Leo Abelo Perry on Playing Little Brian in Fast X and the Importance of Family

Actor Leo Abelo Perry may be just 10 years old, but he's making quite the name for himself in the acting world—and it pretty much doesn't get any bigger than his latest role, playing Little Brian in Fast X.

The 10th installment in the Fast & Furious franchise released in theaters today, May 18, and it's no exaggeration to say it's the biggest, boldest and wildest film in the series yet. As the son of Dom Toretto, Brian is an essential member of the extended Fast & Furious family, which plays a bigger role than ever in Fast X. Ahead of today's premiere, we had the chance to speak with Leo to learn all about his time on set and what family means to him, and he shared it all with us in the interview below.

Sweety High: When did you discover your passion for acting? Was there any specific a-ha moment that made you realize it was the path for you?

Leo Abelo Perry: I was maybe 5 years old when I remember watching a TV show and wondering, "Are those people actually in the TV? Can I be in the TV?" Funny to think back on that memory and remember that as the moment I thought it might be fun to perform, whether "in" the TV or not! I don't know if acting is my path, but I'm very grateful for the adventure so far.

(Photo credit: Cameron Jordan)

 

SH: Were you a fan of the Fast & Furious series before you auditioned for the film? What does the series mean to you, and how does it feel to be part of that "family"?

LAP: Before booking the role, I was a fan of the Fast & Furious Spy Racers, the cartoon series for kids. The franchise, having now watched them, is just so exciting, and I love that everything revolves around family. My family is my rock, just like the Torettos and all the major Fast characters are for each other. I can't believe I'm part of that family now.

 

SH: Can you tell us about your character, Brian? How does his character fit into the wider narrative of the film?

LAP: Little B is adventurous, loving and will do anything for his dad and family. Just like in the past Fast and Furious movies, I'm excited for everyone to see the insane family adventures we all get up to.

(Image courtesy of Universal Studios)

 

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SH: Do you see yourself in Brian at all? In what ways are you most similar and most different?

LAP: Family, love and adventure are important to me, so I was lucky to play a character that I can really connect to. I wasn't so into cars before, but now I want to start restoring old cars (not racing, though—yet).

(Image courtesy of Universal Studios)

 

SH: Fast X has one of the most star-studded casts we've seen in a while! What was your favorite memory with your famous castmates?

LAP: It's definitely too hard to pick just one. I lucked out and there was a basketball hoop that we'd shoot on in between filming. Too many memories to pick just one, though the hoop definitely allowed me to meet and connect with a lot of the cast.

 

SH: Do any other moments from the set jump out as your favorites?

LAP: One moment I'll always remember was our time with the most amazing miss Rita Moreno. That day was a bit cold, so we all had blankets and were sitting around the table in between takes, just listening to her tell stories. I could have sat next to her and listened to her talk all day. I'll always remember that day.

(Image courtesy of Universal Studios)

 

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SH: What do you think is the most important thing you learned while filming the movie?

LAP: I learned that this movie (and all things) is a complete team endeavor. I got to hang with and learn from almost every department—stunts, costume, production, sound, hair and makeup, etc. I loved all that time in between getting to know everyone behind the camera and learning how every role works together to create something beautiful. Seeing this process made me think about how amazing it might be to be a director, just like the best, Louis [Leterrier] himself. Oh, and the importance of crafty, without which I would be unable to do anything.

 

SH: What are you most excited for fans to see when the movie releases?

LAP: I'm so excited for everyone to watch the insane action and excitement, from races to adventuring all over the world, while Dom continues to prove he'll do anything for his family.

(Image courtesy of Universal Studios)

 

For more insights from the young actors starring in our fave movies, click HERE to read our interview with Zack Brooks on Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.