Machine Gun Kelly recently shared why he declined an audition for the film Sinners due to a controversial word in the script.
The 35-year-old artist, known for his music career with hits like ‘Bloody Valentine,’ has also ventured into acting. He has appeared in notable roles such as Tommy Lee in The Dirt and a part in Netflix’s Birdbox, making him a recognizable face in the entertainment industry.
Recently, Machine Gun Kelly, whose real name is Colson Baker, disclosed that he passed on an audition for the film Sinners, a Michael B. Jordan production that was released in July and went on to earn $365.9 million globally.
Set in 1932, Sinners is a horror film centered around twin brothers, Elijah ‘Smoke’ and Elias ‘Stack’ Moore, who return to Clarksdale, Mississippi, after years in the Chicago mafia. They aim to use their illicit earnings to build a juke joint, offering a haven for their Black community amidst the harsh segregation laws of the time.
The film also delves into darker themes as the brothers encounter a sinister presence.
Machine Gun Kelly had the opportunity to audition for the movie but ultimately decided against it. During his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on July 31, he explained his decision was motivated by the script requiring him to use a racial slur during the screen test.
“Like ‘Sinners,’ I was supposed to be in that,” he mentioned. “The vampire, they had me set up to do the audition – it’s the one that’s in the house, so he’s the second vampire, the one that the guy comes and eats the family.”
He was likely referring to the character Bert, a member of the KKK who is turned into a vampire by Jack O’Connell’s character, Remmick.
In the film’s final cut, this role was portrayed by Peter Dreimanis.
Colson revealed that the audition required him to utter the ‘n-word,’ which he refused to do. He stated, “I have a lot of aspirations to be in movies, it just hasn’t panned out that way,” and expressed optimism, adding: “It’ll align. The angels will put something in the works.”
Aside from his professional life, Baker and his fiancée Megan Fox recently welcomed a daughter, Saga. He is also the father to 16-year-old Casie Colson Baker from his previous relationship with Emma Cannon. Casie was born when Colson was only 18.
In past interviews, he has been vocal about his opposition to using racial slurs, including condemning rapper V-Nasty’s use of such language. In a 2011 interview with XXL magazine, he explained, “My daughter’s Black. My whole team, with the exception of one of my managers, is Black. It’s a subject you just kinda grow up and respect.”