Common, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn, has come quite a long way since I first remember him rapping in the 90s. Not to say that his music career is something to sneeze at, in fact he won an Oscar, Golden Globe, and a Grammy for his collaboration with John Legend on the song “Glory” in the movie Selma. However, Common has more recently been stretching out his acting wings, and he has been quite proficient in his roles.

I did not even realize that he played in Hell On Wheels, until I saw the opening credits around the mid point of season one. He also played in American Gangster, Terminator Salvation, Smokin’ Aces, Wanted, and Street Kings. Oh, and let’s not forget his “lengthy” role in Suicide Squad where he learned that looking at Harley Quinn is not the best idea in the world. One thing you may notice about these films, and Hell on Wheels, is that they are all highly action intensive. It turns out that these roles were simply a warm-up for the surprising hit from Keanu Reeves’ new mega-franchise, John Wick: Chapter 2.

In an interview with Yahoo Movies, Common explained how he got into action roles, and if it was his first choice.

“No, when I started acting, I wanted to do theater. I wanted to dig into all types of films. I like drama. I like dark comedies. With Smokin’ Aces, there was some action within the story, and I think I fell into that pretty naturally because I’m athletic. I grew up playing basketball and I like physical activity and exercising. I’m coordinated so I can get it done. And I’m a competitor so that nature helped me with action. Since then each one was an experience, but when it comes to fighting and action and technique, [John Wick: Chapter 2] was the highest level I’ve experienced to date.”

Common is then asked if he enjoyed the first John Wick, and how hard did he solicit himself to the director to lock down the role.

“Yeah. Watching the first one I had so much fun. I was really into it… So when I was given an opportunity to be a part of the second, I was like, ‘Man, I gotta do this.’ And I wanted to get into that world of fighting and stunts.

“Well I mean any film that I go out for I’m going to give 110 percent. But I got on the phone with [director] Chad [Stahelski] to let him that I would really like to do this. And I let him know that I give my heart and soul to everything that I do. And I wanted to work with him on a level where I could not only learn but deliver at a high level as an actor who can do action and do stunts. I let him know that I want to be the Muhammad Ali of this. So I was gonna give my all, give my heart to it, and commit to it, and be a team player. But at the same time I want to be the best.”

Now for a really interesting note, and while I still think my choice of Corey Hawkins is best for John Stewart in Green Lantern Corps, it seems Common was so close to playing this role that he was flown to Australia, and he was in uniform and ready to rock-and-roll.