In an exclusive interview with Kehinde Ajose, actor Bucci Franklin opens up about his breakout role as Oboz in the Netflix series “To Kill A Monkey.” With his charismatic yet menacing portrayal, Bucci brings depth and nuance to the complex character.
Embracing Contradictions
Q: How did you connect with and humanise a character with so many conflicting layers?
A: For me, the key was recognising that contradiction is inherent to the human experience. We all have dualities – light and dark, strength and fear, pride and shame – and Oboz simply wears his more visibly. What helped me humanise him was focusing on his backstory. He’s someone who’s had to fight for everything — love, respect, survival — and that kind of desperation never really leaves a person.
Physical Transformation
Q: You stopped physical grooming from March until the shoot in August, allowing your hair and nails to grow out. How did altering your physical appearance help you tap into the character’s raw essence?
A: As the Holy Spirit instructed, letting go of grooming was my way of surrendering control. I wanted to feel raw, exposed — a little feral even — because Oboz isn’t polished. He is power wrapped in chaos. The physical transformation reminded me daily that I was shedding my own skin to step into that of Oboz.
Human Connection
Q: What do you believe is the fundamental human need or vulnerability that truly connects Oboz and Efe?
A: At the core, it’s the need to be seen and accepted by someone who understands your darkness and doesn’t flinch. Oboz and Efe grew up in the same emotional war zone, so there’s this unspoken understanding between them that no one else could replicate.
Faith and Interpretation
Q: How did your personal journey and faith guide your interpretation of the character?
A: God is my manager before anything. My faith was my compass through the entire process. It reminded me that even in portraying someone who walks through darkness, my job was to tell the truth, not to judge — because I, Bucci Franklin, am not perfect. The Holy Spirit helped me stay grounded in empathy.
Letting Go
Q: What was the process like for you to decompress and step away from Oboz once filming wrapped?
A: Letting go of Oboz was like peeling off layers of armour. I prayed to God, and He helped me let go of Oboz. I also stayed away from anything heavy and spent time with people who reminded me who I was outside of work.
By sharing his insights and experiences, Bucci Franklin offers a glimpse into the complexities of his character and the importance of empathy in storytelling.
