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MOTION-CAPTURE ACTOR AND NYFA GRAD JASON LILES STARS IN RAMPAGE WITH DWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON

April 11, 2018

At 6’9’’, New York Film Academy (NYFA) Acting for Film alum Jason Liles has said he was sometimes told that he was “too tall” for Hollywood. Yet the Tennessee native never gave up. Now, Liles stars as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s best friend, the giant albino gorilla George, in Rampage, a major blockbuster released worldwide April 13.

The young actor’s indomitable enthusiasm, hard work, and unique physique have served him in good stead. He has established himself as a major player within the highly specialized world of motion capture acting, starting out playing multiple aliens in Men in Black III before booking Netflix’s Death Note, where he portrayed the death god Ryuk, voiced by Willem Dafoe.

To prepare for the physically and emotionally challenging lead in Rampage, Liles studied gorillas for more than a year to perfect their physicality, expressions, and habits. Dwayne Johnson has paid tribute to Liles’ talent and dedication multiple times, praising him on Twitter as well as the talk show circuit to shed light on the incredible acting chops required for a successful motion capture performance:

Along with carving out such an impressively successful niche, Liles has already established himself as a generous and inspiring mentor for aspiring visual and performing artists. Just last fall, he visited the New York Film Academy’s New York City campus as a Guest Speaker, staying after hours to share his experience and answer questions for fellow NYFA students.

“Be the CEO of your life,” Liles advised. “I stopped waiting for somebody to do something.”

As Liles celebrates the international opening of Rampage, he shares even more wisdom to his growing social media following:

The New York Film Academy is excited to congratulate Acting for Film alum Jason Liles for his work in Rampage, opposite Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

by nyfa