Written by X-Men: The Last Stand writer Zak Penn and Michael Karnow, the series tells the story of a team of people whose superpowers come with a cost—which isn‘t cheap. Malik is still in the law enforcement role as an FBI agent, but this time around it’s much different. He spoke with GlossMagazineOnline (GMO) to talk about this new role. GlossMagazineOnline: How is your role in Alphas different from characters you have played in the past?
Malik Yoba: I think this is the coolest show I’ve done since New York Undercover, in terms of me as an actor getting to run around and blow up stuff. The biggest difference is I have never done a show where a character has super human abilities. Unlike any other show, we are not super heroes. It’s more like ability based on neurological realities.
GMO: Wow, superpowers? What can your character do?
Malik: My character can activate "fight or flight" instincts which for short bursts of time to give me extraordinary strength or to endure pain. I love the difference. I’ve been stereotyped with playing a police officer, but the special power piece—the ‘alpha phenomenon’ as its called in the show—that part is really, really cool.
GMO: You sound pretty optimistic about the show. What do you think will be a factor for its success?
Malik: Alphas is something I’m working very hard on. It’s my 11th series. I think this is actually a show that can work. I’ve done many different television series’ where nobody watched them. This is some [stuff] that actually has the elements that can make it work. There’s enough procedural elements which people are used to. But we’re not straight Sci-Fi. [There’s] the comedy element—there’s intelligence and acceptability. It’s unlike anything that’s ever been done.
Alphas premieres on July 11 at 10/9c on Sy-Fy. Follow Malik Yoba to Twitter @MalikYoba.
