Kelly Rowland shows her fans a new side with her first erotic thriller!
On Thursday, the “Motivation” singer, 43, spoke exclusively to PEOPLE while on the red carpet at the New York City premiere of her new Netflix movie, Mea Culpa.
The former Destiny’s Child artist tells PEOPLE that taking on the role “was quite an experience.”
Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams reunite at Tyler Perry’s star-studded gala
“I remember being very nervous when I read the script and I remember thinking about everything that an erotic thriller has and it really scared me,” says Rowland. “And then I had a friend call me and say, ‘You know, Kel, if it doesn’t scare you, what’s the point?'”
That pep talk gave her the determination she needed to continue with the role.
“And so I literally ran towards it. I understood everything. Tyler [Perry] has been so amazing and instrumental in this whole process and Trevante [Rhodes] it was a pleasure to work with him. I was very blessed.”
Rowland’s former Destiny’s Child bandmate Michelle Williams attended Thursday’s premiere to support her friend.
“It’s a fun night for us. Kelly has been talking about this moment for a long time,” Williams, 44, tells PEOPLE.
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Kelly Rowland and Tyler Perry, February 2024.
Bryan Bedder/Getty
The film was written, produced and directed by Perry, 54. Rowland stars and produces the thriller.
Mea Culpa follows attorney Mea Harper (played by Rowland) who takes on the murder case of artist Zair Malloy (Rhodes), according to the synopsis.
The truth is not as obvious as it seems — as he tries to determine the innocence or guilt of his cunning but seductive client, he soon discovers that they are all guilty of something. The thriller explores “what happens when burning desire takes hold and things get hot… and dangerous,” the synopsis continues.
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Rowland also shared how she first experienced the role of a leading lady in a film.
“I remember thinking it would be such a heavy weight to carry. And that’s still a big way to cope and when you do, you want to make sure, of course, that you really want this role,” she says, adding that it was a “scary experience.”
“I feel truly blessed to have had him and I want more. I would definitely like more.”
Although the “Like This” hitmaker previously starred in a different kind of thriller, such as 2003’s Freddy vs. JasonRowland’s role in Mea Culpa it’s a big shift from her past acting jobs.
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Kelly Rowland and Thomas Cadrot. For life
In 2021, she starred in Lifetime’s Merry Christmas Liddle Babyone of the network’s stellar holiday movies.
The film saw Rowland as Jacquie Liddle, a woman expecting a child with her husband.
“Fans will be able to feel the love we poured into this story as the Liddle family expands in so many fun and unexpected ways,” Rowland, who also executive produced the film, said at the time.
Mea Culpa will be available on Netflix on February 23rd.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education