NOC Exclusive Interview: ‘The Paper Tigers’ Stars, Alain Uy and Mykel Shannon Jenkins

Heyyy! It’s Kuya P back again with another NOC EXCLUSIVE! I recently sat down for a conversation with the stars of The Paper Tigers: Alain Uy & Mykel Shannon Jenkins! The Paper Tigers hits Theaters and On Demand May 7th!

As teenagers, kung fu disciples Danny (Alain Uy), Hing (Ron Yuan), and Jim (Mykel Shannon Jenkins) were inseparable. Fast forward 25 years, and each has grown into a washed-up middle-aged man seemingly one kick away from pulling a hamstring — and not at all preoccupied with thoughts of martial arts or childhood best friends. But when their old master is murdered, the trio reunites, soon learning that avenging their sifu will require conquering old grudges (and a dangerous hitman still armed with ample knee cartilage) if they are to honorably defend his legacy.

In Theaters & On Demand May 7th.

Writer/Director: Tran Quoc Bao

Cast: Alain Uy (True Detective), Ron Yuan (Mulan), Mykel Shannon Jenkins (Undisputed III), Matthew Page (Enter the Dojo — Master Ken), Andy Le (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Yuji Okumoto (Cobra Kai & Karate Kid II)

Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/ThePaperTigersMovie
https://www.instagram.com/_Thepapertigers/
https://twitter.com/_ThePaperTigers
#thepapertigersmovie #thepapertigers

Alain Uy

BIO: From bringing diverse and dynamic characters to life on screen, to flexing his entrepreneurial spirit through his production company Them Too, multi hyphenate actor, director, producer, and writer Alain Uy has become “one to watch” in the entertainment industry, and he isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

This year, Alain can be seen starring in Hulu/Marvel’s thriller-drama series Helstrom opposite Sydney Lemmon and Tom Austen. The show follows Daimon (Austen) and Ana Helstrom (Lemmon), the son and daughter of a mysterious and powerful serial killer. The siblings have a complicated dynamic as they track down the terrorizing worst of humanity. Alain is a scene stealer as Chris Yen, Ana Helstrom’s confidant, business partner, and right hand man. Helstrom is the first series in Marvel Television’s Adventure into Fear franchise, and premiered on October 16, 2020.

On the film front, Alain can next be seen starring in the indie action/comedy feature The Paper Tigers. Written, directed, and produced by filmmaker on the rise Bao Tran, The Paper Tigers tells the story of three Kung Fu prodigies: Danny (Uy), Hing (Ron Yuan), and Jim (Mykel Shannon Jenkins) who have grown up into washed up, middle aged men who are just one kick away from pulling their hamstrings. When their master is murdered, they must juggle their dead-end jobs, dad duties, and old grudges to avenge his death.

Born in Dagupan City, Philippines and originally from Chinese-Filipino decent, Alain moved to Los Angeles at six years old with his parents and four siblings. Growing up, he had an innate love for the arts. Alain trained to be a professional dancer in high school until his dance career was halted when he fractured his hips in a car accident, and could not walk for over six months. While in recovery, he began to explore other facets of the entertainment business, which led him to the study abroad program at Oxford University in the UK. There, Alain immersed himself in theatre, and when he returned to the states he began his professional career as an actor.

LINKS:
Website: https://www.alainuy.com
Website: https://www.themtoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alainuy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alainuy
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thealainuy

Mykel Shannon Jenkins

BIO: Mykel Shannon Jenkins, born in Biloxi, Mississippi, to an officer in the United States Air Force, traveled with his family across the United States. With his parents and two siblings, Mykel finally settled in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he graduated from Bonnabel High School and, thereafter, earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University. While in high school, Mykel was a nationalist in drama and speech & debate. It was at this time that his fire for the dramatic was ignited. After college, while holding down a part-time job as a waiter, Mykel became a household name as the host of New Orleans’ WB38 Kids’ Club, where for more than four years he served as an on-air personality introducing kids and parents to a world of knowledge. While in New Orleans, Mykel landed many roles, including one that earned him screen time with Tommy Lee Jones and Ashley Judd in Double Jeopardy.

Led by his faith in Christ, armored with a winning attitude and empowered by his family, Mykel made his move to Hollywood and immediately began studying his craft at the Beverly Hills Playhouse. Still developing his craft, Mykel currently studies under acting coach Eric Stewart, and has studied under Lesly Kahn and Gary Imhoff. Since moving to Hollywood, Mykel has landed leads in many highly regarded television shows, such as : TV ONE’S: Miss Me This Christmas, A Royal Christmas Ball, Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland, The Wrong Mother, StartUp, The Rich and The Ruthless, CSI: Miami, CSI: New York, Born Again Virgin, Hit The Floor, and the CW’s new hit drama, Containment. Mykel’s film credits include The Last Heist, Teleios, The Masked Saint, Same Kind of Different as Me, and Undisputed III: Redemption, where he brought to life the charismatic and unforgettable American fighter, Turbo. Mykel is in post production on two of his own film projects called The Gods and Two Wolves, wherein Mykel produces, directs and stars.

Although Mykel is quite busy fine tuning his acting skills, he still finds time to train physically as well as spiritually. In his spare time, as a certified personal trainer, Mykel knows what it takes to maintain a healthy body (i.e. hard work and discipline). He enjoys training others because he is able to assist in more than just physical development, but in spiritual and mental growth of others as well. Mykel enjoys watching movies, playing softball, bowling and creative writing.

LINKS:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mykelshannonjenkins/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mykel_jenkins