We Can Be Heroes Sequel: Brittany Perry-Russell and Isaiah Russell-Bailey on Diving Deeper into Heroic Legacies

The exhilarating world of young superheroes is set to expand as Netflix officially greenlights a sequel to its massive hit, We Can Be Heroes. The film, a vibrant and action-packed adventure from visionary director Robert Rodriguez, captivated audiences worldwide with its fresh take on superheroics, featuring a new generation of heroes stepping up when their legendary parents fall. The original movie, which premiered on Netflix, quickly ascended to become one of the platform’s most-watched family films, showcasing the thrilling exploits of kids as they rescued their superhero parents from an alien invasion. Starring a stellar cast including Priyanka Chopra and Christian Slater, the film’s immediate and overwhelming success prompted Netflix to announce a sequel just days after its debut, a swift decision that surprised even the cast members themselves. The news was met with immense excitement, especially by the mother-son acting duo, Brittany Perry-Russell and Isaiah Russell-Bailey, who portrayed Red Lightning Fury and Rewind, respectively, in the original.

“We were jumping up and down!” an ecstatic Brittany Perry-Russell shared in an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, recalling the moment they learned about the sequel. Her son, Isaiah Russell-Bailey, who skillfully brought the character of Rewind to life, mirrored his mother’s enthusiasm, highlighting the palpable excitement that swept through the cast. This shared joy underscores not only their personal connection to the project but also their dedication to the world Robert Rodriguez has meticulously crafted. The prospect of returning to these beloved characters and further developing their stories offers a unique opportunity for both actors to delve deeper into the narrative and explore new facets of their on-screen personas.

While details about the upcoming sequel remain tightly under wraps, Brittany Perry-Russell offered tantalizing hints about what fans can anticipate. “It’s going to dive more into the characters that didn’t get to show too much,” she revealed, suggesting a narrative focus on fleshing out the backstories and abilities of some of the lesser-explored young heroes. “I think what Robert [Rodriguez] is going to do is first show you how each kid got their powers from their parents.” This premise promises a rich tapestry of origin stories, allowing viewers to understand the lineage and development of each child’s unique abilities. For characters like Red Lightning Fury, whose powers were only hinted at in the first film, this is particularly exciting. “It’ll be more of a backstory, but that really is all we know. Robert is still working on it, but there will definitely be a sequel!” she affirmed, emphasizing the preliminary stage of the scriptwriting process while confirming the sequel’s certainty.

The anticipation for Red Lightning Fury’s backstory is especially high, given that Brittany’s character didn’t fully unleash her powers in the initial installment. Fans, much like Brittany herself, are eager to discover the extent of her abilities and the origins behind her intriguing name. “I keep trying to ask Robert and he said I’m not going to know until I get the script!” she laughed, a testament to Robert Rodriguez’s legendary penchant for secrecy, even with his own cast. Despite the mystery, Brittany has her own ideas about what Red Lightning Fury’s powers might entail. “I think it should definitely be something to do with lightning though,” she mused, aligning with her character’s name. Beyond specific powers, Brittany also expressed a strong desire for more action. “I do love the aspect of being a Black family full of ninjas, and Robert always thinks outside of the box, so either way I’d love to do more fighting scenes this time around.” This wish speaks to the potential for greater exploration of her character’s physicality and prowess, further enriching the ensemble’s dynamic and contributing to the film’s high-octane sequences.

Isaiah Russell-Bailey, a young talent with an impressive skill set, proved to be a natural at performing his own fighting scenes in We Can Be Heroes, a feat that often surprises audiences given his age. His dedication to mastering intricate choreography and complex movements was evident throughout the film. “When I got the movie I was like, ‘hey, maybe I can show them everything I know how to do,'” he recounted, highlighting his proactive approach to his role. The production team had initially planned a two-week training period for the young cast upon their arrival in Austin for filming. This intensive training regimen included working with harnesses and extensive fight choreography. However, Isaiah’s prior experience and natural aptitude for physical performance meant he was already ahead of the curve. “Robert had no idea I could do this on my own,” he proudly stated, emphasizing how his pre-existing skills, which include parkour and stunt work, gave him a significant advantage and allowed him to perform many of Rewind’s dynamic action sequences without the need for extensive doubling.

Isaiah’s remarkable proficiency in parkour and fight choreography comes as no surprise, considering his mother, Brittany Perry-Russell’s, illustrious career. Brittany has spent years establishing herself as a highly sought-after choreographer and dancer, working alongside some of the biggest names in the global pop music industry. Her resume boasts collaborations with iconic artists such as Rihanna, Katy Perry, Meghan Trainor, and many others, a testament to her versatile talent and innovative approach to movement. Her extensive background in dance and physical performance undoubtedly provided Isaiah with an early exposure to discipline, rhythm, and the demands of physical artistry, nurturing his own burgeoning talents from a young age. This familial lineage of talent creates a fascinating dynamic, where a mother’s professional journey naturally inspires and informs her son’s artistic path, bridging the worlds of dance, choreography, and action-packed cinema.

It was a pivotal tour with the multifaceted artist Janelle Monáe that significantly impacted and ultimately encouraged both Brittany and Isaiah to broaden their career horizons. Monáe, renowned for her boundary-pushing artistry across music, film, and fashion, served as a profound source of inspiration. “She’s just a jack of all trades and that really was something we were both inspired by, and I think that gave me a sense of peace,” Brittany reflected. Being in Monáe’s orbit, particularly during a transformative period, instilled in them the confidence to explore new creative avenues. “At that time, we were both around her a lot and she was just great, always telling us to give things a try,” Brittany added. This encouragement from a celebrated artist like Monáe was instrumental in empowering them to venture beyond their comfort zones, leading Isaiah into acting and reinforcing Brittany’s own expansive artistic journey from choreographer to actress. This experience highlights the powerful mentorship and inspiration that can shape artistic careers, propelling individuals toward new and exciting challenges.

As fans eagerly await the next chapter of the We Can Be Heroes saga, which promises to expand on its engaging universe and introduce even more thrilling superheroics, there are still plenty of ways to connect with Brittany Perry-Russell and Isaiah Russell-Bailey. Beyond their cinematic endeavors, this dynamic mother-son duo shares their vibrant personalities and incredible talents on social media. We highly recommend checking out their engaging content on TikTok, where they often post fun videos showcasing their dance moves, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and everyday life, offering a delightful insight into their incredible bond and individual charisma. Their TikTok presence, under the handle @russellhustleinc, serves as a fantastic platform for fans to stay updated and entertained while anticipating the heroic return of Rewind and Red Lightning Fury to the big screen. The sequel, with its promise of deeper character dives and more action, is set to further solidify We Can Be Heroes as a beloved franchise in the superhero genre, cementing the legacies of its young stars and their inspiring adult counterparts.