Actress and Entrepreneur Chantal Nchako talks about starring in Eddie Murphy’s ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ to stream on Netflix and BET’s ‘Diarra From Detroit’

A recipient of the Ava Greenwald Memorial Scholarship, enabling her to go on and study at one of the world’s top drama schools – USC School of Dramatic Arts, actress Chantal Nchako begins to blaze her own trail within entertainment. Gearing up for the launch of Eddie Murphy’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F which is due to stream on Netflix on 3rd July as well as currently starring in Diarra Kilpatrick’s Diarra from Detroit available now on BET. Chantal tells us more about her year so far, and how she managed to juggle running her luxury handcrafted, vegan and cruelty free shoe line called ‘Choobiz’ too!

Hi Chantal, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is due to be released on Netflix on the 3rd of July. How are you feeling ahead of the release?

Absolutely ecstatic! It’s such an iconic film and having it on Netflix opens the opportunity for more people to enjoy it. The blend of action, comedy, and Eddie Murphy‘s charm is timeless. I can’t wait to share the excitement with others.

A 40 year old franchise, Beverly Hills Cop follows streetwise Detroit born cop Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) solve criminal cases – Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F marking Murphy’s return as he takes on the eponymous role to solve yet another case closer to home. Can you tell us more about your character and how you prepared for the role?

I portray Officer Moore, the parking enforcement officer in the film. To prepare for the role, I immersed myself in the script, ensuring a thorough understanding of the scene’s pace and my character’s core objective. Establishing her perspective was crucial for heightening the intensity of the scene.

The film is directed by Mark Molloy, written by Will Beall, Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten – and marks the return of Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser and Bronson Pinchot as well as new additions to the cast including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige and Kevin Bacon. How have you all worked together to bring the film to life?

My time on camera was solely with Eddie Murphy, his comedic mastery energised the set, enhancing my improvisational skills. Although, Kevin Bacon’s Footloose and Paul Reiser’s Mad About You were fixtures of my childhood. I hold great admiration for the original cast members. I’m looking forward to meeting them at the premiere.

You also guest star in Diarra From Detroit, currently airing on BET+. What has the response been towards the show so far?

Diarra Kilpatrick, the show’s creator and star, deserves much credit for the show’s outstanding reception. Her masterful crafting of a suspenseful, humorous, and compelling storyline has captivated audiences and provided an opportunity for a myriad of talented actors to exhibit their creativity and brilliance. Additionally, the inclusion of legends like Phylicia Rashad and Morris Chestnut undoubtedly enhanced its appeal and potential for success, likely contributing to its status as a fan favorite this season.

Diarra From Detroit is a dark comedy mystery drama series following a divorced teacher turned accidental detective who figures out the whereabouts of a Tinder date. You guest star as character Hot Sauce, how was your time working on the show?

Surrounded by talented individuals, I was driven to enhance my performance and broaden my skills. The authentic camaraderie and mutual respect within our workspace fostered a fertile ground for creativity and personal development. Moreover, observing the dedication and professionalism of seasoned actors not only motivated me but also provided invaluable lessons about the craft and the industry.

A graduate of the reputable USC, which saw you then go on to receive the Ava Greenwald Memorial Scholarship for Outstanding MFA Actor and start to pave a promising career within entertainment, you’ve also founded a luxury handcrafted, vegan and cruelty free shoe line called ‘Choobiz’ where all creations are made in Italy. What inspired the creation of the company?

Establishing ‘Choobiz’ was sparked by my lifelong love for fashion and a desire to channel my creative energies during the pandemic. Being honored with the Ava Greenwald Memorial Scholarship fueled my determination to explore all of my creative talents. Drawing from my African heritage and a deep appreciation for Italy’s renowned shoemaking tradition, I found inspiration to turn my childhood dreams into reality through ‘Choobiz’.

 What can viewers expect from both Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F and Diarra From Detroit?

Viewers can expect a delightful fusion of action, comedy, and iconic ’80s flair in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages. In contrast, Diarra From Detroit offers an engrossing dark comedy mystery drama, weaving a tale filled with unexpected twists and gripping suspense. In both shows, my characters deliver unforgettable experiences, showcasing my versatility in embodying various roles and ensuring they are captivating and memorable.

Interview by Lucy Basaba.

Diarra from Detroit is available to stream here…

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F will be available to stream on Netflix from Wednesday 3rd July 2024.

To find out more about Choobiz, visit here…