Discover the heart of Swapped with Michael B. Jordan and more. From the film’s touching message of empathy to behind-the-scenes fun.
In the charming new animated adventure Swapped, audiences are taken on a hilarious and heartwarming journey through The Valley. Forced to navigate life in each other’s feathers and fur, this buddy comedy masterfully balances high-stakes survival with a poignant message about empathy, proving that even the most stubborn rivals are more alike than they are different.
Mama’s Geeky was invited to cover the red carpet premiere at Netflix. We spoke with the film’s stars – Michael B. Jordan (Ollie), Justina Machado (Casssie), and Camden Brooks (Young Ollie) – to discuss bringing these unique characters to life. The cast shared their genuine reactions to seeing their animated counterparts for the first time, discussed their favorite animal personas from the movie’s expansive world, and opened up about why the film’s core message of unity feels so timely and important for audiences today.
Swapped Red Carpet Interviews With Michael B. Jordan, Justina Machado & Camden Brooks
Camden Brooks
Mama’s Geeky: What was your reaction when you first found out you were going to play a character that also Michael B. Jordan was playing?
Camden Brooks: “Once I saw the letter, I dropped the letter, went all the way downstairs and did a full cartwheel, and I was screaming at the top of my lungs. I was so excited because I heard, well before I didn’t even know I was going to be younger than Michael B. Jordan, so I was like, oh, this is pretty cool. And then once I realized I was going to be the younger version of him, I got way more excited. So I was like, yes, I really need to get this role, so yeah”.
Mama’s Geeky: What was your response when you first saw what Ollie was going to look like?
Camden Brooks: “Once I saw what he was going to look like, I was like, wow, that kind of looks just like me, because of his crazy hair and all that stuff, and his personality is just like me. So once I saw that, I was like, yep, this is my role”.
Justina Machado
Mama’s Geeky: What do you really hope people take away from this?
Justina Machado: “I hope that they take away the big message of the movie, that we’re stronger together, to understanding each other. Love always wins in the end. And we’re more alike than we are different”.
Mama’s Geeky: What was your reaction when you first saw, like, your character, but all the characters in general?
Justina Machado: “When I first saw my character, I was like, oh, my God. She’s so cute. I was like, she’s so cute. And I was like, okay. No, I thought she was adorable. I loved her hair, her little button nose, the big brown eyes. I loved it. I loved it. She’s adorable and she’s so sweet”.
Michael B. Jordan
Mama’s Geeky: What do you think you’ll take with you from this movie and from Ollie?
Michael B. Jordan: “I think a stronger sense of curiosity and empathy. I think this movie is so filled with empathy, and I think the world needs it a lot right now. The fact that he’s so taught to be so closed off and not explore and not be curious, and that’s the thing that ultimately brings everybody together in the end, which I think is a beautiful message”.
Mama’s Geeky: What was your reaction when you first saw Ollie and what he was going to look like?
Michael B. Jordan: “He was cute. He was cute. He was lovable. I felt like he felt like he was the perfect kind of creature to have this message flow through. He’s not dangerous looking”.
Want to hear more from the cast about their favorite animals in the film and behind-the-scenes stories? Be sure to watch the full video of our red carpet interviews.
About Swapped
A buddy comedy about a small woodland creature (voiced by Academy Award-winning Michael B. Jordan) and a majestic bird (voiced by Juno Temple) – natural sworn enemies of The Valley – who suddenly swap bodies and must team up (while walking in each other’s feathers and fur) to survive the wildest adventure of their lives.
Swapped comes to Netflix on May 1st.
