Percy Daggs continues to build his career across television and film. He returns for Season Two of Paradise as James Collins, a character he calls “smart, intuitive, [and] observant,” and he recently earned a NAACP Image Award nomination. Daggs also joins The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as Ampert Latier, a tribute from District 3 and the son of Beetee, first portrayed by Jeffrey Wright.
He previously appeared opposite Halle Berry in Never Let Go and portrayed a younger version of a character played by Samuel L. Jackson in The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. As he looks ahead, Daggs said he is focused on continuing to grow and take on new challenges.
Percy, you’re returning for Season Two of Paradise. What has been the most fun part about playing James Collins as you grow alongside your character?
My favorite part about playing James is getting to step into who he is — a smart, intuitive, observant person. It’s great to bring that to life. Working alongside the cast has also meant a lot. Being on set with Sterling K. Brown and the rest of the team has been a great experience.
Working alongside Sterling K. Brown, what is something he has taught you about acting or being on set?
He talks a lot about staying focused and continuing to improve. He’s explained that there will be “hit jobs and miss jobs.” Some projects may not turn out the way you hoped, but as long as you give your all, you have to be proud of your work. That perspective really stayed with me.
You also received an NAACP Image Award nomination for your role. How did you react when you heard the news?
I was very excited. I was nominated last year for my film Never Let Go with Halle Berry, and to be nominated again this year makes me proud and honored to be recognized again.
In The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, you play Ampert Latier, a tribute from District 3. What excited you most about joining that franchise?
Being part of the Hunger Games world comes with a lot of responsibility. It’s a major franchise, and I felt that. Bringing my own take to Ampert Latier, who is the son of Beetee, originally portrayed by Jeffrey Wright, has been an honor. It’s been exciting to step into that universe and help tell that story.
As a new member of such a large cast, what helped you feel comfortable on set?
Joseph Zada greeted me right away when I stepped on set. I was new, and many of the cast members already knew each other. Being welcomed like that meant a lot. Director Francis Lawrence was also very kind, and producer Nina Jacobson made a point to say hello. Filming was an incredible experience. The entire team made it easy to settle in.
You previously starred in Never Let Go alongside Halle Berry. What was it like working with an Academy Award winner at your age?
It was exciting to work with someone so established in the industry. Watching her work up close and sharing scenes with her taught me a lot. She’s focused and committed. I gave my all to that film, and I’m proud of what we created together.
Some of your roles require intense emotional scenes. How do you prepare while balancing school and daily life?
I listen to music to help get into the right headspace, and I work closely with my acting coach, Andrew McElroy. We rehearse scenes and break them down. I try to connect the character’s emotions to experiences in my own life. Jazz and other music help me tap into what the scene requires.
You played a younger version of Samuel L. Jackson in The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. Did you study his performance?
I didn’t see him much on set—I only had one scene with him—but watching the finished series was like a masterclass. The way he moved and reacted to other actors was powerful. Playing a younger version of him was a privilege, and getting to meet him was memorable.
Without giving too much away, what can viewers expect from James in Paradise this season?
James gets involved in a few new situations, especially as he follows Presley. I can’t share too much, but it will be exciting.
As you look ahead this year, what are you most proud of so far, and what would you like to try next?
I’m proud of my work in The Hunger Games. We spent a lot of time filming, and I’m excited for audiences to see it. Off-screen, I’m working on writing and developing projects of my own. Whatever comes next, I’ll be ready.
I’m looking forward to seeing you in the Hunger Games prequel.
Thank you. I appreciate that.
Be’n Original
