to film. I had to film underwater and hold my breath for a very long time. I also had to jump off a high dive for the first time. When Billy got shot, we were outside, soaking wet, and it was freezing cold. But it was all worth it in the end. The scenes came out so good. I was very glad.
What was it like filming the scenes where Tandy sees into Tyrone’s hopes?
I love playing basketball, so it was hard for them to get me off the court between takes. That day was good because it’s one of the only times I got to work with Olivia [Holt]. I grew up watching her on TV and I can’t believe I am actually on a show with her now.
What is your favorite thing about your character?
My favorite part of playing my character was the stunts I had the opportunity to do. My favorite part about my character’s personality is that he survived tragedy and uses it later in life as a superpower.
Is there another superhero that you would love to play?
Hopefully, when I’m older there will be an opportunity to play in an action movie as a superhero. I don’t really mind who I play if I get to do my own stunts. But Spider-Man’s stunts look the best.
One last question, are you really good at basketball?
I don’t like to brag, but I have a pretty decent shot. But I’m much better on Xbox.
Cloak & Dagger airs Thursdays 8/7c on Freeform.
