Reed Shannon chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about starring in the Lionsgate film “Splash City,” playing Juju, and he defined success.
In this crime thriller, two brothers, Juju and Slim, struggle to survive the streets of San Francisco, where loyalty can turn into betrayal in an instant. While Slim sees basketball as his way out, Juju falls deeper into a life of smash-and-grab robberies under the control of a backstabbing crew leader.
As tensions rise, the brothers must choose between fighting for a brighter future or succumbing to the violent legacy that threatens to consume them both.
How has your experience filming ‘Splash City’ been?
Man, it has been a whirlwind, truly. But to be able to tell such a beautiful story about such a beautiful city—you can’t complain. It’s been an incredible experience.
What do you like most about your character Juju?
I love Juju’s ability to observe and really take things in. Whether he processes those experiences in a way that’s ultimately helpful or harmful is another story, but I admire how thoughtful he is. He’s always trying to stay ahead of his decisions. He doesn’t always make the right choices, but I appreciate watching that process unfold.
I think this is one of the first characters I’ve played where audiences really get to see that internal journey from beginning to end.
What was it like working with the directors?
Alex and Bener are great. We made a really strong team on this film. I’m such a fan of the visual language they created. They’ve made this beautiful labor of love—an ode to San Francisco. Hearing people from the city talk about how excited they are, and seeing their reactions to the visuals, has been amazing.
There are a lot of stories set in San Francisco, but this one presents the city in a unique light while still capturing its beauty. That was really special to be a part of.
Beyond that, we had the freedom to play, rehearse, and discover moments together as actors. We’d spend nights running scenes, asking, “Does this make sense?” or “What if we tried this?” Then we’d get to set and actually explore those ideas. It wasn’t a “hurry up and wait” production—it was, “Let’s go make something special.” Let’s tell this story and represent the city the right way.
You don’t get the chance to work on many projects like that.
What did the screenplay teach you about yourself?
The biggest lesson came from allowing myself to be curious instead of feeling like I had to have all the answers.
When I first arrived, I thought I needed to play this hard gangster. I thought I had to become someone I’m really not. But during our first table read, I realized Juju isn’t trying to be tough—he’s just trying. He’s trying to figure out who he is and what he wants.
Even though I’d read that on the page, it didn’t fully click until then. That realization gave me permission to be curious—not just as an actor, but as a person. It reminded me that it’s okay not to have everything figured out, and that was really important for me.
What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?
“Settle and Rise.” I don’t want to overhype myself or force situations. At the same time, I want to keep growing and continue putting myself out there.
I also run a bar in Los Angeles, so I’m constantly finding myself in situations where I have to de-escalate conflict. A lot of people bring chaos into a room, and I’ve grown into a place where I don’t need that.
I don’t need unnecessary aggression or confrontation. I can bring love and light into a situation while still being firm, getting things done, and continuing to grow into the person I’m meant to be.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would probably be a shapeshifter.
I had this dream once—I think it had something to do with acting, but I’m not completely sure. You know that drawing of the human body inside the circle? In my dream, it was spinning, and I kept shapeshifting through millions of different characters.
Ever since then, that has always been my answer.
What does success mean to you?
Success changes over time, but right now it’s making sure I have a happy wife by any means necessary, making sure my family is taken care of, and being able to find fulfillment through my art. That is success to me.
What would you like to say to your fans?
Thank you for all the love and support. I love meeting you at conventions and everywhere else.
There is so much love and joy, and that’s exactly what I want to put out into the world. It means everything to receive that same energy back.
What do you hope audiences take away from ‘Splash City’?
This film reflects a real life that people are living. I hope everyone from the Bay feels seen and heard, and feels like their culture and their city are being represented with authenticity.
For people who aren’t from the Bay—or who’ve never experienced anything like what’s portrayed in the film—I hope they come away realizing that there’s humanity even in some of the darkest places. There’s always light that can shine through. Go see “Splash City.” It’s a great film, and I really appreciate all the support.
To learn more about Reed Shannon, follow him on Instagram.
