Movies & TV / Columns
Jordan Powers On His Role In Hard Redemption, Potentially Returning For Sequel
Image Credit: Jino Kang and Christine Lam
The 411 Interview: Jordan Powers
Jordan Powers is an actor who, according to his IMDb page, since at least 2023. Powers has appeared in such short films as What Is Owed (2024), Rebel (2024), and Keep Watching (2024). Powers’ latest movie is the indie action flick Hard Redemption, directed by Jino Kang and Christine Lam and now available to rent and buy via Amazon Prime Video (check it out here). In this interview, Powers talks with this writer about making Hard Redemption, working with directors Jino Kang and Christine Lam, and more.
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Bryan Kristopowitz: How did you get involved with Hard Redemption?
Jordan Powers: They had a casting call on Backstage. I applied for it and didn’t hear back for about 3 weeks and then I got a self-tape audition, and then a Zoom audition. After all of that I got cast for Hard Redemption. Just really grateful for that.
BK: How did you approach your character Stars?
JP: Stars was one of those characters that you already relate to, in a way. He had a tough time growing up and trouble fitting in until he was accepted into this Goblin gang. To him, the Goblin gang was family. Approaching Stars was more natural than anything.
BK: What sort of martial arts background do you have and how did it prepare you for your part in Hard Redemption?
JP: I don’t have much of a martial arts background. In middle school I took a mixed-martial arts class and learned a little bit of the basics. When I got cast I started training hard in what I needed to do for the part. I would watch some videos, and also rehearse my fight scene but sometimes things change and you have to be ready for whatever on the spot. When we got to my fight scene they actually ended up changing everything that I originally had practiced but I stayed strong and was able to give it my best.
BK: Describe your working relationship with Hard Redemption co-directors Jino Kang and Christine Lam.
JP: Amazing. It’s the best feeling when you have directors who believe in you. They gave great feedback, they were patient, and they just made it a fun experience overall.
BK: What was it like working with your fellow Hard Redemption cast members, especially your fellow Goblin gang members?
JP: It was really nice. When you’re working with such talented people who have the same sort of drive that you do and have a great attitude, that energy is what you want to be around, so it was awesome working with them. I would like to personally shout out Knuckles (Carlo Valero), my partner in Hard Redemption. He was a great support on and off set. I really appreciated that. He’s also a black belt, and for someone who’s never done acting before he did a hell of a job!
BK: What was the hardest part of making Hard Redemption for you as an actor? What was the easiest?
JP: I think the hardest part for me was I needed to throw my ninja stars straight at Jino from a distance and hit the pad he was holding, but they kept going left and right. The easiest was building that connection with everyone to make a great movie.
BK: Do you have a favorite scene in Hard Redemption?
JP: I think my favorite scene was when the students are all planning, and then started throwing tissue boxes at the Goblin gang entering the classroom.
BK: According to IMDb you’ve appeared in several short films in your career. How does making a feature film like Hard Redemption compare to making those short films?
JP: It was definitely a big jump professionally, working with actors who have agents, expensive equipment, a large crew and being able to film in a school. The atmosphere was different but it was still the same.
BK: Any moviemaking heroes?
JP: My Goblin gang were my heroes in this movie. They all had martial arts experience and seeing their movement, precision, and how it just came to them inspired me a lot.
BK: Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
JP: Yes, I actually have a vertical series coming up. It’s definitely a different vibe compared to the action film I did but I love to explore new things.
BK: What do you hope audiences get out of Hard Redemption?
JP: I hope the audience can maybe learn something from Hard Redemption like self-defense. I had a teacher come up to me after the premiere and said that it inspired her to protect her students. That moment made me happy.
BK: Any interest in appearing in a potential Hard Redemption sequel?
JP: Oh, yeah, I would be so down for a sequel!
BK: Did you get good at throwing ninja stars?
JP: Well, I got the form down of throwing them but accuracy wise? Ha! No.
BK: Do you think you could take on a martial arts gang in real life?
JP: You know, if you believe in yourself hard enough anything is possible. That being said, no, I wouldn’t be able to.
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A very special thanks to Jordan Powers for agreeing to participate in this interview and to david j. moore for setting it up.
Hard Redemption is now available to rent and buy via Amazon Prime Video (check it out here)!
Check out the official Hard Redemption Facebook page here!
Check out my review of Hard Redemption here!
Check out Jordan Powers’ Facebook page here and his IMDb page here!
Jordan Powers headshot courtesy of Jordan Powers. All other images courtesy of Jino Kang and Christine Lam.
