Eternals Actor Haaz Sleiman on Marvel, Career, Inspiring Others

What’s up everybody? This is Fred Richani of TSC. We have right here via Zoom a very special guest. He’s Breaking down barriers in Hollywood. You may know him from a little film called Marvel studios Eternals he plays ben we are talking to Lebanese actor has layman. Thank you so much for your time. How’s everything going? Hey, Fred, nice to finally meet you. Everything’s great. Thank you for having me. And that was cute what you just said this little film Marvel film pretty incredible there’s so much to talk about we got a lot of questions, but I think one of the main questions on every fan’s mind is how did you get involved with such a big film.

Well, you know, I’m a professional actor. I’ve been acting since professionally since 2005 and I auditioned for their journals, I believe I did because they give you dummy sides because, you know, marvelous everything’s like hush-hush. So I auditioned with the dummy sides and I know I auditioned for one of the Eternals, but I don’t think they were my I killed the audition by the way and nine months after that audition. I hear from my agents that Marvel is offering me the part that I ended up playing. So, which became clear to me that they were not ready to cast a full-blooded Arab as an eternal and it was this moment where I was like disappointed because I kind of really wanted to be one of the Eternals, but then also it was an opportunity to get to humanize a queer family for the first time in history in a Marvel film where first time in history there’s an openly gay Marvel superhero.

And so for me that was important also like equally important. And it was an opportunity for me to do that. And I said, yes. And it was absolutely. It was a little bit strange because I never read the screenplay and they never gave me the script. So they only gave me like just my scenes. I didn’t know anything else. It was a very crazy experience although I have to say though them casting some hype was brilliant. You know, I actually didn’t even know that she was proud of her Lebanese heritage until after I shot the movie and the reason is because a lot of arabs criticize her, which I think is really unfair.

They, you know, saying that she’s not owning her Arab side and whatnot which is not the truth at all. You’re also playing an Arab character. You are of course Adam you’re a muslim. You did have a line talking about what your mother always told you we’ve talked off the air about how out of men and their mothers are super close and the other cool thing too just in general with the Eternals that I didn’t know going into the film that I recently watched was that it has so much middle Eastern flavor. Did you realize kind of the scope of what you were doing and the barriers were potentially Breaking during the filming.

Yes. And no, I it was enough for me to see that Marvel is actually gonna like have a queer family and a Marvel film represent humanity and especially like a gay kiss. I mean, that’s a huge deal. I mean, talk about you should like, see what people would say to me about that like you know, Marvel fans that would be outraged like you’re ruining Marvel for us. I’m like it’s to me. I mean that stuff doesn’t mean anything, but it was just like explaining to you how all worked out in a way because I only knew that I would be playing. The husband of the first openly gay superhero and we have a son.

So that to me was enough reason for me to be super excited that I get a chance to humanize a queer family globally and just saw how beautiful queer families are the truth of that actually, but I did not know that I although I didn’t know that the Eternals were very diverse the most diverse cast in any Marvel film, you know, you have different Eternals from different ethnicities. You have like asian south a south asian indian you have like well, selma would be spanish mexican or you know, with the Lebanese. But yeah, Black hair. You also had a Black character. You had a deaf character.

I mean? Yeah, well, yeah, I was gonna get to that, but they’re not just that of course the Black character was my husband. So that’s a big deal that also they had the gay eternal be I’m sorry the Black eternal be gay because we all know in the Black community being gay is really really unaccepted and it’s really really tough especially for gay Black men imagine like athletes who are gay and Black and then them coming out speaking their truth, that’s a big deal. And it’s very controversial. So Eternals did that and a death eternal that to me. All of that was beyond exciting because I was so moved by that effort that Marvel was trying to do which is Marvel was just simply trying to show the truth of humanity.

This is the world that we live in these all people. They exist people with disabilities people of color arabs queer people. I mean, that is our world. And so finally finally like this is happening. I mean, it’s about time really to ask me great. And that’s what I loved about I mean, most diverse cast in Marvel history, hey, kudos to Disney for the casting you get a lot you always get a lot of these corporations, right? Whether it be in Hollywood or just in general that give you a lot of lip service like, oh, we’re diverse or oh, you know, we support gay people this and that, but they only support like one part of that community or whatnot or it’s like, you know, hey, we have all female cast.

And it’s like all like White women and this is super super diverse and they really put their money where their mouth is and what I really liked angelina jolie talked about this is that they were willing to risk. Not having the movie be played in certain countries as well. And despite that the movies critically claimed done. Very well, I mean, how happy are you to see a major studio like this kind of stick by this film and say, you know what okay. You don’t like the gay scenes in there. Well stuff, oh, I mean? Well, I mean, that’s yeah. Well, okay, here we go. I’m very honest.

So, I don’t want to get myself in trouble. But yeah, I still stand by what I said that. I’m proud of Disney. Of course, but it’s also show business. So what I mean by that is even though they did ban it in saudi arabia, but in emirates in Lebanon the kissing scene was cut. So that means what it means. Not fully to Disney commit to what it promised, but you know what I don’t like I really actually still I’m proud of Disney because it is show business and they were trying to play that game to do to sort of like make the world? See what they stand for and they made that statement in that way and everyone who reaches out to me and says.

Oh, but they cut off the kissing scene. I’m like I posted it on my Instagram go watch it or I’ll I send it to them or I say when it’s going to be streaming or on DVD. You can watch it so to me. I don’t it doesn’t bother me that much because of that the fact that everyone will be able to see it at some point once the movie is on DVD or like it starts to get to be streamed. So I would say it didn’t diminish the impact that we are all talking about right now. I mean, I’ve have been having people like looks like the arabic thing.

I was that line that I spoke in arabic. It was my idea and I spoke in Lebanese obviously because I’m Lebanese. And I wanted to like sound like as if I’m talking to, you know, like a family member or you know, and actually, I stole it from my brother my oldest brother. He got remarried to his soul mate who happens to be Russian and they’re just like really in love soul mates he learned Russian like in a month for her. He started to speak Russian. So I was like, you know what fastest my husband. He’s my soul mate he learned arabic in a week in a month who cares.

So basically that’s where it came from because I really wanted to humanize queer families and just show how charming they can be and make it as believable and personable. And as realistic as possible and then I have to say we have to give credit to the one and only chloe’s out. I think chloe zao being that she was the director. And I believe a writer in this film is why the Eternals is the way it is and is why I was able to go up to her and tell her, hey can I speak to him in arabic and can I mention my mom because in our culture.

It doesn’t matter if you’re queer or not there is something really unique between a mother and her son the relationship between her mother and her son is really special in the Arab culture. And so this also came from that to show the truth of my beautiful Arab culture and Lebanese culture and to say that lying that they basically said. Okay, so, we’re gonna write it for you in English, and then you can translate it and say that we say it in Lebanese because that’s how it works with marbles. I was like, great wonderful. And I did it and I actually honestly didn’t think that they’re gonna actually use it.

So when I was at the premiere watching it. I like I was so shocked and then I got embarrassed because it was funny the way. I said it. It was almost like yeah, you know, it just reminded me of my friends, you know, and like when we talk to each other and how sometimes we can sound a little ghetto and whatnot and then I started to cry. So guess what after the movie was released Lebanese people in the movie theater sending the clips of the whole audience making? Like what? Oh, like they’re like cheering like feeling like they felt so proud to feel represented. I that moved me so much because all of a sudden it was no longer about me playing a queer character.

It was about like having my people feel proud or having like I made them feel proud. I mean that to me. I never thought, I would be in this position and that meant the world to me. Honestly it actually almost like sometimes moved me to tears because it was such a shock and how much it meant to them not just to Lebanese people. It’s a lot of arabs and not just for queer people actually most of the arabs that have been reaching out to me are not queer who have been really moved by it’s almost like they the fact that ben is queer doesn’t even matter anymore to them.

It’s just that moment. It’s not crazy like how powerful movies are on film is it’s incredible man. And hey, full disclosure, I’m one of those heterosexual people that reached out to you that was like man, like I went I told you the story. I went to the theater the other day watching to watch Eternals. We didn’t know anything about, you know, the middle Eastern influence going in it was awesome. We were the only ones in the theaters as close as a closed caption the version and your scene came on and when you mentioned you know that story about what your mother always told you like we didn’t have the same reaction.

We’re like hell, yeah. Like yeah, you know, it was it just it was great. Really you really should be proud of yourself. Kudos to everybody involved just a lovely film a beautiful scene an amazing form of representation. I’m not just saying that because you’re with me right here like straight up man. Like I can speak for all Lebanese otto’s man, that was awesome respect you for that. Thank you. My man. And I and like thanks to chloe, you know, like she is someone who she’s a magnificent artist and she’s so inclusive and she gets it, you know, like to her. Like the fact that she valued my choice and wanted to fight for it and not just that like even the kiss when we were filming the kiss she was like, okay has Brian kiss for just two beats and then haas put your hand on Brian and tell him now go save the world.

And protect her son. She’s like, I don’t want to give Disney nor Marvel a chance to cut the kissing scene out. Wow. So and she succeeded at that because it’s still in it. Yeah, it’s powerful man. Now, of course, everybody really knows you now for Eternals, but your journey has been going on for a while. So, let’s take it all the way back to when you grew up in Lebanon. How did this journey start for you in the acting world? Well, I was born and raised in the uae and then I moved to Lebanon, when I was 10 and I grew up in Lebanon until I was 21 basically growing up in Lebanon is really what shaped me.

And I always wanted to be a recording artist music was everything to me. It was my life. And yeah. Yeah, I know keisha I’m one of madonna’s biggest fan. So I was basically thinking maybe I’ll follow in her footsteps. So, I literally at age 21 moved to michigan where she’s from because also my aunt lives there. And then I moved to Manhattan where Madonna went and but it didn’t end up the way it ended up with her. And I think I was it was 9 11 that did it for me when 9 11 happened. My music had like I was literally trying to be like a male Arab Mr.

Elliot even though I didn’t even rap. But what I mean by that is like, you know timberland and missy and elia they always incorporated middle Eastern music and there were beats. And I loved that. So that was the direction. I was going in and then no one wanted to touch my music after 9 11. He’s like, who’s gonna, listen to this, you know, like all of a sudden being Arab became like the worst thing imaginable and that’s when I basically realized that’s it. It’s not gonna be the singing and I took an acting class at lau Lebanese American university. When I was like 20 just out of curiosity.

And so I was always curious about it and that’s when I decided to get into acting, I shot a couple films in new York and then I got an agent in LA before moving to l.a moved to LA in 2004 and hustled until I became a professional actor taking classes and all of that stuff and actually as a matter of fact. My first studio film was American dreams written by and directed by the amazing. Paul weitz. And funny enough fast forward just a couple months ago, he wrote me a personal note asking me if I would consider playing a role opposite jane fonda and lily tomlin, which I already did shoot it like this week props to you, man.

That’s awesome. Well, I mean, thank you. And it’s to me it meant the world to me because his note was basically. So moving the fact that he would say he’s so proud of me of the work that I’ve been putting out there in the world as an artist throughout my career. And then for and that made him want to reach out and work with me again. So for me that was really really really special. But I have to say though the visitor is when I realized that acting is my calling. So like you know, I was acting. I was doing my thing and but I was not like I didn’t know that is exactly what I wanted to do in my life.

And then the visitor came and I, you know, did my thing and we were doing the whole film festival circuit and like at one festival. We were doing a q a and then we were like leaving and then this lady chased me down. She’s like, hey, hey, oz please and I just was like hi. She’s like, thank you and she’s an American White lady. And she looked at me. She’s like, thank you so much for your betrayal in the visitor I will never look at them the same way again. And so when she said that to me. I was like, what it shocked me because I did not understand the power of film and storytelling that in this medium you can change people’s minds.

You can actually help people become better. You can actually make people connect with their higher self connect with maybe their empathy or actually expose them to a truth that they probably didn’t know like that lady for instance. You know, she’s never like she never thought of Arab madden as human they were always like this evil like, you know thing, you know, and the, you know, my character was. You know, written. So beautifully by Tom, but my goal and the visitor was this. I was like, I’m gonna show the world. What a loving culture the Arab culture is like how hospitable we are just so generous sometimes too much, you know, like if you ever come to my mom’s house.

You’ll leave and your belly will be like about to blow up, you know, and then you don’t have a choice, but it’s like I like that. I think that’s really beautiful part of our culture that a lot of people across the globe don’t know much about because what overshadows it is the other stuff, you know, the bad stuff that sells, you know, yeah. So for me the visitor is when it started happening to me. And I have to say I wish I came out earlier than the 2017 when I did that because prior to my coming out. I have to say sadly. I never really enjoyed acting.

I actually started to truly enjoy being an actor after I came out in 2017 and but you know, thank god that even though. I still did good work. Like, I’m still proud of all the work that I’ve done prior to you coming out. But I didn’t enjoy it. Like for instance nurse jackie working with idi falco. I mean, that was incredible. I mean also like the visitor Richard jenkins. I mean, that was probably the best thing for me as an actor to work with those greats or like jane fonda lindy tomlin. So working with idiopathic nurse jackie I did what it’s one of my best performances in that show in that season, but guess what I was actually.

So miserable because I was constantly doing this. I was like, okay, don’t talk about this don’t say that because if you do that, then they’re gonna find out that I’m gay. Yeah, it’s just like really exhausting. And you know, like self betrayal, man. I lived my journey in life has been a journey of self betrayal and now since 2017 I’m finally respecting myself and even challenging my family and my community. You know, not giving them a choice. But to accept me and respect me because here’s the thing. What I learned is the most important thing is to respect yourself because if you don’t respect yourself.

How are you going to expect anyone else to respect you now, but this is the bad part though even though I came out and I did all that. I usually tend to play leading name male roles because I’m not a character actor. So, I tend to get the parts that men want to be and women want to sleep with but ever since my coming out. That’s not been coming my way anymore. So, there’s still a lot of work to be done about this, you know, like I’ll put it this way. It’s really cool for a straight actor to play a gay character. Oh, but it’s ooh, no, it’s not a good thing for a gay actor to play straight.

So and that to me is sexism simply, you know, it’s cool for a woman to dress up in men’s clothes, but not cool for a man to dress up at women’s clothes. That’s humiliating why because we still are living in a patriarchal world essentially. That’s slowly changing, but that’s part of it enzymophobia xenophobia and patriarchy. Yeah, I mean, I agree. I agree. I mean, there’s a lot of people also brought up too. You know, like why can’t we have you know, more money and it’s great that the Eternals has done this, but it’s like a lot of people have been asking like why can we have like more minority superheroes in general, right?

There’s a million White superheroes. So it’s like it’s somewhere like there’s definitely a lot of work to do, but you’ve done a lot of amazing positive work. If you don’t mind me asking, would you what made you finally come out in 2017 as opposed to say 2007 and what was kind of the reaction from your family and the autub community 2007 was when I the visitor was out. So that would have been the absolutely. Never I would never be able to impossible like honestly thought never thought I would tell my mom and I guess what I didn’t tell her my aunt told me. So because my aunt like she’s my mom’s best friend and as my mom is my everything.

So and because my aunt is my mom’s best friend, so, she is my favorite aunt. And I trust her and she also like has a son that she was like, well, he might be gay. So she was sneaky and kind of sort of tricked me into telling her and then she went and told. My mom behind my back and my mom knew I was gay for eight months without me knowing about it. But to answer your question. When I did nurse jackie the Advocate. I wanted to do an interview with me because that was also history in the making me playing portraying momo de LA cruz because that was the first openly gay muslim character in the history of American TV.

So, it was a big deal. So there was a lot of interest in it. And you know, the way. I was portraying it. Like I just as an artist I’m a truth teller. And I always like want my characters to come across genuine. And you know that caught more attention because people were just like in love with my character and they wanted to know is he gay is he straight so, then I told showtime fine. I’ll do the interview with the Advocate, but please no personal questions. Well guess what after half hour with this guy on the interview like on the phone. He that says one more question, are you gay or straight, dude.

Like I almost thought I was going to die my body started to shake and I just sat straight and then we hung up and basically after that kept eating me up on the inside for years and years because not only did I betray myself. I literally just not only jeopardized my integrity as an artist. I lost it. I you know, to me. That is the most important thing my integrity as an artist. So like year after year. It was eating me up and I was getting angrier and also like it affected my life in every way not just professionally personally. So, it was really just year after year accumulation of just this betrayal and anger at myself to the point where one time in 2017.

There was a report that more lgbtq people have been murdered that year half of 2007 than the entire year of 2016 and mostly trans women of color. So that combined with myself betrayal gin and like I exploded it was like a volcano I couldn’t control myself. I literally grabbed my phone and just said it as however. I wanted to say it actually I received a backlash from the way I came out. So because I how can I say I shared too much information. I’m not I’m very private I’m a very shy person. But when I want to make a point, I make it I’m a bottom.

I don’t know if you know about that world in the gay men world like top bottom my mom’s version of it’s like so are you the woman or the man in the relationship. So I was like, mom I’m not gonna go there right now. But I shared that I was a bottom because of again, sexism I’m making a point like as soon as a guy has a quality that is associated to women then that is shameful you are to be shamed about it? There is something we call bottom shaming believe it or not. So yeah. Yeah, but bottom shaming meaning like they’re looked down on, but if you’re at the top.

You’re the guy and once I actually one of my exes was very feminine very effeminate you would think he’s about him. Well, I was the bottom and everybody thinks I’m a top. And so I would walk around like, yeah, I’m a top like, you know, like jokingly right now. I was like, what? Am I thinking what I’m doing exactly. What’s being doing done to me. I thought it was really funny and it was really also profound to see that I kind of was falling in that trap of feeling like less than because I was a bottom. And so when I came out it was about this.

It was about I have a right to defend myself. So I came out and I wanted to include that report in the coming out in my coming out and I basically said shared all the information and then I said, not only on my bottom. I’m also a total bottom, which means I like it up, you know, where and just because I’m gay and I’m a nice guy don’t get it twisted if you’re gonna come and kill me just because I’m gay. I will up and so it was this point where I was like making that, you know, people assume. Oh, you’re a bottom or if you have any quality that is female or like associated to women that you’re like basically, not only your joke like literally anybody can bully anybody can do whatever they want with you.

And I was like, no, no, no, it does not work that way and I’m a big feminist by the way. So for me. It was also coming from that side as well. Like, you know, fighting against sexism and making a point that I have a right to defend myself. I was just sick and tired of hearing these reports and no, one is saying anything about it. It’s like to me. It’s like, well, wait a minute. Like I don’t get why people are not angry about this. So, it’s really all of these things. And I have to say like even my mom. Like when I came out that video was all over the place.

And so my mom was like, did you have to do that. I’m like, yeah, mom she’s like, okay, I know you’re respecting yourself. I’m like yeah, exactly because I actually had to teach. My mom who I was who I am as a man, you know, like teach her what I’m going through and make her understand what I’m doing as an artist, you know, like I tell her like I’m an actor because I want to give my love to the world. I want to remind people that they’re not alone. I want to like remind them of their beauty. I want to remind them of how significant they are and of what they’re capable of and you know.

So when I that was important for me to explain to my mom. So, she could understand what kind of an artist I am. So that whenever I’m portraying a gay character or something that’s controversial. She’s not any more misunderstanding whatever it is that she sees I’m doing. You know, I and then my mom is a very loving charitable charitable person as my dad was may he rest in peace. So in a way. It’s really I just take it from them like I actually inherited that quality from them like today. I was talking to my mom she’s literally gathering tons of clothes to give it to the needy like in Lebanon.

That’s power. That’s powerful stuff, man, it’s amazing. The journey. You had and everything. I love the fact that your mom has been, you know, so supportive as well. And it’s the kind of the beauty in maturing and aging, right? Like you get to a point where you want to live your truth you give no more at the end of the day like you are who you are and I can see just how happy you are and really it resonates with so many people. So many people, especially in the out of community. And in other regions where maybe they don’t feel like they could be themselves can relate to that I mean, I would imagine that the support you’ve received but also the people that relate to you has been just insane.

Right? Oh, man, dude. I mean, I don’t want to cry, so, I’m gonna make sure. I don’t like some of the all over the world. I mean Marvel Disney. I mean you can’t get bigger than that, so that’s also what’s so wonderful about this, right? Like this is why you are not talking right now and like to me getting messages across the globe not just from Arab queer Arab people, but queer people from all over like indonesia like in pakistan. I mean, you name it everywhere one person reached out to me and literally described to me. How he was gonna kill himself. And he was literally standing over a bridge.

Okay anyway. So and so he’s like sharing with me. All of that because it’s exactly what you’re talking about like there are a lot of people suffering and isolated and alone in this. And so the fact that this film and this part is now giving them hope somehow and some of them are reaching out to me and like this guy that shared that with me. I actually at one point in my life was suicidal. And so I told him this. I said, listen buddy no, you’re not gonna kill yourself because you’re matter you’re important you are worthy you have every right to exist why because god created you don’t need nobody else to give you that permission not even your parents.

And I said to him, let’s make it back if I don’t kill myself you don’t kill yourself. And so now we’re like in constant communication and I’m you know, giving him ideas of how he can like leave his country. So he can actually really finally thrive and be free because he’s suffocating and dude. This is just one story there’s so many stories like that. And so for me. Yes, that just that on its own is to me. I consider it’s a it was a blessing that this part came to me, you know, this part in the Marvel film in the journals, you know, to get to portray because also I have to say something man.

Like I really think Marvel and yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised if chloe zao is the one who asked for me because she’s friends with another director that I actually was in his film Joey and she even told me please say hi to do it for me, but I think they were smart to cast me because they knew that I would be the right one to humanize a character like that because you have to think think about it. Like I didn’t have that much to work with like I’ve done movies where I was the lead that’s actually easier because you have a journey. But when you have just a few scenes and you need to really like make an impact, but I was determined and thank god I was able to do that.

God bless you, man. That’s incredible. And I should also note, too. And remind people, you’re not just Lebanese you are Lebanese muslim. And I feel like a lot of times with doesn’t matter the religion we see in the states, you know, the people use religion as an excuse to discriminate against people and the reality is like that’s not what religion is all about. So, I love the fact that you’re also representing the gigantic worldwide muslim community in a positive light, too because, you know, a lot of people do like to use the religion thing as an excuse to discriminate when the reality like nah it ain’t about that?

Well and let’s not forget who’s interpreting religion. God, no humans. They’re not gods none none of us are god. And so this is also another thing about religion that turns me off is like when people speak as if they think they’re speaking on god’s behalf even though they’re actually just interpreting it for their own benefit. I also I don’t know if you’ve heard of the film Breaking fast. But it was released this year. It’s a feature film written directed by my friend Michael selim who is also an openly gay practicing muslim. And he cast me to play the lead in it. And I play in the film an openly gay practicing muslim who goes to the mosque and prays literally I’m telling that has never been done before this kind of film.

It was a huge deal I’m so proud of it’s a rom-com. So thank god that it’s a rom-com because otherwise it could be too. Heavy. But that film like, I’ll never forget Mike was like, you know, like let’s get ready for the death threats. I was like, what and it shocked me because they said that to me when I was about to portray my character nurse jackie. Well, that was in 2009. So, okay, but now, but that’s because it’s never been told or seen or shown an openly gay practicing muslim meaning. He my character in this film is so devout the film takes. It’s called Breaking past it’s takes place in the holy month of ramadan we’re talking about a queer romantic comedy that takes place in the months of ramadan.

I mean, dude, like some people be like how dare you ruin ramadan for us. I’m like, what I’m muslim what do you mean it was really insane to me. How people can be so heartless. And so not in touch with empathy and compassion and forget that. Oh guess what I was also created by god the same god as yours. And so, but this is what I love about films and me being an actor. I’m gonna call James baldwin artists are here to disturb the peace. So that’s why I’m so happy that I’m in the Eternals because I’m disturbing the peace in a way, you know, like with the ban in saudi arabia and all of that and Breaking fast similarly as well.

You know, to make people uncomfortable to force them to look at the truth of humanity this? This is the truth of the world that we live in, you can deny it all you want you could be. You know, but that’s to me. That’s exactly why artists need to disturb the peace because that’s the only way they can actually make a change. You know, like I think art is really such a powerful thing. And I’m just really happy to see that finally like big studios like Marvel and Disney are starting to be an example hopefully for you know, the industry. Hopefully and that becomes more and more the thing.

Yeah, for sure. I interviewed recently an actor named hallows. And he said something very powerful to me. He’s like art’s doing you a favor and you look at what you did with Eternals and what marvel’s doing with the Eternals and then of course, I don’t know if you’re familiar with ms Marvel. That’s a serious, that’s come out in Disney plus, which is going to be the first muslim superhero. Yeah, I actually have not okay. Yeah. The first muslim superhero, I believe the young woman plays a pakistan I believe a pakistani muslim woman she’s portrayed also in the video game on marvel’s avengers on ps4 and for sure.

And then also and then also I mean? I mean, hulu, you know has rami, which is like totally very relatable for me, too growing up in north Jersey, and to autumn family. Well, yeah, exactly with you because you also I mean, wait were you born. No, you were born in no, no, I was born in new Jersey, my family was both. My mom and dad were born in venezuela two Lebanese. Lebanese drew’s parents. My dad grew up in schweifeter, which I know you mentioned off there. You said you went to school there for a bit. So yeah, it’s just it’s and my soul is she’s the disease.

Yeah. There you go. So, it’s just I mean, obviously they’re Hollywood cell’s a long way to go the world. So it’s a long way to go. But it is amazing to see middle Eastern Arab culture muslim culture being, you know, exposed to a wide audience like this? Yeah. Oh totally. I mean, it’s about time, man. I mean, let’s not forget about Black community the Black people like Black panther and finally like them winning oscars and whatnot like it was ridiculous that the first Black act? Well, no the first well on the more recent years like that. It was halle berry. It was such a big deal that she got the oscar, you know, to me.

It’s just it’s so ridiculous like it’s long overdue, man. It’s like they’re playing catch-ups. Totally. Yeah. And then also with women like women directors like catherine forgot she was the first one and then chloe’s out finally runs her best director, you know, the progress is happening evolution is happening, but I have to say it still shocks me though because you know, like if you look at it like most of the most beloved celebrities and athletes are Black, you know, it’s crazy to me. You know, how even that’s the case. Yeah, the systemic racism and this sort of unfair way of how they want to make sure certain communities stay down and not thrive.

You know, but hopefully hopefully that will also change. But man like look the history of this country. We both know it’s you know, it’s a violent history and it is going to take time, but I think for me. Most importantly is Hollywood for instance think about that friends friends. One of the most iconic TV series. Why were they all White. I mean like, so that to me is what I have issue with but then she made up for it in grayson frankie because I knew there was like Black characters and whatnot and queer and the whole thing. You know, grayson? Yeah. Yeah because she was also the creator of that show, which I didn’t know until recently.

So to me. I feel like what shocks me is how slow Hollywood has been to be that for the world. And it’s not really there yet either because I as an openly gay Arab muslim actor. I play leading male roles I’m not getting them. I’m not getting work because of that and not just me. I think look, I’m not gonna out some actors, but there are some a-list actors in Marvel films. I’m not gonna say who are gay, but they’re in the closet, which means what would they have been cast if they were openly getting those superhero roles. I don’t think they would have that’s why they’re still in the closet.

So to me. All of that is very ignorant and like backward thinking and confusing to me because I think art should be progress should be the sort of the symbol of progress should be. How we see our future to become better people better human beings see a more hopeful future make humanity connect humanity more with each other and like by just literally by either exposing people to the truth. Look, how lies are being spread. So easily in this country. It’s crazy to me, you know, like smart people wanting trump and following trump and they are smart and I’m like, yeah, so we’re in a very dangerous time and I think art can save us as long as art is truthful and is trying to show the truth of humanity, which I think the Eternals is an example of that.

Well said, man. And one more note on this before we get to a bit of a letter topic at hand, you know, I strongly suggest people should check out ian dunlap’s study on the cost of racism just I don’t remember the exact number, but the cost of racism in the u.s economy has cost the country trillions of dollars over the last several decades. So, it’s like you’re talking specifically about Hollywood never mind the human aspect of it like, hey, we all deserve representation, right? Just the fact that economically it makes zero sense. Not to feature people of all backgrounds in these various projects and everything.

So inshallah, as we would say that all changes. Very soon. That number I was like damn. Wow. Yeah, crazy. Yeah, on a much lighter note, we always like to ask our guests some kind of random rapid-fire questions just to get to know them better. Are you ready? My friend go ahead. Favorite late night snack or cheat meal? Oh god. Oh man. Oh favorite late nights. Oh, I have so many okay, I got ice cream? With almond butter any kind of brown brown almond butter any kind of ice cream? Belgium chocolate. Brown butter almond I forgot the name of the company that makes it, but basically it’s brown butter with almonds and belgian chocolate.

It’s so good speaking of food, I’m going to get you more hungry here. What’s your favorite Lebanese dish. Well, you know, because I love animals. I’m not going to say quebec, but only by my mom’s movie. Yeah. And for people that are and for people that aren’t familiar with can you explain. Oh, oh, sorry. Yes, of course, is mean I would say it’s actually originally egyptian. Yeah, the egyptian version of it’s really a stew a dish a stew dish for with a greeny with a leafy green that the egyptian version. They chop it up really finely and it’s usually done made with rabbit. And on the side with rice, but in Lebanon because we always love to do it our way.

Well my mom also does it her way she makes it with the full leaf like she never chops it and it gets mucusy. So my mom is like so masterful that it never gets mucusy and then she puts Chicken and beef and essentially. It’s like this leafy green stew with Chicken and beef and then on the side rice. But of course, tons of Lee, which is like the fat from the animals because that’s what makes it taste really good and rich. What’s your favorite spot in Lebanon. I love Lebanon. My god. Okay. So we’ll split into two. What’s your favorite because beru it’s like its own country.

Sometimes what’s your favorite spot in beirut and what’s your favorite spot just in Lebanon in general, okay. I mean sadly I have to say that is where you know, we’re famous for. Yeah, the cedar tree and I recently revisited it with my British friend, who is half chinese half zimbabwean. So she’s half Black asian and she came to Lebanon and visited me and I took her all over and oh, no. But you know what there was this beautiful village in Lebanon that my dad took me to and my god, man. Like no, that’s not fair Lebanon has so much beautiful char bibles. It’s endless baby blues is the oldest inhabited city in the world when I went there man.

Like I kid you now when I saw that view with the sunset I got an automatic autobody experience. It was crazy. Did you go, through the bazaar the old market as well. Yeah. Yeah. So, you know, I can’t tell you just one thing people like all of them and then okay. I mean, I love hamra for instance. It’s awesome. Yeah. I’m not like for me it kind of like feels like that’s our little Manhattan, you know, in a way I love you know, I love the south of Lebanon. It’s beautiful. You know, the beaches are gorgeous there. And in deepless as well the beaches are gorgeous I’m not answering you the right way.

Do you have a favorite do you like to party at all. Do you have a favorite like bar club like there. You know, I like love like baited dean, you know, like even like madame in junior, you know, like harison like sorry a partying. Yeah, man. I’m Lebanese come on bro. We’re famous for that. Like that’s but honestly I’m getting I’m starting to get too old for it, you know because I can keep up because the one with the roof that opens. Oh, is it bo18. Yes. Yes. Okay. We I went there a couple years ago, it used to be like an army base, right?

They create the missiles or whatever. It was and then really because that’s why they open up. Yeah, cause that’s why I think it’s underground they open up the route. That’s what I heard like apparently used to be old like military base where he kept the missiles. I wouldn’t be surprised that sounds very Lebanese, but bro when I went to that club and that roof? Oh, I was just like what I was blown. I was like America wishes they have something like that. Oh, yeah. And also the other thing that I love about clubbing or partying in Lebanon, man. That’s my favorite part. It’s like they’re playing like, you know, a western song and then all sudden like unkusum comes on or like in arabic songs and everybody starts to badly dance and everyone is jumping on the tables.

And it’s like I but you know, that’s what you have to do when you’re Lebanese because if you’re living your life. Not knowing if you’re going to be alive the next day or you know, you’re being run by the freaking Mafia, you know, I’m not gonna name names. You wanna like be happy you wanna like try to like escape all of that misery. And so it makes sense to me, you know, and they really know how to party and even like all the new clubs on the rooftops there’s so many of them now. I can’t keep up honestly with the names and whatnot. But dude a lot of people from all over the Arab world where do they go to Lebanon for what why do they go to Lebanon.

Yeah. Yeah. They go there exactly for that because in their countries. They don’t have what we have I really love our country for that. And that’s why it really hurts that the Lebanese people themselves are not getting it. It’s like this whole thing about the law if and like you know, you belong to this and we’re all Lebanese and even religion who cares if you’re dizzy or muslim or shia or whatever, you know, I think globally the West is taking advantage of that. And they love working with dictators or corrupt leaders and they are taking advantage of that. But I really hope one day that the Lebanese people just wake up and say yeah.

We’re all Lebanese, you know, yeah, I mean? I mean, I think, you know, it’s obviously going to take some time, but I do feel like yo haram after that horrible explosion. I think a lot more people. I think a lot more people are waking up now obviously in terms of being able to take action collectively that’s like a whole another thing because you’re dealing with the politics of there. And then the international politics that affect us, but I do you know, I would say that’s probably like a wake-up call like you’re definitely seeing more people kind of speaking up and yeah, man. All we could do is hope and pray and you know, one day in our lifetimes of that definitely happens.

But yeah, I love Lebanon. But let’s go back to the fun. Yeah so much to do there when you go to Lebanon, man. I always say to people here are you married are you in a relationship don’t go to Lebanon, the Lebanese people are beautiful. And so for me. It’s like it’s dangerous for married people to go there alone without their spouse. Who is your all-time favorite actor that sometimes changes, but right now alfie woodard and kate winslet and sherry Jones. Awesome. Favorite Eternals character besides yourself and your husband. Well, I would say sheena and asia? Yeah, I would say ajac, you know, ajax is my favorite ajax.

I really she really moved me selma’s performance in the film and I love her. I have so much love for her. She’s amazing. And I might end up working with her. I’m I have a meeting with her. The head of her production company next week I believe so pray for me keep my fingers crossed. Yeah, ajax. So I’m hikes ajax and Eternals is my favorite fingers crossed for sure. Who’s your all-time favorite superhero. Well, god, I’m gonna sound like a cliche right now. I was gonna say superman the christopher reese because that to me was probably my I’ve seen star wars. Yeah, I’ve seen star wars when I was like six or something, but that’s not superhero, right?

So, we’re talking about superior. So for me, I think that was my introduction to superheroes and I he was my favorite he is my favorite superhero as an actor portraying a superhero. I thought he was beyond brilliant. And actually in Breaking past we talk about him and we even show a clip of him of me and the guy that I’m basically the love interest that he surprises me because my character is a huge superman fan and he’s also his favorite is christopher reeves superman like myself. And so that was really fun to actually get to do this film because of that as well. So yeah, that one super bad, but the reason why I’m saying christopher reed because I wouldn’t have said that had it not been for him.

Yeah, for sure. And much respect to him. God rest his soul. He did talk about somebody who broke barriers and did so much positive work for people helped so many lives like just an amazing had he had an amazing Legacy on screen, but off screen like god bless him just what a career? Yeah, amen and also what a brilliant talent. He was for sure. Most awkward moment as an actor. Oh, I got a good vote for you. Okay, so I don’t know if you’ve heard of the incredible the one and only peter kosminsky writer director British writer director peter kosminski. It was his I would call it a masterpiece almost a four-part mini-series for channel four.

And it was literally about the creation of israel. And I was cast without having to audition. He was a huge fan of mine. She’s like, I’m like what and he wanted me to play and portray the love interest of the lead character in his the miniseries played by the one and only claire foy from the crown who became huge and won the golden globe and whatnot and I’m just like I’m an Oliver she’s such a talent, but I got to play her love interest in the series and I got to play a Christian a palestinian who was Christian. But who used to fight with the al-aqsa like with the group fighting for palestine to free palestine.

So he was basically also a freedom fighter let’s say, but then afterwards he decided to go a different route. And meet in the middle with another former israeli soldier that decided that they want to actually now find a way to really work together and not against each other and that was based on real people in palestine and israel. But it was simply that it was expand from the creation of israel in the 40s until the present time which was like whatever I don’t know. Like we shot it I and then after 2010 2010, sorry 2010. So I was her love interest. And the love of relationships started to develop even though initially.

I was the one who she was like trying to see if I can help her find a family and she wants to give them a key the mini-series is called the promise. I don’t know if you know that but the promise is this? It’s like the palestinians call it. What that the promise is that they’re going to keep the keys to the homes that they were that were taken from them by the israelis that one day. They’re gonna get their homes back. So that’s the promise and so her character. This is peter kosminski. He’s incredible. He’s jewish and it’s I don’t say it’s pro-palestinian I say it’s pro-truth.

He showed the truth? I mean, the massacres the israelis committed against the palestinians in the 40s. It was all in the miniseries and he got a backlash from the israelis and I’ll never forget it. He said to me. He’s like yeah, they were asking him, you know, but he’s like israel is a democracy. I have every right to criticize israel and he shot him up like that they even burnt a lot of the film. Actually, I had to go to palestine and film actually which, you know, I can only do that because of my American passport and the reason why I did it is because it was showing the truth of what happened which will come across to some people.

Oh, this is pro palestinian, no, it’s pro truth and let me get to the good point. I don’t know. I have to explain all of that to you because I’m so proud of this miniseries and I really want people to watch it more and more people anyone who watches it is blown away by it and this is the thing, man. I don’t know why that kind of show doesn’t get more attention. Maybe because of the subject matter anyway. So here we are I have like a couple I had a couple of make out scene with claire. So the first one look, I was not out.

Yeah, that I’m gay, right? I was in the closet, but I’m very genuine person. Like, I’m genuine. Like when I do stuff or say stuff it almost comes across like, I’m a child because I have a big inner child. So my honesty, you know, how kids when they’re so honest. They can be so awkward. So that’s exactly what happened. So, here we are action French kissing cut peter’s like he’s standing next to me and claire. I’m like claire you’re such a good kisser. So Paul like Paul looked at me. He’s like, I’m sorry peter because I was just working with Paul weitz. I’m like Paul peter peter was like huss you don’t say such things I was like I just wanted to like crawl up and like in a ball and die in that moment.

It was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life, but then I was like, you know, like I knew my intention, but I was like dude. What’s wrong with you like they don’t know. You’re gay like because I saw, you know, myself. Oh, maybe they’ll know that I mean it like in a genuine way. That’s not like I’m being inappropriate, but it’s like no, that’s not what happened like it was very awkward. And thank god claire floyd is such a professional it didn’t even faze her that’s all well, not it’s an awesome story. So I’m sure it wasn’t awesome in the moment, but glad you go back and laugh.

Well what you said the most awkward. Awkward. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I have other ones, too, but that was pretty awkward. Well because I like looked like an idiot and we’ll get you out of here on a very positive note. What’s the best piece of advice you give anybody for success? And living their truth? Well, you just said it living their truths. And to respect themselves to really understand their value to value themselves. They everyone has value, but a lot of us either don’t think that way or forget about that somehow and I’m not talking about just queer people. I’m talking about everyone everyone like can actually fall in that trap of feeling not enough not worthy.

You know, given like where they grow up the parents that they have the culture that they’re in you know, as you and I know also like religion plays a huge part, you know, a lot of religions like no, you can’t do this. You can’t do that you can’t be human. You can’t enjoy life, you know, why are we here what the f, you know what I mean? Like, so I feel for me the most important thing is to do is to respect yourself know your value or make sure that you understand your value and always from that place from that place always always always never settle for anything always give your best always challenge yourself to be the best that you can be and always be curious and learn and grow and get better and better because that never ends me as an actor.

I’m always like no, I’m not yet where I want to be and I will never get there because I will always get that. And I think that applies to everything. And so for me. It’s like always pursue your passion what makes you happy no matter what it is, but you can only do that. If you know, who you are if you know, your value I like I have to like for instance. I have to say mention adele like the album 30 that just came out. I’m just like blown away by her because she was so honest to share her imperfections and the fact that she felt guilty that she divorced her husband the father of her son even though she was sort of deprived of that in her childhood and she wanted to make sure her son doesn’t get deprived of it, but then she decided that.

No, I want to actually put myself first and not sacrifice myself for my husband and my child. I want to be happy. I’m not happy that’s what I’m talking about respect yourself, give yourself what you deserve what you’re worthy of you. We’re all worthy of that and adele is teaching us that too beautifully. So and so for me, it’s about that and specifically I guess for women. Let’s say. And mothers, they’re made to be they’re made to feel guilty whenever they do things that make them happy. They’re expected to be selfless and that’s very also common in Arab world. You know, so, I’m constantly like having conversations with my mother I’m sending her songs.

Like mom listen to this song do you remember the song because she forgot what she loves she forgot who she was because of that for instance. And I think for me like the most important thing is what makes you happy what is your passion? What are you passionate about and why do, you know, do you even know these things because if you don’t know these things that means. You don’t know your value or simply you don’t value yourself or respect yourself enough. So that’s why keep bringing it back simplify respect yourself, give yourself your value know what you’re passionate about follow your heart unapologetically and really honestly never ever ever make yourself small for no reason whatsoever not because of your race the color of your skin or where you’re from no reason is a good reason to diminish yourself or belittle yourself that to me is so universal.

So in other words again, no matter what you went through in your life. How people treated you how you were raised that is your job to empower yourself and to know your truth and to value yourself and to never ever diminish yourself and also not to diminish anybody else because also like when you look at Others that are different than you know, when you look at them in a bad light that is a reflection of who you are as a person rather than actually celebrate those who are different from you and actually see them see see the good in them or see them as significant see their significance.

Let’s say like even like my friend one time told me. He said, I want you to go and like give money to people just random people on the street. He’s a very like spiritual he’s like my guru like my mentor in that way. And he said just like put, you know, like for your smile. You could put five dollars ten dollars whatever and just like walk around. He’s like do not differentiate homeless person a person in a maserati or in a rolls royce you treat them the same way do not feel sorry for a homeless person because that you’re actually weakening that person is strong and is significant.

This is so it’s in other words what I’m saying is what’s the most important thing is your relationship with yourself and how you see yourself. And if you have the power to either make yourself big or make yourself small which one are you going to do you’re so big. Yeah. And so basically all I’m saying is everyone is so powerful because they are in control of how they will become who they will become meaning. Like we are in control in terms of like how we will end up seeing ourselves we are in control in terms of choosing what do we want to tap into which side of ourselves no matter how much we’ve been victimized.

So, I would say be really really care about knowing who you are and making sure that, you know that you have value because in life. If you want to succeed you’re asking me to success the most important thing is this just one thing are you going to add value or not because that’s my job and any production that I get hired I add value and I know that I do. And I know that I always elevate anything any production that I’m part of and I say it proudly, but that took time for me to get there, right? And I think everyone has to add value to earn money, this is how you earn money you add value you get back what you added value then that’s how it is give take good take, but then to add value and you don’t think you have value that’s kind of like the craziest thing.

It’s like almost like it’s almost impossible, but I actually did that before coming out. I was not giving myself value, but I was still able to do it. You know, why because I had so much empathy and compassion, but I was miserable what is more important that. I’m like doing it miserably no, hell no, no, no. So this is like me coming out was one of the best things I could do I am suffering financially because of it. I’m getting less opportunities I’m paying a price, but you know what I’d rather that than be miserable and you know, I like I think for me. I’m actually trying also because of that the value thing.

So now I’m actually trying to produce I’m working with these two buddies of mines to produce this big show epic show state game of thrones meets Spartacus under the umbrella of Black panther. So written by arabs for the world. And also like I have this other screenplay written by Richard friedenberg, which I will be starring in and I’m going to try to get shadeen Davis who is an incredible palestinian-american filmmaker writer director and actor and make that happen. So, it’s like now I’m like trying to take things in my own hands and create opportunities for myself. It’s like, okay, so you’re not going to give me the opportunity or I’m going to do it myself, you know, as an example in terms of how that ends up translating and someone’s life or journey in their career when you actually start to finally know who you are know your value and unapologetically occupy like own the space that you occupy unapologetically always like I whenever I’m on set, man.

I almost said, I’m like a king like I walked and said, I’m like this is my this is my space. This is my world and you know what people end up treating me. How they’re treating me like no matter how small my part obviously. If I’m number one, which I’ve done many of those they always treat you like a king, but even when it’s small everyone treats you so much with so much respect and if you actually are like unhappy about something they will make sure to fix it. That’s basically what I’m talking about meaning it is really the law of attraction. Maybe you know, like if you believe you are that person you are worthy or valuable.

You’re powerful that brings stuff to you that draws things to you and it also makes you act differently and it makes people treat you differently. It’s really profound. Yeah, absolutely. Wow, man, well powerful stuff. I as I can not, thank you enough for the time. It’s been an absolute pleasure learning about you learning about your journey, learning about the awesome film. Eternals. Before we let you go, where can fans find you online and where can we find you next on screen? I’m on Instagram and Twitter Instagram and they’re both verified. So thank god for that. Instagram is haas.slayman and Twitter is house slayman. I just finished filming with the amazing.

Paul white’s and jane finally lady tomlin that they’re not done filming. I think that movie will probably be released in a year maybe. So that was like the last project that I did. And I’m working on the projects that I’m actually currently developing. So, you know, we’ll see I’ll keep keep everyone posted on social media, I guess awesome. Hus. Thank you so much for your time, man an absolute pleasure pleasure is mine pleasure to finally meet. You.