The Personal Motivations Behind the Creation of ‘They Cloned Tyrone’

The Personal Back Story Driving ‘They Cloned Tyrone’

By | July 23, 2023

Introduction

Juel Taylor, known for his work as a writer on mainstream films like “Creed II” and “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” has stepped into the director’s chair for the first time with his film “They Cloned Tyrone.” This original story, streaming on Netflix, delves into heady questions about structural racism, personal autonomy, and the search for meaning. In a recent interview, Taylor shared the personal origins of the story, how he played with racial stereotypes, and his influences in creating this genre-bending film.

The Origin of ‘They Cloned Tyrone’

Taylor revealed that the idea for “They Cloned Tyrone” came about during a burst of creativity in 2017. He and his writing partner, Tony Rettenmaier, were working on an episode of the show “Raising Dion” for Macro, the company that produced “Tyrone.” While working on the sequel “Creed II” in 2018, they pitched and sold the movie.

The original idea for the story came from Taylor’s desire to create a mystery, a “bootleg Scooby-Doo” where the detectives are inadequate yet uniquely equipped. This idea sparked a joke between Taylor and Rettenmaier: “A pimp, a prostitute, and a drug dealer walk into a bar. What if we made them the heroes?” The character of Fontaine, a small-time drug dealer facing an identity crisis, emerged when Taylor reconnected with a friend who had gone through a life-altering experience.

Taylor’s perspective shifted when his friend revealed that he had been dealing with depression during their college years. This revelation sparked thoughts about blame, responsibility, and circumstances beyond one’s control. The elements of the movie, therefore, revolve around a character overcoming circumstances that are genuinely beyond his control.

Thinking in Genre and Film Influences

As a filmmaker, Taylor shared that he thinks in terms of mood and tone, often inspired by songs or scores. For “They Cloned Tyrone,” he was influenced by ’80s R&B and funk, as well as Southern rap. In terms of film influences, Taylor mentioned “The Truman Show,” “They Live,” “The Matrix,” “The Manchurian Candidate,” “Anaconda,” “Jackie Brown,” “Boogie Nights,” and “The Big Lebowski.” He looked to these films for inspiration in capturing the tone and world-building of his own.

Taylor’s Journey to Filmmaking

Taylor initially aspired to pursue video game design, studying digital arts and sciences at the University of Florida. However, he discovered that he wasn’t a great art student. It was during this time that he made a music video inspired by Gnarls Barkley’s song “Crazy” and found success and fulfillment in filmmaking. This experience led him to shift his focus and pursue a career in film.

Exploring Racial Stereotypes and Concerns

Setting and Cultural References

“They Cloned Tyrone” takes place in a fictional Southern neighborhood called The Glen, which bears similarities to Taylor’s own upbringing in the South. Taylor explained that The Glen’s portrayal captures the essence of many Southern communities that lack resources and infrastructure, giving them a lingering ’80s vibe.

Incorporating Racial Stereotypical Ideas

Incorporating elements of racial stereotypes in the conspiracy plot, the movie references fried chicken, grape drink, and perm cream. According to Taylor, these references were approached with a sense of fun and a desire to deconstruct stereotypes while also walking a tightrope between absurd plot points and darker undertones. Taylor acknowledged that some viewers may feel uncomfortable with these portrayals but believed it was necessary to explore these subjects. He emphasized that the intent was to make the film entertaining while sparking reflection and challenging preconceptions.