Julian Black Antelope returns with the highly anticipated series Secret History: Women Warriors, where he not only serves as the creator but also as producer, showrunner, and director. Known for his versatility, Julian brings to the screen stories of women warriors in a narrative filled with courage and resilience. The actor is also gearing up to debut in the series NCIS: Origins and the miniseries Washington Black, further solidifying his presence on the international stage.
You took on multiple roles in the series Secret History: Women Warriors, from creator to director. How did you manage to juggle all these responsibilities, and what was the most challenging aspect of the process?
Juggling the workload of show creator, writer, director, producer, showrunner, and star is needless to say a lot of hats to wear and on the shooting schedule of this show translated into a lot of sleepless nights BUT (always a “but”) a small price to pay for such a rewarding end product! Its basically a balancing act between the creative demands of acting writing and directing and the logistics elements of producing and business affairs.
Its definitely a different mindset and energy- two different parts of your brain are at work and constantly battling to be first in line and switching between them on demand is not for everyone. I discovered on the first season “The Wild West” that my brain tends to work like that so for myself the most challenging aspect was reminding myself that no matter how much I want to stay in the creative “playground” I do have other responsibilities on the “other side of the fence” that need to be addressed in order to for me (my brain) to get back to the fun stuff!
Ultimately, the experience was a tremendous opportunity for personal and professional growth and especially deeply rewarding because it allowed me to tell the stories I felt passionately about while empowering Indigenous voices.
The series Women Warriors brings stories of warrior women. What inspired you to explore this specific theme, and how did you decide which characters or stories to include?
Throughout history, women’s contributions have been so marginalized and, in most cases, left out completely, especially in narratives surrounding discovery, conflict and valor. I felt it only right to bring a stronger focus to the incredible stories of these women who have been warriors—not just in the literal sense but also in the realms of leadership, resilience, and breaking down societal barriers.
Each season is a new and original work and all are stand-alone episodes, so in deciding which characters or stories to include, I researched across a wide array of figures from different indigenous cultures and time periods. It felt it was important to showcase a diverse range of experiences, highlighting not only figures who have been mentioned in history but also lesser-known figures whose stories needed to be told. My goal was to capture not just their battles and achievements, but also their motivations, struggles, and the societal contexts they operated within. Ultimately, the end goal was to create a tapestry of narratives that depicted these women as multi-dimensional figures, illustrating their strength, complexity, and humanity.
Besides Secret History TM, you’ve been praised for your performances in Wynnona Earp: Vengeance and Deaner ’89. How do you choose your roles, and what draws you the most to these productions?
Praised? I was totally unaware that was the case! Vengeance was such a blast to do I mean who wouldn’t want to play a demon! Working with Melanie Scrofano was awesome, and hearing from writer Emily Andras that she was actually a little bit of a fan of ‘ol JBA (blushing) was just some sweet icing on the cake!
When it comes to choosing roles – I love flawed characters, flaws reflect real human experiences so they’re more relatable and provide richer narratives. I also seek opportunities that push me outside the conventional boundaries of characters that I’m typically cast in. I guess you could say for me its about having that blend of personal passion and artistic growth and a whole lot of fun along the way.
In a production like “Deaner ’89,” it was a chance to play a villain that brings a comedic touch to the narrative. Playing “Gatley” offered me the perfect blend of entertainment and meaningful exploration, allowing me to craft a portrayal that feels both genuine and engaging. It’s a unique chance to delve into the complexities of a character that gives the audience a laugh or two while still being able add depth to the overall story and a chance to connect with the audience on a different level.
Every role is a new adventure and really appreciate writers that push boundaries and create a world for actors to explore complex narratives with nuanced characters that have rich backgrounds and motivations. It’s this depth that truly enhances the storytelling experience and fuels my passion for the craft.
With the premiere of NCIS: Origins approaching, what excites you the most about this new project, and how was it joining the main cast of this series?
Being invited to join the main cast of “NCIS: Origins” is an honor, especially given the legacy of the original “NCIS” series. The show has not only set the standard for procedural dramas but has also fostered a passionate and dedicated fanbase over the years. So for me, its both exhilarating and humbling at the same time to be a part of a such a hugely successful franchise that has resonated with audiences for so long.
Im excited to be playing Dr. Temet Tengalkat, who is from the Payomkawichum people of Southern California. As an actor who is rooted in Blackfoot culture its both an honor and privilege to bring our southern relatives’ culture and language to the screen—a responsibility I don’t take lightly either. This role is a remarkable opportunity for me to embody a nuanced Indigenous character, that can contribute meaningfully to the show’s legacy while expanding the representation of Indigenous peoples in contemporary narratives. I feel blessed to embrace this responsibility and am super jazzed to explore the journey that lies ahead for my character.
You will also be part of the mini-series Washington Black in 2025. How was the experience of working on this production, and what can the audience expect from your character?
Washington Black was a great experience, and not the usual period piece that Im used to, even the character I played had a different twist. He’s a bad guy, one half of a bounty hunter team that doesn’t talk much. I think the audience will love this story and all its complexities while still entertaining as it fearlessly confronts some hard historical truths.
Your performance in Prey was widely recognized by critics. What does this recognition mean to you, and how has it impacted your career?
Again another incredible opportunity – a coup if you will. Especially the scene at the end where Naru (Amber Midthunders character) tosses my character (Chief Kehetu) the infamous flintlock engraved with “1715 Rapheal Adolini.” The same pistol that was tossed to Lt. Harrigan (played by Danny Glover) in Predator II. I remember when I saw that in the theatres back in 1990 it blew my mind that the Predator species have been visiting our people for generations! It took 32 years to bring that story to the screen but damn was it worth it! Thank you, Dan Trachtenberg and Disney! One of the biggest takeaways for me from that experience was getting the opportunity to contribute positively to the representation of Indigenous culture in the film industry.
Your career is marked by diverse roles in different genres. How do you maintain your versatility, and what motivates you to keep challenging yourself as an actor?
Maintaining versatility as an actor for me means staying open to different genres, styles, and character types. I actively seek out roles that are outside my comfort zone, allowing me to grow and develop my craft. This might mean exploring various genres, from drama to comedy to sci-fi, and taking on characters that play against my look and differ significantly in personality and background. As to my motivation? – The thrill of discovery, which for myself often means jumping in and learning how to swim later.
What are your future plans, and what can we expect from Julian Black Antelope in the coming years, both as an actor and as a producer and director?
Looking ahead, I’m buzzing with excitement for what’s to come! As an actor, I’m eager to embrace roles that really push the envelope—think complex characters that challenge the usual narratives and spark some thought-provoking conversations. On the producing and directing front, I’m diving headfirst into projects that shine a light on underrepresented voices and unique stories. I believe storytelling is a powerful tool for building bridges and fostering positive change, and I want to craft narratives that do just that… all while having a bit of fun along the way! I feel lucky and blessed that everyday I wake up and get to do what I love. I thank the Creator everyday for that.