Mark Hicks, the afro-wearing auditioner over 3.9 million Youtube viewers saw wipe out on a back flip before stumbling off camera in a daze while trying to complete a nunchaku routine is turning embarrassment into opportunity. A veteran Hollywood stunt actor with credits that include CRADLE 2 THE GRAVE and TERMINATOR 3, Hicks has written, produced, directed, and starred in a feature film spin-off along with action film veterans Jim Kelly (ENTER THE DRAGON) and Michiko Nishiwaki (IN THE LINE OF DUTY 3).
I’ll admit I was laughing right along with the rest of the world at Hicks when I first saw the infamous “Afro Ninja” clip. It was right up there with the broomstick-twirling STAR WARS kid that also became an internet sensation. The difference is that Hicks, while not identified when his clip began circulating in 2006, was actually a seasoned professional who had the misfortune of having one unintentionally humorous mistake during an audition caught on camera and leaked to the internet. The clip even moved into mainstream popularity when Jay Leno featured it on THE TONIGHT SHOW.
Hicks earns my respect for dusting himself off and attempting to turn this notorious 15 minutes of fame to his advantage. People cannot choose how good fortune comes to them. They can only seize on the opportunities it provides, no matter how unusual they may be.
Working off a script co-written by Carlton Holder, AFRO NINJA: DESTINY is an action comedy where Reggie Carson (Hicks) is a kind-hearted postal worker who has his body taken over by a warrior spirit that turns out to be his deceased father. Armed with new fighting moves, Reggie takes on corrupt politicians, police and a local kickboxing hero who have teamed up to swindle local residents out of their homes and businesses.
Also starring is Marla Gibbs (THE JEFFERSONS), stunt actress Natascha Hopkins (SPIDER-MAN 3), James Black (LOVE AND A BULLET), and Mari Marrow.
A trailer for AFRO NINJA: DESTINY is available at the film’s official site. It’s obviously a low-budget production but looks to have had competent lighting and DP work. I cannot say that it looks like anything special. It seems to be missing something, perhaps more punch lines or spiced up action. I like the concept though and hope that it forwards Hicks’ acting career.
His famous audition gaffe doesn’t seem to have ended his stunt career. IMDb lists him in several upcoming films including the sci-fi thriller GAME starring 300’s Gerald Butler and John Leguizamo.
For those who haven’t seen it here is the original “Afro Ninja” clip.
